Castle Woods and Water (CW&W) is an initiative aimed at maintaining and improving woodlands, paths and historic buildings in the five-mile corridor between Mitford and Bothal castles. The Borough Council secured funding for the initiative from the Government’s ‘Liveability Fund’ but, over the past year, responsibility for management of the initiative has been progressively passed over to GMDT.
Working with the Borough and County Councils, the Trust has completed improvements to stretches of footpath either side of High House Lane, resurfaced the lay-by at the bottom of the lane to provide a safe parking area for visitors to the Borough Woods and provided new gates and stiles along the path to Mitford.
Work to consolidate the steps up to the A1 underpass was completed in May and plans are well advanced to provide a lay-by at Mitford Castle. The Trust has also recently started working with Mitford Parish Council to help deliver actions identified in the Parish Plan.
The next key CW&W project to be started will be the upgrading of paths and general environmental improvements in the Tommy’s Field area on the east side of the town. Paths will be brought up to a standard suitable for wheelchair users and new seating and information on the history and wildlife of the area will be provided.
The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Environment Agency, the Borough and County Councils and the Tommy’s Field Allotment Association and local schools will be invited to get involved in some aspects of the work. The Allotment Association is itself planning improvements in the area, including the establishment of a sensory garden alongside the river. Further information on the project can be obtained from the Trust offices at the Carlisle Park Lodge House.
For more information on this or any other project please contact Gemma Gadomski at gemma.gadomski@gmdt.org. Keep checking the website for current and upcoming projects.
