Exploring the scenic Strawberry Line, a beloved walking and cycling route in rural Somerset, has become easier thanks to a generous £30,000 grant from the Mendip Hills National Landscape management team.
Currently, the Strawberry Line stretches uninterrupted from Yatton railway station to Laburnham Way in Cheddar, with plans to extend the path all the way to Collett Park in Shepton Mallet. The Strawberry Line Society is actively collaborating with Somerset Council and local landowners to complete the remaining sections, supported by a recent £730,000 funding commitment from the council aimed at enhancing this and other rural routes over the next two years.
This latest grant from Mendip Hills National Landscape—previously designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)—has enabled significant improvements to the route’s accessibility. The Strawberry Line traces a large part of the Mendip Hills, following the historic track of the former Cheddar Valley railway line, which closed in the 1960s due to the Beeching cuts.
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The £30,000 funding has been dedicated to various projects designed to make the route safer and easier to navigate for both locals and visitors alike. These enhancements include upgrades to pathways, improved signage, and better facilities suited for a wide range of users.
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, said, “This access-for-all funding has propelled the Strawberry Line forward considerably this year. It has made the path safer and more inclusive, encouraging many people who might have found it difficult before to enjoy the countryside. Additionally, the grant has supported our volunteers by upgrading to low-carbon rechargeable power tools. Our communications efforts have also improved significantly, helping us build a community of 450 members and around 110 active volunteers maintaining over 29 miles of the route. I want to personally thank everyone involved for their dedication.”
The Mendip Hills, designated as a national landscape area since 1972, is one of 46 such protected landscapes across the UK. Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills National Landscape team, remarked, “We’re thrilled to secure funding from Defra that supports vital projects like the Strawberry Line. It’s a shining example of community-driven success. The impact of this investment is clear, and we look forward to continuing our support with similar grants in the future.”