The Strawberry Line, a cherished walking and cycling route crossing rural Somerset, has recently received a significant boost thanks to a generous £30,000 grant from the Mendip Hills National Landscape management team.
Stretching uninterrupted from Yatton railway station to Labourham Way in Cheddar, the Strawberry Line aims to eventually extend all the way to Collett Park in Shepton Mallet. This popular route traces much of the old Cheddar Valley railway line, which was closed in the mid-1960s during the Beeching cuts.
The Strawberry Line Society, in partnership with Somerset Council and local landowners, has been diligently working to complete the remaining sections of this vital path. Somerset Council announced a substantial £730,000 investment in early April to improve this and other rural routes over the next two years.
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With the recent £30,000 funding from the Mendip Hills National Landscape (formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or AONB), several targeted projects have enhanced the route’s accessibility. These improvements benefit both residents and visitors, making the path easier and safer to navigate.
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, commented on the impact of the grant: “The access for all funding has propelled the Strawberry Line forward this year. It’s allowed us to upgrade our tools to environmentally friendly rechargeable power equipment and supported efforts to communicate and engage a broader community of users.”
Fletcher also highlighted the dedication of the Society’s volunteers: “With 450 members and around 110 active volunteers caring for over 29 miles of the route, our community’s commitment has been incredible. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every one of them for making this project a reality.”
The Mendip Hills, one of 46 national landscapes across the UK, was originally designated an AONB in 1972. Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills National Landscape team, praised the project, saying, “We’re delighted to have secured funding from Defra to support initiatives like the Strawberry Line. It stands as a shining example of a community-driven success that enhances both accessibility and enjoyment of our rural landscapes.”
Hardcastle expressed enthusiasm for continued support, indicating plans to provide a similar grant in the coming year to further advance this cherished route.