The Strawberry Line in North Somerset, recently crowned Britain’s favourite walking path, will face temporary closures over the next two months to allow for critical safety operations. Starting today, Tuesday 1 September, parts of the path will be closed on weekdays for approximately six to eight weeks.
These closures are necessary to enable North Somerset Council teams to fell ash trees severely affected by ash dieback disease, a destructive fungal infection. This fungus invades ash trees, preventing them from transporting water and ultimately causing their death. With no current cure available, efforts focus on limiting the spread of the disease.
Councillor Mark Canniford, Somerset Council’s cabinet member for sustainable places, emphasised the seriousness of the issue: “Ash dieback is a national problem. Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping the disease and it’s feared it may affect up to 90% of ash trees in Great Britain.”
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He added, “We don’t take Public Rights of Way closures lightly as we realise the inconvenience and disruption that it inevitably causes. Every effort is being made to carry out the works on time and to limit disruption to the local environment, residents, and those who use the Strawberry Line. Thank you for your cooperation.”
The safety work will be conducted in three phases:
- From 1 to 18 September, weekday closures will affect the stretch between the A38 and the tunnel near Axbridge, with work expected to take around three weeks.
- From 28 September to 9 October, closures will occur between the tunnel near Axbridge and Winscombe Sports and Social Club, lasting approximately two weeks.
- From 2 to 13 November, the final phase will see closures between Lynch Road Bridge and Woodborough Road Bridge in Winscombe, anticipated to take about two weeks.
During these times, contractors will utilise heavy machinery to safely remove the infected trees. Should the work be completed ahead of schedule, sections of the path may reopen earlier than planned.
Importantly, the Strawberry Line will remain open for public use across all sections during weekends throughout the closure period.