The Strawberry Line in North Somerset, recently voted Britain’s favourite walking path, will undergo temporary closures for essential safety work over the next two months. Starting today, Tuesday 1 September, several sections of the beloved route will be closed on weekdays for approximately six to eight weeks.
The closures are necessary to address the impact of Ash Dieback disease, a fungal infection that affects ash trees by preventing them from transporting water, ultimately leading to their death. This disease currently has no known cure, and efforts focus on limiting its spread to protect the surrounding environment.
Councillor Mark Canniford, Somerset Council’s cabinet member for sustainable places, commented: “Ash dieback is a national issue, with fears that up to 90% of ash trees across Great Britain could be affected. We do not take the decision to close Public Rights of Way lightly, understanding the inconvenience it causes. However, these measures are vital for public safety.”
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The maintenance work will occur in three phases. From today until Friday 18 September, the route between the A38 and the tunnel near Axbridge will be closed on weekdays, with work expected to last about three weeks.
From Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October, phase two will target the section between the tunnel near Axbridge and Winscombe Sports and Social Club, with an anticipated duration of two weeks.
The final phase is scheduled from Monday 2 November to Friday 13 November and will involve the stretch between Lynch Road Bridge and Woodborough Road Bridge in Winscombe, expected to take around two weeks.
During these closures, contractors will employ heavy machinery to safely fell ash trees severely affected by the disease. While the projected timelines provide a framework, there is potential for sections to reopen ahead of schedule if work progresses quickly.
Reassuringly, all parts of the Strawberry Line will remain open and accessible to the public during weekends throughout the maintenance period.