Wheelchair-friendly path opens in Freeman’s Wood

Monday, 16 September 2024 15:13

A Lancaster woodland area has been made more accessible thanks to a new pathway.

The new path at Freeman’s Wood, which borders the Lune Industrial Estate at the end of St George’s Quay, has been made possible thanks to the Lancashire Environmental Fund and The Postcode Lottery who funded the path, and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust who installed it.

Now, the Friends of Freeman’s Wood group are celebrating the opening with a ceremony later this month.

The event will take place on Sunday, September 29, prior to a guided walk that will describe the fascinating archaeological history of the site and surrounding areas.

The new path has been designed to make it easier for wheelchair users, people using prams and cyclists to get into Freeman’s Wood and appreciate the natural woodland and meadow areas.

The two access points are from the cycle path near the end of New Quay Road, and the footpath that runs south of Freeman’s Wood near the junction next to Freeman’s Pools.

The path meanders through wooded areas and skirts the edge of the meadow, having four benches along the way that enable people to sit down along the route and take in the open views.

Cllr Mandy Bannon, a Trustee of the group, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many more people using Freeman’s Wood since the path was opened.

‘’We are especially delighted that so many people are visiting the site for the first time including people in wheelchairs, those with mobility issues and parents with prams.”

Mary Kinane (pictured) said: “It was great to access the meadow for the first time. I'm looking forward to some autumn visits through the area and joining in on a wildlife walk.

‘’Congratulations and thanks are due to the Friends group who took on the message of improved accessibility and carried it through to its completion."

The walk and talk begins on September 29 at 2pm at the noticeboard near the new path access on the cycle path between the end of New Quay Road and Freeman’s Pools.