New path opens up views of Tamar

new path with stunning views of the Tamar will be formally opened at a special day yesterday (Thursday 13) to celebrate nature on the doorstop at Ernesettle.

Councillor Mike Leaves will be cutting the ribbon to the new two kilometre path around the Ernesettle Creek Headland.

The path was once an inaccessible river of mud, only passable by people wearing wellies, but it has now been resurfaced so that families, parents with buggies as well as people in wheelchairs can enjoy incredible views right on their doorstep.

The path has been created as a result of the Active Neighbourhoods Project, a partnership between Plymouth City Council and Devon Wildlife Trust and funded by Big Lottery. Seats have also been installed at key points along the way.

The creek area is a large open space between the Tamar Estuary and the community of Ernesettle in the North-West of Plymouth. It is a very special place for nature and its bordering habitats all have legal designations; the Tamar Estuaries Complex Special Area of Protection, Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation and the Tamar/Tavy Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The project is not just about improving how the area looks, it aims to inspire the next generation to get outside and learn more about fascinating nature on their doorsteps.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Transport, and Planning, said: “It’s great to see some of the amazing work going on to improve our neighbourhoods and encourage people to get inspired to enjoy the great outdoors.

“It is also an incredible example of how a bit of planning and physical improvements can get people motivated to go out, take more exercise and lead healthier lives.”

In the summer term alone, the team worked with 360 children from nearby schools and collaborated with 53 teachers. The children took part in events including forest school days where they enjoyed events ranging from pond-dipping and mini-beast safaris to being weather wizards.

Between them the children walked 821km – equivalent to walking to London Bridge and back twice, taking 1,211,491 steps and they burnt 20,000 calories, equivalent to 66 cheese burgers or 606 punnets of Wimbledon strawberries …without the cream.

There will be a presentation of certificates to the schools involved in the Active Neighbourhoods and RSPB Wild Challenge Environmental Education followed by a performance by Stiltskin and Ernesettle Community Primary School to other schools and families.

Councillor Michael Leaves, Cabinet member for Street Scene and the Environment said: “This project is all about making the most out of what we have on our doorstep and encouraging the next generation of residents to get outside, be more active and more interesting in nature right under their noses.”

As well as events for children, there have been events for families, conservation volunteering and are helping to set up a friends group. For more information contact Ashley.Tod@plymouth.gov.uk Tel. 07780339194