Message from Cllr Roger Adams
We can now confirm that much of the scheduled 2024/25 Ash dieback works are now complete. There is one remaining section of the promoted ‘Butterfly trail’, on Bridleway 106 and 23, that has not been completed due to the challenging weather in recent weeks and subsequent poor ground conditions. It now appears likely we will be unable to complete this before ground bird nesting season begins and so we anticipate this section of work will be rescheduled for inclusion in next season’s Ash dieback work programme from Autumn 2025. Should this be the case, the Butterfly trail, as a promoted route, will be edited on the information boards until necessary works have been completed.
Mole Gap Trail
As mentioned in the early December update, our team continue to monitor Ash dieback and its progress in the park. It remains a significant risk for visitors. We’d be grateful if you could reiterate to your networks the need to consult the information boards as they come into the park for the routes we are promoting, as these are the areas we are risk managing. Until we are able to undertake further Ash dieback works on site, trees are being left to fall naturally in all other areas. Whilst we are not closing paths at this stage, it must be noted we are not risk managing the paths which are not being promoted either. Warning signs are being regularly checked and we urge visitors to take extra care if they are venturing off the promoted routes.
The Mole Gap Trail has been diverted through the park onto the risk managed routes. Signage will divert those on the trail along the existing promoted Hazel trail from Young Street to the Woodland Hub, before being directed down the reopened bridleway towards Crabtree Lane and then heading east along the lane to rejoin the original route. Signage will be in place to reflect those following the Mole Gap Trail in either direction.
An update on Ash dieback, including more detail on the Butterfly and Mole Gap Trails, will be an item on the Spring NPCF agenda for further information.
