New footpath to link Long Wittenham with Wittenham Clumps
The Northmoor Trust is set to join the villages of Long and Little Wittenham through a new healthy and safe footpath link to the Wittenham Clumps.
The Northmoor Trust is due to open the link in April, and it will enable more people to enjoy the local landscape and access the Clumps along a green pathway.
Gateway to the Trust's Estate
The new footpath will link the villages of Long and Little Wittenham at the north- east edge of the North Wessex Downs AONB and provides a gateway for visitors to explore the Trust’s estate.
The estate contains an international designated nature reserve, conservation grade farm and area dedicated to forestry research.
The access will link Neptune, the community woodland planted on the edge of Long Wittenham, and continue through the Trust’s forestry research trials and wildflower meadow to join up with the new Arboretum (opening to the public at the end of March).
The path then passes by Project Timescape, the Trust’s education and visitor centre, before joining the existing access, which takes walkers up onto the Wittenham Clumps.
New safer access to the Clumps from Long Wittenham
The new link will provide the local villages of Long and Little Wittenham with an alternative to the road, enabling a safe, accessible route. Walkers from Long Wittenham will be able to reach the iconic landscape of the Clumps through more tranquil surroundings.
Chris Parker, Conservation and Public Engagement Manager said, “The new accessible path will be a breath of fresh air for all that use it. The walk will not only be beautiful with plenty to stop and see on the way, it will also be safe as walkers will no longer have to dodge traffic along the single track road.”
Celia Collett, Local Councillor for both Long and Little Wittenham said, “The opening up of new access is of massive benefit to the community of both villages and the wider community. Having celebrated the recent opening of Neptune, our new community woodland, we are very much looking forward to enjoying more of our local countryside in a safe way.”
Community Shrub Planting Day
As part of the public participation in this exciting project a community shrub planting day has been organised. Taking place at 10am on Friday 29th February, the planting will involve young and old in providing new habitat for nature alongside the new path. To get involved just turn up at the Neptune Wood car park on the edge of Long Wittenham wearing suitable outside clothing and wellies and don’t forget to bring a spade!
Funding for the Community Naturelink project has been generously provided by the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment, using funds from Waste Recycling Group and Grundon Waste Management through the Landfill Communities Fund. Additional support was received by Oxfordshire County Council.
