Greenways and Cycleroutes

A group of hardy volunteers came together in early December to start planting some much needed shelter and shade along the Waddesdon Greenway.

The new accessible path linking Aylesbury to Waddesdon, has been officially opened since September and is already making a difference to people’s lives, providing a safe route for walkers and cyclists getting to work, school and in and out of town avoiding the busy A41.

The route was built during the long, hot early Summer when it became clear how little shade and shelter was provided along the path.  A team of volunteers, including groups from Chiltern Railways, McCormick and RAF Halton, came together last week to plant trees and hedges along the way.  Between them they have planted over 6,000 hedgerow plants and 53 new trees.

The plants were selected along with Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) to ensure they are good for local wildlife whilst also ensuring there are no thorns to frustrate cyclists.

Waddesdon Greenway follows part of Akeman Street, the Roman road from Cirencester to St Albans.  This is now marked by a number of small groups of walnut and sweet chestnut trees – two species introduced to Britain by the Romans.

In all volunteers have given the equivalent of 411 days’ work over just 11 days this year towards completing the Waddesdon Greenway.

Schoolchildren, walkers and cyclists now have access to the Waddesdon Greenway trail from Aylesbury to Waddesdon, which was officially opened on 13th September.

The route from Aylesbury Vale Parkway Station to Waddesdon Manor, allows cyclists and walkers to travel across beautiful countryside in a traffic-free environment.

The ribbon was cut by Transport Minister, Jesse Norman, who’s responsible for walking and cycling.

The Greenway Trail was funded by £1million investment from the Department for Transport as part of  their ‘Cycling and walking investment strategy’ and will allow cyclists and walkers to travel across beautiful countryside in a safe and vehicle-free environment.

Cycling and walking minister Jesse Norman said:

This kind of initiative is exactly why we launched our £1.2 billion cycling and walking investment strategy last year – a safe and easy way to get people on their bikes.

And why wouldn’t they – this stunning route intersects the rich Buckinghamshire countryside and lands at the historical Waddesdon Manor.

The Greenway trail was completed with the help of volunteers who helped to build two bridges, fill and lay 3,000 sandbags for 25 culvert headwalls, and install benches.

Mark Shaw, County Council Deputy Leader and Transport Cabinet Member said:

“The new Greenway trail is a great opportunity to get out of your car and use the train, your bike – and your legs – to enjoy some beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside on the way to Waddesdon Manor. Now this really does promote sustainable travel!”

Project designer John Grimshaw CBE, of Greenways and Cycle Routes, said:

“We’re immensely proud to be involved in designing this trail. It has all the potential to be a high-quality trailblazer for rural routes between villages and local rail stations.”

Phillip Darnton OBE, chair of the Cycle Rail Working Group, said:

“The Waddesdon Greenway marks the first phase of our ‘Stations to Communities Links’ programme, an exciting new initiative to encourage everyone, whether cyclist or walker, to discover and enjoy their local community. This first Greenway is a brilliant start!”

Local County Councillor and Deputy Transport Cabinet Member Paul Irwin, said:

“This is a milestone occasion! It’s an easy cycle ride and a lovely walk, and visitors from London will love it. So will residents from Berryfields and Waddesdon village.”

Our latest route – Waddesdon Greenway, the new accessible 4km path linking Aylesbury Vale Parkway to Waddesdon Manor – is nearing completion after a hugely productive few months culminating with our work camp in early July with volunteers contributing over 250 days between them in exceptionally hot conditions.

Now two more volunteer weekends have been arranged during August and September.

The July work camp saw the construction of two bridges, 2,000 sandbags filled and used to make headwalls to 26 culverts, and several wooden benches built to go along the route. A further session on 11 and 12 August finished the wooden bridge and another bench completed.

Paul Irwin, Buckinghamshire County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport, who hopes to join one of the future volunteer camps, said he was greatly encouraged by the local support for the project.

“When we open the Greenway in September, it will be in no small measure thanks to the volunteers from our community who put a huge effort into making it happen,” said Paul.

A final volunteering sessions is planned on 11th & 12th September to ensure the route is fully complete ahead of the formal opening on Thursday 13th September.  Please get in touch via greenwaysandcycleroutes@gmail.com to find out more.

The Waddesdon Greenway is a £1 million partnership between the Greenways and Cycle Routes charity, Buckinghamshire County Council, and the Waddesdon Estate, with funds from the Department for Transport. The official opening is scheduled for September.

After weeks of frustratingly wet weather we have finally been able to start constructing the new route. New fencing has been installed at Aylesbury Vale Parkway, and we have started excavating the route over the Fleet Marston Brook.

Volunteers are welcome to help finish the route by joining us at a workcamp from 29 June to 7 July. All being well the route should be open for the school summer holidays.

email greenwaysandcycleroutes@gmail.com for more information.

 

 

We have the go-ahead from Aylesbury Vale District Council for the Waddesdon Greenway, which will link Aylesbury Vale Parkway station and Wadddesdon Manor with a 4km route running across fields and through parkland.

Work should start in February, and volunteers will be welcome to join a workcamp from 29 June to 8 July to finish the route. Contact greenwaysandcycleroutes@gmail.com for more information.

https://www.mix96.co.uk/news/local/2479308/1m-pathway-between-aylesbury–waddesdon-gets-go-ahead/

The ribbon has been cut, and the route is open. Greenways had the support of so many people to make it all happen, and we want to thank them all.

 

 

After 18 months hard work and fund raising, and with huge support from funding bodies, partners contractors and our dedicated band of volunteers, we will be opening the Brean Down Way on Friday 7 July. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.
Come and join the celebrations – detailed timings here