-------- Original Message --------
Subject: National Trust Press Release - Reach Bridge Brings Lodes Way a
Step Closer
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 11:17:18 -0000
From: Cooper, Howard <howard.coo...@nationaltrust.org.uk>
5 March 2010
*Reach** Bridge** Brings Lodes Way a Step Closer*
**
Construction has begun on a new crossing over Reach Lode, the missing
link in a new public access route being developed by the National Trust
between Wicken Fen, Anglesey Abbey and Bottisham.
The contract for design and construction of the bridge has been awarded
to civil engineering contractors BAM Nuttall. The new crossing is being
funded by a grant from Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport
charity, the Department for Communities and Local Government and Natural
England.
The bridge has been designed to blend into the surrounding landscape
with gently sloping ramps providing easy access for walkers, cyclists
and horse riders. The excavation of clay to form the access ramps will
enable two wildlife ponds to be created which are being financed by
waste management company, Viridor and the European Union INTERREG
Climate Proof Areas Programme, of which the National Trust is a key
partner.
The new crossing is part of a new 14.5 km public access route which is
to be called the *Lodes Way*. The name was chosen by the Project
Steering Group, which includes representatives of local communities and
users and reflects the fact that the route crosses a number of historic
local waterways, known as Lodes.
The Lodes Way is being developed by the National Trust as part of the
Wicken Fen Vision - a 100 year project to create a landscape scale
nature reserve and green lung for Cambridgeshire and the East of
England. Improving public access to the countryside for leisure,
relaxation, exercise and education lies at the very heart of the Vision.
The Lodes Way will complete the current gap in National Cycle Route
(NCN) 11 from Cambridge to Ely and connects with NCN Route 51 from
Cambridge to Newmarket. The route will enhance links to local villages
at Upware, Wicken, Burwell, the Swaffhams, Lode, Quy and Bottisham and
create a number of circular routes and trails for local residents and
visitors to enjoy and explore the countryside.
The entire Lodes Way should be completed within the next three years
once a new multi-user bridge suitable for cyclists, horse-riders and
pedestrians, has been created over Burwell Lode.
*<Ends>*
*Notes to Editors*
1. The Wicken Fen Vision is a 100 year project by the National Trust
to create a landscape scale nature reserve and green lung for
Cambridgeshire and the East of England, covering 53 sq km, from
the existing Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve to the outskirts
of Cambridge. The Vision will see the re-creation of a mosaic of
fenland habitats to help protect and conserve endangered species
of wildlife whilst providing a vast area for public access for
leisure, relaxation, exercise and education.
2. The Wicken Fen Vision is being developed by the National Trust in
association with a number of strategic partners including,
Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District
Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City
Council, Department for Communities and Local Government, East of
England Development Agency, Cambridgeshire Horizons, Greater
Cambridge Partnership, Environment Agency, Natural England,
Sustrans, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Tubney Charitable Trust
and Heritage Lottery Fund.
3. The National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation organisation
and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern
Ireland for ever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart
of everything it does. 3.5 million members, 50,000 volunteers,
500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and
supporters help the Trust look after its 300 historic houses and
gardens, 700 miles of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open
countryside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
<http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/>.**
4. A graphic impression of the bridge is available upon request – see
contact details below.**
* *
*Further Information*
For further information contact Howard Cooper, Communications Officer,
National Trust Wicken Fen – Tel 01353 720274 e-mail
howard.coo...@nationaltrust.org.uk
<mailto:howard.coo...@nationaltrust.org.uk> or see www.wicken.org.uk
<http://www.wicken.org.uk/>
* <http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seatondelavalhall>*
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