Villager, 99, helps launch new Northamptonshire walk
A former gravel pit in Northamptonshire has been rejuvenated with the launch of a new reed bed walk, which has been officially opened in Grendon by the village's oldest resident.
George Crawford, aged 99, was among the first people to try out the 900-metre circular walk, which has been installed at Pastures Farm in Grendon at the site for the former Upper Nene Valley gravel pits.
The site of special scientific interest has now been nominated by Natural England as a potential special protection area because of its diverse wildlife and Mr Crawford said the reed bed walk would increase visitors' awareness of species at the pits.
He said: "I have known these gravel pits since the early diggings more than 30 years ago when I first came to Grendon, and I rejoice to see one more chance for visiting adults and children to get to know the plants, animals and insects."
About 50 walkers joined Mr Crawford at Quarry Walk, which features an 80-metre wooden boardwalk twisting through one of the largest reed beds in the county.
The attraction has been funded by Natural England's environmental stewardship scheme, and involved clearing hundreds of willow trees which were drying up the reed bed.
Natural England spokesman Martin Heathfield said: "This project demonstrates what can be achieved using environmental stewardship funding.
"A fantastic area full of wildlife and great scenery has be opened for the public to experience – either as a short walk or as part of a longer walk – topped off with the fantastic boardwalk meandering through the reed beds."
John Skinner, farmer at Pastures Farm, Grendon, added: "It has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience working with Natural England to create such a wonderful habitat for creatures great and small."
For more information about the reed bed walk, visit www.naturalengland.org.uk.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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