AMBITIOUS plans to transform Studley Nature Reserve and open it up for the benefit of all have been revealed.
The project, outlined by Janet Byham, the chair of Studley Common and Nature Reserve, would see the footpath that currently runs halfway round the site completed with fresh gravel laid.
In addition the path would be raised to allow the small mammals free passage.
However, the physical changes to the site, off St Jude’s Avenue, would only be part of the story.
“By completing the path it will allow access to whoever wants to walk around the reserve enabling it to be used for everything from fun activities and runs to mums with pushchairs and people with disabilities,” Janet told Studley parish council.
“There is nowhere in Studley for people to walk in a traffic-free environment and we’re hoping to link up with schools and get the children involved, from primaries right up to the high school so there is continuity in their involvement.
“The nature reserve is a place of beauty and peace and quiet away from all the pollution.”
She added the reserve, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, could also help with the health agenda, combat obesity and promote exercise, and she was looking to forge links with local doctors.
She put the cost of the project at between £20,000 to £30,000, depending on the level of finish and the plans have already caught the imagination of staff at Stratford district council which is helping with grant applications.
The latest Warwickshire County Council report from the director of public health highlights the enormous savings to be made for every £1 spent in public health projects.
Parish councillors agreed to look into providing a seed money grant to get the project off the ground.
