The Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust (DBCT) has partnered with the Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury (COGS) to improve a path across the Laverstock Water Meadows. The current section of path from Cow Lane towards the Bishopdown to Laverstock cycle path is frequently waterlogged and difficult to use during the winter months which limits access for dog walkers, pupils and other local residents to the Laverstock Water Meadows.
The majority of the £9000.00 funding for the project was awarded by the Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy (wwce.org) Community Fund with additional monies being contributed by Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, DBCT and COGS. We are very grateful to our funders.
The funding enables the Trust to purchase the materials required to construct the new path and DBCT is now seeking local volunteers to help with the project.
Volunteer work parties will assist with relocating an existing kissing gate, installing two new radar‑key‑operated mobility kissing gates, preparing the ground, installing a new fence and laying the new 3‑metre‑wide accessible path.
A recent survey of users demonstrated that those surveyed are very much in favour of the new path as it will replace the unusable muddy sections in winter.
David Burton, Chair of Trustees for DBCT, said: “Now that we have secured the funding to purchase the materials for the path, we are looking for local volunteers to assist with the construction. Volunteers can join our work parties and contribute to this amazing community project – DBCT needs you! Why not spend a few hours helping us make a real difference to your local area? Sign up at Volunteering | Devenish Bradshaw Trust or contact me at djburton@dbct.org.”
Rob Jacobs, Chair of COGS, said: “Walking and cycling across the Laverstock Water Meadows will be so much easier once the new path is constructed by local volunteers. This route will provide a safer, more reliable connection for everyone, especially for children travelling to the Laverstock schools. We’re looking forward to volunteering and helping to make a difference.”
Once complete, the upgraded traffic‑free shared‑use route will benefit dog walkers, school pupils and visitors with prams and mobility scooters ensuring that the beautiful and peaceful environment of the water meadows can be enjoyed throughout the year.
If you or your company can assist us with the path by volunteering then please get in touch.
DBCT Chair
David Burton
Email: djburton@dbct.org
