Reserve's hazardous path is transformed

Work to repair hazardous footpaths and restore safe access to Ladybower Wood Nature reserve has been completed.
Ladybower works to restore footpathLadybower works to restore footpath
Ladybower works to restore footpath

The reserve, that lies in a popular corner of the Peak District, close to Ladybower reservoir, had seens its main path damaged over time, by the sheer number of walkers and cyclists that visited the area.

A brand new path has now been created thanks to Viridor Credits Environemntal Company, via the Landfill Communities Fund.

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Reserve officer, Sam Willis, said: “Ladybower Wood Nature Reserve is one of the last important examples of upland oak woodland in the County, important for breeding pied flycatchers and redstarts among a wide range of other wildlife.

“Unfortunately the sheer number of foot traffic caused damage to the main path through the reserve making it hazardous to walkers and other users. Work was needed to make sure the bridleway can withstand the footfall and that more people can have access to this important reserve.

“The funding transformed the once extremely muddy and rocky bridleway into a more accessible path using locally sourced natural gritstone, in keeping with the original track.”

Volunteers also installed a new interpretation panel by one of the reserve entrances, and four wildlife identification markers along the footpaths to give visitors more information about this reserve and its wildlife.