Author: Richard

New path to Wollerton Wetlands opens

Wetlands Bridge

Hodnet Parish Council is very pleased to announce that a new public footpath has opened from Wollerton down to the bypass Wetlands.


Working with Shropshire Council, this long running project involved a detailed investigation of claimed past rights of way and, after a protracted period of consultation and a formal legal process, has resulted in the opening of a new access path via ‘Cow Lane’. See Map.
From the Wetlands an existing public footpath (FP 28) runs to Stoke Heath, via Helshaw Grange, providing access to a variety of wider country walks. 


Those who are interested in a fuller account of what this project entailed should click HERE
If you wish to gain access to the Wetlands, and the paths beyond, only use this new route – please do not create nuisance/trespass by trying to use other routes, even if you may have used them in the past. This new path is the only legal means of access.

Help requested this Sunday 

This Sunday, (29th Sept) the Hodnet Footpath Group are
meeting at 10.30 AM by Websters Lane Farm [Ashley's Farm
Shop on bypass]to undertake a bit of light clearance work
on the path up to the bypass roundabout, where vegetation
has encroached.
We are few in number, so an extra pair of hands or two
will be welcomed!
No special skills required, just come prepared to do
some cutting back and clearance work - bring tools, gloves,
shears, etc, if you can.

Group Walk – Hodnet to Fauls Church

The Hodnet Footpath Group have organised a walk on Sat 7th Sept, starting at 10.00 at Lyon Hall, Hodnet. Likely duration 3.0 – 4.0 hrs.
Anyone [including dogs!] is welcome to join us.
Sensible footwear required plus, depending on the weather, either a rain mac or sun cream – or why not cover all bases with waterproof sun cream !
Bring a snack/drink too.
Further information can be obtained from the Secretary – See the HFG page for contact details https://www.hodnet.org.uk/main/?page_id=5904
P.S. If you’d like to do only half the walk, you could drop off a car at Fauls Church in advance.
 
 

Have you ever seen a glow worm?

Hodnet’s glow worms are locally famous, but have you ever seen them?
If not, and assuming you’d like to, would you know what you are looking for, or where?
Perhaps the simplest way to see them is to join a late evening trip being organised by members of the Hodnet Footpath Group, as per their notice below:

The number of glow worms spotted so far this year in both our
own and other areas has been unusually low, maybe due to the
cool start to the summer. However, some have now been sighted
and even though it's a bit later in the season than normal,
Hodnet Footpath Group members decided it was worth having a go.
We therefore plan to walk along the old railway track between
Hodnet and Wollerton on the evening of Friday 16th August,
meeting by the ex council yard (old auction yard) in Station
Road, Hodnet ready for a 9.30pm start.
We very much hope that you will be able to come along and join
us and that our efforts will be rewarded!
Just two precautions:
1. Please note - if it is raining, the event will be cancelled
without further notification.
2. Please read the safety notes below:
BE WARNED THAT THIS IS A WALK IN THE DARK OVER UNEVEN GROUND,
AND A TORCH, SENSIBLE CLOTHING AND STURDY FOOTWEAR ARE ESSENTIAL.
ANY CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING ANY ESSENTIAL MEDICATION.
Hodnet Footpath Group can not accept any liability for loss of
or damage to property [inc clothing and personal effects]
Looking forward to seeing you on 16th,
Yours sincerely,
Mary Hardy
(Hodnet FPG Secretary)

 
 

Do you walk along the old railway line?

If so you are not alone, plenty seem to and especially dog walkers.
You may have noticed the walking was getting harder recently, as vegetation grew over parts of the path, and may also have wondered who cut it back last weekend?
Well, the answer is not ‘the Council’, but a couple of community minded local volunteers. Yes the Big Society does exist !
Maybe you’d like it done more often? perhaps you’d even like  it done better! If so, this is your chance to contribute, don’t leave it to others.
All it takes is an hour or two here and there to really make a difference.You’re never too young to start and rarely to old to stop!!
Contact the Hodnet Footpath Group if you’d like to learn more/offer occasional help.
 

Come and celebrate …..

You may be aware that the new ‘permissive path’ between Marchamley and Hodnet is now complete. This has been a significant project whose aim was to satisfy ambitions first expressed in the Parish Plan – and later supported by the results of a (2011) resident’s questionnaire. Its completion has only been possible due to the kind co-operation of the landowner, and by Shropshire Council and Hodnet Parish Council working together – with support from the Hodnet Footpath Group.
For the first time in decades it is now possible to walk between the villages safely, whether for pleasure or to access local services.
To mark the occasion, on Tues 11th June, at 7pm, a short ceremony will take place to officially open the new path. This will take place at the Marchamley end of the path (by the start of the village).
Some of those involved in its planning and construction will be there, and we also hope to have some local press coverage arranged too. Karen Calder, our local Shropshire Councillor, has agreed to ‘cut the ribbon’.
If you are already using the path, or intend to do so, please come along and show your support for this major project.
 
Hodnet Footpath Group/Hodnet Parish Council

Easter Monday Walk

Would you like to join members of Hodnet Footpath Group for a short country walk?
If ‘yes, please meet at the Lyon Hall car park ready for 10.30 am departure.
The walk should take around 2 hrs – so back in time for a warming drink at the refurbished Bear Hotel?
We intend to walk the route of footpath leaflet 2, weather permitting. Dogs on leads welcome, but may need a lift over 1st two stiles – but help will be available !
For further info on group see website, otherwise please contact the secretary Mary Hardy Tel 01952 540970 or email

Hodnet to Marchamley Path

As many passers by will have noticed, the path is largely complete and can now be used. Remaining work includes the erection of some signage and, where it is necessary to cross the road, dropping of kerbs – which will be carried out shortly by the SC highway contractors.

For the first time in decades, probably since the rapid growth of motor traffic in the 1960’s, it is now  possible to walk between the two villages in relative safety. As well as providing village connections, the path opens up some leisure walking routes; one of which could tie in with a current Hodnet Footpath Group walk where it reaches Long Lane – Walk leaflet No 2 – see their webpage for details

Hodnet to Marchamley Path – Work Begins

Thanks to the kind co-operation of Mr J Powell, at last weeks meeting of the Parish Council it proved possible to authorise the necessary local agreement to help progress this long mooted Permissive Path project. As a  result Shropshire Council were today (26th Feb) able to actually start work on its construction.
The potential usefulness of the project was confirmed in a residents questionnaire issued late in 2011. The main aim is to provide a safer walking link, behind the field hedge, over a distance of approx 400 metres where there is currently no roadside pavement.
The route can be viewed on this plan.
Depending upon what is required, future maintenance will be undertaken by either Shropshire Council, Hodnet Parish Council or the Hodnet Footpath Group. As regards the latter, it is hoped that some Marchamley residents with an interest in the future of this path will contact the Footpath Group and offer their assistance.
An official opening date will be announced shortly, but in the meantime please do not attempt to enter the works.
 

New Hodnet Walk Leaflets

With the help of Shropshire Council, Hodnet Footpath Group have now received a printed supply of our 1st two local walk leaflets.
You may have seen these in the Post Office, Hodnet Stores, The Bear Hotel or the Doctors, but they can also be downloaded from the Footpath Group’s webpage – where other information on the groups activities can be found.