An important public footpath link between Uxbridge and Denham Country Park has undergone major improvements in the last 4 years. This crucial link to the countryside had been neglected for decades, with overgrown and uneven footpaths that made it unwelcoming and difficult to pass. A large section of the path was covered in a blanket of rubbish, making the walking experience hugely unpleasant. This important path was not being used to its full potential, stopping residents of Uxbridge from easily enjoying access to the Colne Valley Regional Park.
Now thanks to a highly successful partnership work, from Groundwork South as a delivery manager, funders, landowners, corporate supporters to volunteers and contractors, this footpath has been bought back to life.
Where did it start
About seven years ago, Anthony Longden, who has since become a Colne Valley Park Trustee, took a walk from his home in Uxbridge to Denham Country Park and was appalled by the state of the path under the A40. He complained to several local organisations and authorities. The Colne Valley Park was the only one that responded and pledged to take action. This path improvement was then incorporated into our highly successful Heritage Lottery Landscape Partnership Project.
This project has showed the great importance and strength in partnership work; starting with a Landscape Partnership project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and over the last four years, we’ve gradually been able to make important improvements with help from Buckinghamshire Council, Hillingdon Council, landowners, funders and volunteers.
The project included the installation of new secure fencing and resurfacing the footpath section from the Grand Union Canal, under the A40, extending all the way to Uxbridge. Funding for the first phase of this project was provided by the Lottery Heritage, Highways England and Hillingdon Council. Thanks to funding from Landfill Communities Fund (LFC), Grundon donated the funding that enabled us to complete the second and final stage of the footpath improvement in August 2024.
The cooperation and permission of landowners are crucial links in delivering a successful project. ARC Uxbridge, the landowners, were very supportive throughout the project, and have agreed to include the path in their yearly management plan to prevent it from becoming overgrown again.
The footpath crosses two council boundaries, Hillingdon Council and Buckinghamshire Council, and without their support this project would have not been as successful as it was.
Volunteering also played a significant role, with two teams of corporate volunteers contributing to the footpath improvement. Coca Cola participated in a litter-picking day, clearing large area of rubbish. Grundon contributed by clearing the path through cutting, making the final stretch more accessible and enjoyable for the public.
And last but not least the ‘Hillingdon Litter Pickers’ regularly take on a massive task of clearing litter in the area, doing a fabulous job of keeping it tidy.
Phase one of footpath work – Before and after photo
Phase two of footpath work – Before and after photo
Grundon played a big part in the success of this project by donating funds to help us complete Phase 2, as well as lending a helping hand with a team of volunteers.
Team from Coca Cola helped us litter picking the area which made a huge difference.
Why is this work important
This project highlights the vital role of collaboration in achieving a successful outcome. Access to the countryside is essential for both mental and physical well-being, and making it easy and enjoyable encourages more people to experience its many benefits. Preserving public footpaths and maintaining access to the countryside is crucial for ensuring their protection for future generations.
With Colne Valley Regional Park being amongst the most pressurised parts of the Green Belt, it’s now more important than ever that we enhance pathways to the countryside.
Colne Valley Regional Park and Landscape Recovery
The Colne Valley Regional Park is the first taste of countryside to the west of London. With 10 million people living within 15 kilometers, it has become the green lung for those people to exercise and connect with nature. Connecting with green spaces and the countryside can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Access to the countryside is important for people to be able to enjoy all the benefits the countryside brings. Sadly, these entrances into the countryside can be the main barrier for people as they can be overgrown, narrow and unwelcoming.
The Landscape Recovery team is on a mission to enhance, improve and protect the access to the countryside. With Colne Valley Regional Park being amongst the most pressurised parts of the Green Belt, it is now more important than ever to focus on this mission.
Current and future generations must have the opportunities to get into and enjoy good quality countryside locations for their wellbeing and so that they grow to learn more about nature and value the countryside.
For further information about this project or idea
for future projects please contact the Landscape Recovery team on: [email protected]
