Hounslow Council has constructed a new river path in Donkey Wood in Feltham.
Published: Friday, 19th July 2024
Hounslow Council has finished the construction of a 1-kilometre stretch of new river path at Donkey Wood in Feltham. This forms part of the wider Crane Valley Trail vision which aims to create an uninterrupted walking and cycling route passing through five London Boroughs.
The Donkey Wood improvement project adds almost 300 linear meters of new recycled plastic boardwalk and 700 linear metres of new 1.5-metre-wide compact gravel path pathways, starting at the entrance on Staines Road and traversing through wet woodland next to the River Crane. LBH will continue to work with river interest groups to improve a final section of the walkway with Donkey Wood.
Three rustic benches have also been added along the route, as well as improvements to the existing bridges on the trail. Improved access from Staines Road includes a Radar Key kissing gate for wheelchair users and a widening of the path entrance to accommodate groups of walkers, runners and cyclists.
The project aims to reconnect residents with nature through an accessible pathway, allowing easy access for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. It will also form part of the wider green travel network within the borough.
John Waxman, Development Manager of the Crane Valley Partnership, said:
“The Crane Valley Partnership brings together a wide range of organisations with a keen interest in protecting and enhancing the River Crane and its tributaries. We are very pleased that London Borough of Hounslow - itself a CVP Partner - has wholeheartedly embraced the concept of the Crane Valley Trail and is doing a lot of great work to help make it a reality.
“The resurfaced pathway and replacement boardwalk through Donkey Wood will no doubt be welcomed by everyone who uses this section of riverside as a recreational route or as a means of commuting to and from their places of work locally.
“We hope that the enhancements in Donkey Wood will encourage more people to visit this attractive green space in the heart of North Feltham and experience the delights of the river corridor.”
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council, said:
“Donkey Wood is one of Hounslow’s most cherished green spaces, but until now stretches of this boggy trail beside the Crane have often proved impassable. With these vital improvements, we have been able to open up this bountiful natural resource for all to enjoy.
'Sitting in the shadow of Heathrow, it's often the last place people would expect to find such a natural wonder. But Hounslow contains some of the best green spaces in London and we are committed to enhancing them making them available to all to help transform the health and wellbeing of our residents."
For more information on the project, please click here.
