Places for People has undertaken improvements to footpaths surrounding Gilston and installed a new solid oak bench on the footpath at Black Hut Wood.
The improvements and the addition of the benches provides a perfect resting spot for walkers, ramblers, and dog walkers, enhancing the surroundings for all enjoy.
Once construction gets underway, the development of Gilston will revitalise a range of cycle and walking routes and networks. Among other improvements outlined in Giston’s social impact statement, 17km of new pedestrian, cycle and road infrastructure will be implemented, alongside a £10.4m Sustainable Transport and Innovation Fund and £75k contribution for cycle storage.
Once complete, Gilston Park Estate will be designed to value and maximise access to landscape and open spaces.
The design of the new parkland, strategic green corridors and landscape areas has been developed in consultation with local communities to take into account the opportunities for ecological protection and enhancement. Tree and plant selection will support indigenous species, promote diversity and be responsive to local climate and geological conditions, towards the biodiversity net gain target set out in the development specification. Locally, PfP will invest in a new sustainable network of cycling and walking trails, feeding into the existing network of Public Rights of Way, Stort Valley Tow Path and wider area.
In light of the recent wet and warm weather, Places for People has also conducted site surveys over the summer to assess the increased vegetation growth. This proactive approach ensures that the estate's paths and open areas remain well-maintained, sprayed, and cut where necessary during periods of rapid growth, keeping them accessible and safe for everyone to enjoy.
We thank residents for sharing their comments and images regarding Gilston’s landscape. For further information or to make us aware of any estates management issues, please email: Gilston@meeting-place.uk