TPT Site Visit – Improving the Trail in Rotherham

Earlier this month, Mandy and Robert joined a site visit to inspect the Trans Pennine Trail in Rotherham. This visit was a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to improve the Trail, its infrastructure, and connectivity for the residents living along the 5 km section that runs between RSPB Old Moor and Bolton upon Dearne.

The improvement work has been made possible with funds allocated from Rotherham Metropolitan Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is a fund that is paid into by developers, to improve the local infrastructure when new housing or commercial developments are built.

This initiative aims not only to improve the Trail itself but also to develop new access links, making it easier for residents to enjoy the Trail’s green spaces and contribute to the health and well-being of the local community in Rotherham.

The visit was organised by Richard Pett, Public Rights of Way Officer at Rotherham MBC and included colleagues from Rotherham MBC’s Landscape Team, Highways and the CI Team who were joined by Alex Hinchcliffe from Sustrans, TPT/Sustrans Rotherham Volunteer Co-ordinator and Friend Trustee, David Bright as well as Mandy and Robert.

Andy Carnall from Doncaster Council also joined the visit, to share his knowledge and experience of similar work recently carried out on the Trail in Doncaster.

Richard was eager for everyone to walk the route and share their views on how best to use the funding to improve the Trail. The goal is to balance the needs of different user groups, such as walkers, cyclists, wheelers, and equestrians, while addressing challenges like surface erosion from seasonal flooding, busy road crossings, and ensuring the safety and accessibility of the Trail for all legitimate users.

The weather was overcast but dry as we left RSPB Old Moor and followed the Trail as it weaved its way between the Nature Reserve and Manvers waterfront before joining the riverbank of the River Dearne, stopping at strategic points to discuss potential improvements whilst also admiring features like stone carvings and artwork along the Trail.

Time flew past and although we had been walking and talking for a couple of hours, we soon arrived at the junction with the B6098 at Bolton upon Dearne and our final farewells before heading back to RSPB Old Moor.

Richard was pleased with the visit as it provided an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and discuss the challenges to be addressed when pulling together the project proposal. Over the next 2-3 years the goal is to create a section of Trail that will encourage healthier and more active lifestyles while contributing to a more sustainable future for Rotherham and the Trans Pennine Trail.

The visit is only the start of the project and Richard and the team will continue refining plans as they try to stretch the budget as far as it will go in addressing the challenges and opportunities identified during the visit and subsequent discussions with his colleagues at Rotherham MBC and the TPT partnership.

Thanks to Richard for organising the visit and for inviting us.  We look forward to seeing how the plans evolve over the coming months.

Date: 25th April, 2025

            
Mandy Loach    Hannah Beaumont   Robert Drummond