WORCESTER Woods Country Park, a green space attracting around 700,000 visitors annually, is set to receive significant footpath improvements this summer.
The refurbishment project will upgrade 600 meters of pathway, broadening it to three meters and reinforcing it to ensure long-term accessibility and durability.
This scheme is set to support the weekly parkrun, enabling it to return to its original route, and will also enhance the commute for school children attending Nunnery Wood High School.
The existing gravel-surfaced path, which has not been resurfaced in over two decades, will serve as the foundation for the new and improved footpath.
Worcester City Council, which owns the northern section of the park, has partnered with Worcestershire County Council, responsible for managing the area, to carry out the improvements.
Coun Zoe Cookson, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “This existing path needs resurfacing and improving so it can continue to be used by the whole community for years to come.
“The site is used by dog walkers, families, and organised groups such as Parkrun, Scouts, and dog training groups.
“The footpath is also a key route for school children walking or cycling, helping to promote sustainable travel by taking more cars off our roads.”
County Coun David Ross, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing, added: “The Worcester Parkrun has been helping local people get active for over 13 years now.
“One of the factors that has made it special is its route through the woods, and I am delighted to see that runners will be able to return there soon.”
The footpath improvement work, expected to cost £15,000, will be funded as part of the Active Travel Project under the Worcester City Town Improvement Plan, with additional funding from Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Directorate.
This investment will ensure the pathway infrastructure can continue to support the popular Worcester Parkrun, which currently attracts between 400 and 500 runners every Saturday morning.
