Lodge Road Footpath

For the last 15 years Summerleaze Ltd has operated a quarry and landfill at Whistley Court and Lea Farms adjacent to Lodge Road, Hurst. During this time, through the forum of a liaison group, Summerleaze has kept residents of the parish informed as to what activities and progress were being made on site. Summerleaze was keen to provide something for the Hurst residents, following the closure of the site, which would be appreciated and well used; hence the construction of a footpath on Summerleaze land set back from the busy Lodge Road.

To help in achieving this Summerleaze was able to gain funds from landfill tax credits through the Groundwork Trust, who designed and project managed the construction of the footpath.

The path is over 700m long and 2m wide. It is a permissive footpath across land owned by Summerleaze and provides a tranquil and safe alternative to walking on the grass verge of Lodge Road.

The path has been designed for use by pedestrians and cyclists, and is also wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately the path has not been designed to be a bridle path, and the surface can be easily damaged if used by horses.

Wildlife is abundant along the route - watch out for dragonflies and damselflies, and spot red kites and buzzards gliding over the nearby fields.

It is hoped that this new path will help to link up other public rights of way in the area, which will benefit all the inhabitants of Hurst and its surrounds.