Now more than ever access to the countryside is of vital importance. Since the lockdown began in March we have seen an increased use of all our sites by the local and surrounding communities of Ironbridge Gorge. As a charity we have installed over £250k of access infrastructure to facilitate peoples' enjoyment of our sites. Unfortunately, in places our timber steps and boardwalks are rotting more quickly than anticipated, potentially because timber is no longer pressure treated with copper chrome arsenic (CCA). Whilst CCAs replacement is better for the environment, it does not produce timber that is as durable. Furthermore, some of our sites have suffered from severe flooding which has likely contributed to the steps accelerated deterioration.

We have identified that in order to ensure that people can continue to access our sites safely we need to replace over 400 linear metres of steps and boardwalk. As stone is vastly more durable, we will replace wood with local stone where possible. This will ensure more sustainable access to our sites going forward.

Like most charities in this current climate , we are facing difficult financial challenges and are having to rethink our plans for the current year. We are reducing costs wherever we can and accessing the financial help from the government that is available. But we know that this year is going to be tough.

We know how much access to our sites has been valued over recent months from the messages of appreciation from many of you on our social media pages. These messages have been a real boost to team morale and we cannot thank you enough. Even for those who were unable to get out, the virtual walks videos posted onto our Facebook page brought a great amount of pleasure.

In order to replace the steps and boardwalks most in need of repair we need to raise £3,000.

What difference will your donation make?

Improving the access to our sites will ensure that they are fit for purpose for future generations and enable them to have the same opportunities to explore the paths and trails. Encouraging people to engage with their natural environment for their health and well-being has never been more important and it is essential that this engagement is made as accessible as possible. It will allow us to plan future activities for families, school and nursery groups knowing that the sites are safe.

It also ensures that we are fulfilling our key aim to provide high quality access for informal recreation for the enjoyment of all and to encourage outdoor activity for the benefit of health and well-being.

Improved access will also enable current and future walking groups to continue to use the footpaths and plan activities for their users.

The repair project will also provide opportunities for current and new volunteers to get involved in the practical aspects of rebuilding steps and learn new skills.

Both local residents and tourists to the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site will benefit from these improvements

If you are able to support us in any way, we would be extremely grateful.

If you would like to learn more about the work we do, please visit our website or our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Thank you for your support!

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