Ex railway line to become woodland walk

THE first part of ambitious plans to transform a former Coventry freight railway loop line into a woodland walk and cycle path have been given the green light.

Historic Coventry Trust purchased the old Loop Line, which closed fully in 1981, in August 2018 to convert it into a two-mile circular walk and cycle route outside the city centre.

The line has been out of use since the 60s but natural re-wilding has created urban woodland protected by Tree Preservation Orders, with the subsequently designated as an ‘Asset of Community Value’.

Now the Trust has had Phase Two of plans approved by Coventry City Council, which will run from Humber Avenue towards the Sherbourne viaduct.

Phase One from Gosford Green to Humber Avenue is expected to get the nod in November.

Costing around £700,000 to transform, the final scheme will run from Gosford Green towards the Sherbourne viaduct, before looping back along the River Sherbourne, past the historic Charterhouse, and ending at Far Gosford Street.

The circular route is part of the Trust’s wider plans to redevelop the Heritage Park.

Ian Harrabin, chairman of the Historic Coventry Trust, said: “The loop line woodland walk and cycle track will link Gosford Green and Charterhouse Heritage Park, allowing access for the first time to a wildlife rich area that connects the city centre with the countryside.

“It is the first leg of a longer term plan for a two-mile circular route linking Gosford Street along the River Sherbourne to Charterhouse and back along the loop line to Gosford Green. A further extension is planned to follow the river south ultimately as far as Baginton.

“During Covid people are really connecting with nature and opening up this special area of overgrown woodland in such a central location will provide a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy a piece of countryside, in town.

“We are working very closely with the council who have secured all the funding for phase one on our behalf. They will be starting the work early in the New Year. We have applications in for funding from various sources for the remainder and hope to complete this by the end of next year.”

The Coventry Loop Line opened in 1914 to enable trains to avoid Coventry station and use the station at Bell Green and Gosford Green.