Peninsula cycle route
It’s hoped a new 3km cycle route joining key nature reserves will give the Manhood Peninsula a boost.
A new, 3km cycle route has been completed, linking Pagham Nature Reserve with Medmerry Nature Reserve, boosting facilities for residents, visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The county council’s Public Rights of Way team worked with The Manhood Peninsula Partnership on ideas to bolster tourism – and found that cycling provision was under represented.
From this, a £400,000 scheme was devised. It includes 1.2km of shared pedestrian/cycling pathway, reconstruction/ improvement on cycle route 88 and 1.7km of improvements to the path between the new route and flood defences at Selsey.
The council’s project manager, Thomas Collins, said: “The project has been receiving positive feedback from Sustrans as well as from visitors to the RSPB nature reserve. A key aim for the project was to reinforce the ‘sense of place’ in the area, enabling the Manhood Peninsula to become even better known as somewhere with wonderful scenery and impressive wildlife that is readily accessible to visitors.”
Deborah Urquhart, cabinet member for environment, said: “The route’s opening is great news for cyclists, pedestrians and bird watchers. This sustainable transport scheme opens up access to the Medmerry Nature Reserve and provides further links in to the Manhood Peninsula for cyclists and pedestrians.”
Welcoming the new facility, Steve Webster, site manager at the RSPB’S Pagham Harbour and Medmerry Reserves, said: “This route provides opportunities for residents, holiday-makers and visitors to the reserves to get around more easily – taking in the views, getting exercise and of course, seeing the wildlife.”
Carolyn Cobbold, project leader for the Manhood Peninsula Partnership, said: “Linking Pagham to Medmerry with a new cycle path is a great addition to the growing network of cycle routes in Chichester district.
“The peninsula, in particular, is a wonderful place for recreational cycling and the Manhood Peninsula Partnership has been working hard to encourage more cycle paths as part of the coastal area’s valuable tourism product.
“More and more people are discovering our area is a fabulous destination for a holiday and being able to spend a few days walking or cycling in open countryside rather than having to get in a car is a growing attraction.”