Final section of the Trent Vale Trail now open!

More than £700,000 has been raised by the Charity to deliver the 15-mile trail, linking Newark to the rural villages of Winthorpe, Collingham, Besthorpe, Girton, and South Clifton. This was achieved over several years, with grants awarded by various funders.

The project’s focus was to enhance access to work, social, and leisure opportunities for residents by connecting rural communities through a safe, and environmentally sustainable active travel route. Upon completion of the project, local rural villages are better connected, supporting healthy lifestyles through active transport, and helping to address social isolation.

A total of 12 local volunteers of the FoTVT led the project working to raise the money to develop the trail for the benefit of local communities. This includes working with landowners and key partners such as the Newark Sustrans Volunteers, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Gusto Homes, Girton Sailing Club, local councils, and other local community groups and organisations.

Newark and Sherwood District Council awarded £287,000 in funding for this project through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), as well as the Newark and Sherwood Community Grant Scheme across recent years. In addition, The Garfield Weston Foundation provided grant funding for construction of the final section.

The trail is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, including walkers, cyclists, equestrians, and users of mobility aids.

The latest phase of works includes: surface upgrades to more than 2,400 square metres of trail to ensure accessibility for all users; diversions and extensions of public footpaths to complete the route; and the installation of fencing and gates to accommodate landowner requirements and ensure safe passage.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are pleased to support the Friends of Trent Vale Trail in completing this fantastic project through UK Government funding. The trail not only promotes active travel and wellbeing but also strengthens the social and economic fabric of our rural communities through improved connectivity. This investment reflects our commitment to sustainable economic development and inclusive access for all.”

The Trent Vale Trail has already become a valued amenity for over 50,000 residents in the Newark and Collingham ward, with usage expected to grow significantly following the completion of this final section. The project also aims to support the local economy by increasing footfall and encouraging eco-tourism in the area.

Friends of Trent Vale Trail, a registered charity entirely led by volunteers, has been instrumental in delivering the trail. Their dedication has ensured that the route remains free to use and environmentally sensitive, with surfaces chosen to minimise ecological impact while maximising accessibility.

John Ford of Friends of Trent Vale Trail said: “The FoTVT trustees and volunteers are excited that our vision of safe active travel between Newark and South Clifton has been delivered. The group have worked hard to secure the funding to complete the Trent Vale Trail.

“The FoTVT team includes walking, cycling and horse-riding expertise and they have worked hard to make the trail accessible to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. The support and funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council was vital to construct the final section through Spalford to South Clifton. We expect this to be a lasting legacy for communities along the East Trent for many years to come.

“This was achieved through volunteers and 100% of the grants received were used to construct the trail and install fencing and gates. We have also received support from TFM Country Store, Thorpe-on-the-Hill who provided all fencing materials.”

Take a look at the Trent Vale Trail map (PDF File, 196kb) for the full route.

For more information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council website: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/spf/. Applications are currently open until 16 July for a further round of funding opportunities.