Bangor University’s Vice Chancellor opens new section of Wales Coast Path
Local schoolchildren assist Vice-Chancellor in opening the Coastal PathThe latest section of the Wales Coast Path was opened by the Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, Professor John Hughes on Tuesday October 4th at the University’s Treborth Botanic Garden.
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hughes said: “I’m delighted to be able to open the new path, which is available to everyone. It runs in alongside and above the Menai Strait through the garden’s beautiful mixed woodland, which is home to a wealth of wildlife”.
The path follows the route of a historic carriage way which originally conveyed visitors from the Suspension Bridge to a ferry point half way between the two famous bridges from where a boat man rowed passengers to Ynys Gored Goch to enjoy whitebait teas. Today’s visitors no longer have the option of a ferry ride but the new path continues beyond the old ferry point as far as the Britannia Bridge and provides scenic views of the Swellies, the turbulent stretch of current-riven waters surrounding Ynys Gored Goch.
The Coast Path is funded by the Welsh Government, supplemented by European Funding and administered through Gwynedd County Council’s Coastal Access Team. Clearance of invasive rhododendron and cherry laurel in the woodlands at Treborth is partially funded by the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales’ Better Woodlands for Wales scheme and has resulted in improved views of the Strait as well as enhancing the look and wildlife value of Treborth Woodland. The new path includes a section suitable for wheelchair users. Information relating to the history and wildlife of the woodland is provided along the route. Users are requested to respect the peace and tranquillity of the site which is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The wildlife interest is considerable and includes recent sightings of Red Squirrel – consequently all dogs should be kept on a lead through both the Botanic Garden and the Woodland. For safety and enjoyment of pedestrian users cycling is not permitted.
Further path improvements throughout the woodlands at Treborth are underway thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of Bangor University’s students and the Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden.
Publication date: 5 October 2011