The friends of Tregoniggie Wood say they are delighted that, after six years of uncertainty, a controversial plan to build a cycleway through the site has been withdrawn by Cornwall Council.

“This is a huge success for all the people who enjoy the peace and tranquility of this much-loved woodland” said Euan McPhee, Chair of the Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland. “The proposed cycleway would have brought cyclists and pedestrians into direct conflict. Having campaigned long and hard against this proposal, it is encouraging to see that common sense has prevailed”

Tregoniggie Woodland, a haven of peace and home to a wide array of wildlife, is a key public open space and conservation area where local people walk and exercise their dogs.

Originally laid out by visionary local landscape gardener Don Hoyle, Tregoniggie Woodland is currently owned by Cornwall Council.

It is also a key component of the recently recognised Falmouth Green Corridor, linking natural areas between Bickland Water Road and Swanpool.

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The Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland, who have been working tirelessly in the woodland for the last seven years, have managed to bring much of the woodland back into good shape by carrying out many of the improvements that Cornwall Council have been unable to do due to funding cuts.

Recent work in the woodland under the Making Space for Nature project has led to the creation of new native wildflower meadows and native flowering bulb planting, some of which would have been damaged by the construction of the proposed cycleway.

“There is an alternative route for the cycleway which would still fulfil the necessary connection between existing routes from Bickland Water Road to Shelburne Road, and on to Swanpool by going along Conway Road and Venton Road.” Euan went on to say. “Even the Falmouth & Penryn Cycling Campaign recognised that the proposed cycleway did not best serve the interests of cyclists

"Whilst central Government has recognised the need for better provision for both cyclists and pedestrians, setting walkers and cyclists in conflict with each other serves the needs of neither group."

Since lockdown in March, the footfall in Tregoniggie Woodland has increased significantly. Commented Euan “With all the new housing developments going in near the woodland, that footfall will grow even more.”

The Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland says it would like to thank Falmouth Town Council and the local town and Cornwall Councillors, especially David Saunby, for their support in getting this plan rejected.