A group of volunteers are nearing the end of a four-year project to transform one of Falmouth’s coastal paths – which has included widening it.
The Boscawen Fields Group began with placing a new seat with a parking space for wheelchairs and pushchairs, along with a wildflower area approximately halfway along the footpath, helped by a generous donation from the Lifestory Group.
The group then worked with the local Countryside Ranger to keep pushing for the widening of the whole footpath, to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.
This work was finally completed late last year, and saw the narrow step section near Gyllyngvase Beach by-passed.
The group said: “This had prevented a lot of users from accessing the whole footpath. Sections that had been previously muddy dips were filled and a new surface provided.”
Due to the steep slope at the Swanpool beach end, a turning space or viewing platform has also been created, above edged-in sleepers.
Volunteers then arranged to plant more than 80 whip saplings, complete with tree guards provided by Cormac and others connected with Falmouth Town Council, to re-establish a new bank for wildlife.
During many sessions, the group planted more than 2,000 daffodil bulbs, wildflower seed bombs and packets of mixed seeds to attract pollinators.
The group added: “Some of the daffodils, despite being planted late, have already popped into flower but next spring it is anticipated this area will be a riot of colour.
“Even at this stage of works, the group's volunteers have received many plaudits from coastal path users.”
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All this work was achieved with donations from Trago Mills’ Falmouth manager Craig and the garden department managed by Jeff; Ron and Adrian Scamp who support many local causes with daffodil bulbs; and Watson Marlow for a “very generous amount” of wildflower seed bombs.
Members are arranging for two further seats to be installed, thanks to a donation from Falmouth Bay Residents Association.
Boscawen Fields Group meets the first Saturday of every month, with around 12 to 14 volunteers who turn out in all weathers to work around the Boscawen Fields area.
Anyone who can spare a couple of hours once a month to litter pick, weed or prune the area would be welcomed. There is a noticeboard in Boscawen Road that gives details of meeting dates.
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