Skip to main content
Logo icon
Wealden
Conservatives

Main navigation

  • Home
  • About
  • News
  • Events
  • Get Involved
  • Our Priorities
  • Contact
  • Who's Who
Logo icon
Wealden
Conservatives
Ambitious plans to greatly enhance the Cuckoo Trail unveiled by Conservative-run Wealden
Ambitious plans to greatly enhance the Cuckoo Trail unveiled by Conservative-run Wealden
Investing in the Cuckoo

Ambitious plans to greatly enhance the Cuckoo Trail, unveiled by Conservative-run Wealden

  • Tweet
Wednesday, 13 July, 2022
Ambitious plans to greatly enhance the Cuckoo Trail unveiled by Conservative-run Wealden

Plans to enhance the Cuckoo Trail have been agreed by Conservative-run Wealden District Council’s Cabinet committee this morning.

A new three-point strategy has been adopted and outlines a number of exciting proposals for the 11-mile long stretch between Polegate and Heathfield.

Improvements will look to make more of the trail’s railway heritage, develop hubs along the trail, use it as a cycling ‘spine’ route, repair and renew the trail’s infrastructure, target specific groups and activities to make more use of the trial and protect and enhance the route’s existing characteristics.

The Cuckoo Trail – 80 per cent of which is owned by Wealden District Council – is mainly off-road and part of the National Cycle Route 21. It links a number of Wealden’s towns and villages between Heathfield and Polegate and passes through Horam and Hellingly. There is a three mile extension towards Eastbourne via Shinewater Park.

It is used by an estimated 200,000 visitors of all ages each year and users range from children going to school, workers commuting or simply a place for families and friends to take a leisurely stroll or exercise.

Government guidance is encouraging local authorities to get more people walking and cycling for recreation, to improve air quality, mitigate climate change and create desirable places to live and work.

Council officers will now seek external funding through a National Lottery Heritage Fund and use part of Wealden council’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding to deliver the strategy’s priorities.

Councillor Philip Lunn, the council’s portfolio holder for Commercial, Economic Development and Leisure, said, “The Cuckoo Trail is a hugely valuable asset for the district of Wealden providing a green corridor for residents and visitors to move easily, being mainly off-road, between some of the largest towns throughout the south of the district.

“It offers a safe place to exercise, connects people with nature and provides residents with a peaceful and calming environment close to where they live. Furthermore, the trail also continues to support the council in delivering its Corporate Plan objectives, and positively assists businesses by bringing tourists to our district. Connecting communities through the delivery of activities is very important, especially in an area where nature can also flourish. In short, the Cuckoo Trail is one of our most valued assets

“The strategy, evidenced by recent research, sets out a range of exciting opportunities and prospects for improving and promoting the trail, as well as making the most of its heritage – to ensure it continues to be a resource that our residents will be proud of for many years to come.”

Read more about the Trail on the council's website HERE

 

You may also be interested in

Working towards a Greener Wealden and East Sussex

Working towards a Greener Wealden

Our climate is changing as a result of human activity since the industrial revolution.

Cllr Philip Lunn

Philip Lunn

District Councillor for Crowborough South-East
Conservative county councillor for Crowborough South & St. John's
Wealden District Council Cabinet Member for Commercial, Economic Development and Leisure
Deputy Leader of Wealden District Council
President of Crowborough Conservatives

Philip Lunn was first elected to Wealden District Council in 2016. In May 2019 he was elected district councillor for the new Crowborough South-East Ward. He is a Cabinet member, with responsibilities for Community & Public Health.

Hailsam Market

Hailsham & Hellingly Branch

Branch Contact, Secretary - Cllr Richard Grocock Tel 01323 842931   
or the Chairman, Chris Bryant: hailsham@wealdenconservatives.com

Mid Weald Conservatives

Mid-Weald Branch

Mid-Weald Branch includes Blackboys, East Hoathly, Framfield, Horam and Waldron

  • Local News
part of the council’s ongoing efforts to support the transition to low carbon transport and to improve local air quality. ​

Roll-out of EV chargers across Conservative-run Wealden boosted by Government grant

Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

A government grant of almost £157,000 has been allocated to Wealden District Council to continue the roll out of electric vehicle charging points in its car parks.

Show only

  • Articles
  • European News
  • Local News
  • Media
  • National News
  • Speeches in Parliament
  • Westminster News

Join or Renew

Help us take action on local issues and build a better Britain.

accepted-payment-cards

"Exciting opportunities and prospects for improving and promoting the trail, as well as making the most of its heritage."

Cllr Philip Lunn

Philip Lunn

Make more of the trail’s railway heritage, develop hubs along the trail, use it as a cycling ‘spine’ route, repair and renew the trail’s infrastructure.

"A safe place to exercise, connects people with nature and provides residents with a peaceful and calming environment close to where they live." 

Wealden Conservatives

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About Wealden Conservatives
  • Branches and Clubs
  • CPF - Members' Think Tank
  • Donate to Wealden Conservatives
  • Forms for prospective councillors
  • Get a Postal Vote
  • Key Party Contacts
  • Wealden News - members' newsletter
  • Wealden Patrons Club
  • Young Conservatives
Donate nowPromoted by Daphne Bagshawe on behalf of Wealden Constituency Conservatives, all of Woodclyffe, Buxted, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 4JT
Copyright 2023 Wealden Conservatives . All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree