A SOUTH of Scotland-based environmental charity is seeking the views of local people on a new major walking and cycle route that would pass through Annandale.
Tweed Forum are proposing to upgrade and connect existing paths across the south to create a 100- mile source-to-sea trail running from the Moffat hills, through the Borders and and on to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The £20 million ‘Destination Tweed’ project would be funded by the Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Borders Council, Sustrans and NatureScot – and is estimated take six years to complete.
The charity has spent recent months discussing plans with land owners along the planned route to discuss preferred options.
And the next phase of the consultation is looking to gauge how local residents and communities feel about the proposal.
A survey on Tweed Forum’s website is already gathering views and input. Furthermore, the organisation is hosting a series of focus groups and presentations which will aim to gain an in-depth understanding of the opinions of those who live in the area.
Commenting, project manager Luke Fisher said: “The support of local communities and stakeholders is vital to the success of the Destination Tweed project, so we hope that residents will en- gage with us to share their unique views and insights.
“Their assistance and support will help us to create a truly great long-distance trail that the whole community can be both proud of and involved with, and which will help to reinvigorate the local economy, protect and enhance the river environment, satisfy the demand for outdoor recreation and be an exemplar for responsible, low carbon tourism.”
Visit www.tweedforum.org to give your views and find out more.
