The official opening of the newly built Totland seawall path takes place this coming Sunday (13th September) at 1.45pm. Meet at the Waterfront Bar to join others on the walk to the newly reopened path.
A very grand celebration is planned with live music from FaT Samba and the Brighstone Barnacles.
Not only that but Ian Boyd and his team from Arc Consultants (art ecologists) will telling the story of the Totland landslip which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
So much to see
Helen Wood, who lives in Totland and campaigned for the wall to have pedestrian access reinstated, says,
“The Island team of ecologists and community workers engage with local people about the natural world on their doorstep that’s sometimes overlooked!
“So, at Totland, there will be a beautiful carved bench by the new path, made in oak and etched with images of the fossils you can find all around; there will be an interpretation panel that tells the story of the landslip and captures 35 million years of biodiversity, from prehistoric lake and estuary snails to today’s mining bees and orchids!”
The team will be there on the day to talk about all of this with a fossil hunt and bug-catch and lay out a collection of the things to be found along the path, cliffs and shore nearby.
Great for kids
You can also see the bench being carved on the day. There’ll be early sketches for the information boards and host of other information about the natural heritage of this amazing place.
Helen says,
“This is ideal for children. Listen to the sea shanties from the top and have a potter and meet the art-ecologists! Afterwards at the Longbeach Bar.”
Completed on time and on budget
The path was closed in December 2012, following a large landslide.
Last year the Isle of Wight council executive approved a budget of up to £200,000 to build the new path. The work was carried out by local company Graham Attrill Civil Engineering and on time and on budget.
Cllr Phil Jordan, Executive member responsible for public protection and PFI, said,
“Given the extent of the damage in December 2012, it is credit to all involved that we have managed to reinstate public access to the section of the seawall that suffered the landslip.
“The residents have been very supportive of the council and the works that have taken place and certainly appreciate the efforts made.
“I look forward to the official opening and joining the residents in the first walk along the new path.”
Reopening “most sincerely welcomed”
Helen finished by saying,
“This walk has been sorely missed by the people of Freshwater and Totland and those who visit here. This campaign has been a great example of the way communities and council can work together to get a positive outcome in these financially challenging times.
“It has been a long wait but regaining access to one of the Island’s most beautiful and iconic walks is most sincerely welcomed.”
Five year old Emily Dack, also from Totland, handed in a resident’s petition to get the damaged seawall section open and she will cut the ribbon to officially re-open the path at the event.
Image: © Richard Edney
