A new play area for country park

A new children's play park is to be erected at a busy visitor attraction.
Plessey Woods Country ParkPlessey Woods Country Park
Plessey Woods Country Park

The new facility will be installed at Plessey Woods Country Park early next year as part of Northumberland County Council’s £1m investment in improving facilities in three of its parks.

The £80,000 playground will include a range of state-of-the-art swinging, climbing and spinning equipment, which will be designed in keeping with the woodland setting.

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Work is scheduled to start in February, and the new area will open for the Easter holidays.

The existing play area has been cleared away.

Coun Malcolm Robinson, of the Bedlington West ward, said: “This is great news for the country park and will add a superb attraction for families next spring.

“I am very pleased to see this investment in the Country Park. It is a fantastic place to visit and inevitably, due to its popularity, some of the infrastructure and features have become worn.

“These improvements will give it a great boost.”

The play area forms part of a wider scheme by the council to significantly improve facilities at Druridge Bay, Plessey Woods and Bolam Lake Country Parks, including paths and parking, play areas and enhancements to visitor centres.

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Coun Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for the environment and local services, said: “We are making a significant investment in our parks and are committed to ensuring they remain attractive places to visit and spend time in.”

He added: “Play is such an important part of what our parks have to offer, yet the equipment at Plessey Woods had become worn out and dated. We are sure the new play park, when it opens next year, will prove a big hit with both local children and visitors alike.

“We encourage families to continue to come to the park over the winter, where they can enjoy the natural play opportunities that the woods offer, along with lovely country walks.”

Plessey Woods Country Park offers 100 acres of woodland, meadow and riverside to explore.

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The woodland is home to many birds, such as the great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch and treecreeper, as well as animals including the red squirrel, roe deer and fox.

The banks of the River Blyth are also an important habitat for wildlife, such as kingfishers, dippers and otters.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic riverside walk or take a path deep into the woodland, learning more about the park as you go by following one of the self-guided trails.