New Footpath to Connect Primrose Community Nature Reserve with Clitheroe Town Centre

The Trustees of Primrose Community Nature Trust (PCNT) are pleased to announce that work is underway on a new footpath that will create a direct, traffic-free walking connection between Primrose Nature Reserve and the centre of Clitheroe.

The project has been funded by a grant from Ribble Valley Borough Council. Preparatory surveys and studies have been completed over recent weeks, with a planning submission expected in April.

The new route

The path will connect to Greenacre Street via the Woone Lane back street, running along the boundary of St James' CE Primary School before linking with the existing path at the flat bridge within the reserve. The result will be a fully pedestrian route from the heart of Clitheroe to the reserve — and back — with no need to use a road.

Active travel and community wellbeing

The Trust sees this as a meaningful contribution to active travel in the borough. The route will offer a pleasant, car-free alternative for residents wanting to access green space, and will reinforce the well-documented mental health and wellbeing benefits that the reserve already provides to the local community.

A partnership with St James' CE Primary School

Central to the scheme is an agreement with St James' CE Primary School. Without the school's co-operation, the route would not have been possible, and the trustees are deeply grateful to the headteacher and governors for their support. As part of the arrangement, the school will gain direct access to the reserve for Forest School sessions and environmental education — a welcome addition to the school's existing provision.

The Trust also thanks Beck Development for agreeing to allow part of the pathway to cross their land.

Richard Stephenson, Chair of Trustees, said:

"Primrose Nature Reserve belongs to this community, and this path is about making sure as many people as possible can enjoy it. We want families, schoolchildren, dog walkers, and anyone who simply wants a green route into town to feel that the reserve is truly accessible to them. Biodiversity thrives when communities are invested in their natural spaces — and the closer we bring people to the reserve, the more they'll want to protect and celebrate what's there."

For media enquiries, please contact: contactus@primrosecommunitynaturetrust.org