Enfield residents are now able to walk underneath Rendlesham Viaduct for the first time in decades, reports James Cracknell

The new footpath provides public access to Rendlesham Viaduct for the first time in decades

A series of new footpaths have been opened as part of a tree-planting project in Enfield – including one underneath a historic viaduct.

Around 150,000 trees have been planted across a wide area of the Green Belt in the north-west of the borough over the past five years, as part of Enfield Council’s award-winning Enfield Chase Woodland Restoration Project, and now a number of footpaths have also been installed to help improve access and connect the woodland to public transport routes.

One of the new footpaths provides access underneath Rendlesham Viaduct, affectionately known as ‘Fourteen Arches’ to Enfield natives of a certain age. The bridge carries the Hertford Loop Line between Gordon Hill and Crews Hill stations, with the footpath connecting the newly-planted woodland with both Hilly Fields Park and Lavender Hill Cemetery.

The viaduct had previously remained hidden and inaccessible to the public for decades. But now the footpath, installed with help from Network Rail, also offers a new, shorter route for the orbital London Loop and provides a link to Gordon Hill Station.

Another footpath has been installed through Botany Bay Farm, connecting the existing woodland path to the 313 bus route along The Ridgeway, as well as providing a newly-created mini play area and picnic site.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the road at Botany Bay, a third new path winds through some fields, past a small nature enclosure, and connects back to the existing footpath at Rectory Farm.

All in all it means walkers, runners and cyclists can now enjoy a circular three-mile route through both old and new woodland, starting and finishing either at Botany Bay with its connection to the 313 bus route, or at the viaduct, with its connection back to Gordon Hill Station.

Money for the footpaths was provided by City Hall, as part of a £500,000 grant to improve accessibility across the Enfield Chase Woodland Restoration Project.

Mick and Vicki Keeble of Botany Bay Farm welcomed pupils from Brettenham Primary School to an official opening event for their new footpath on Wednesday (22nd) with the children also helping to plant some bulbs, shrubs and tree saplings.

Mick said: “The area incorporates a natural play area for children and picnic benches adjacent to the farm shop and enjoys far-reaching view towards London.

“A series of new ponds have been created to aid flood risk management and attract wildlife.”

The new footpath through Botany Bay Farm

John Cole, chair of the Friends of Enfield Chase voluntary group which has helped to plant thousands of trees as part of the woodland project, said: “Enfield Council has completed a major milestone on the Enfield Chase, opening up 50 hectares of new publicly accessible land and creating vital links between Crews Hill, Gordon Hill, Hilly Fields, Botany Bay and the Lee Valley.

“We are particularly happy about the reopening of the Rendlesham Viaduct after many years. This expansion of the ‘eastern gateway’ strengthens local communities, enhances biodiversity, and makes it easier than ever for residents to enjoy nature on their doorstep.

“Here’s to 7,500 saplings to be planted this year and more volunteering hours by the Friends of Enfield Chase each Tuesday.”

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.