St Erth’s Riverside Transformation: See the Stunning Changes for Yourself!

Major Regeneration Project Completed on Time and Within Budget

The St Erth Riverside Regeneration & Community Access Project has officially been completed, bringing significant improvements to local green spaces and making the area safer and more accessible for the community. The project, which was delivered on time and within budget, has reinforced the River Hayle bank, enhanced walking routes, and opened up a brand-new Nature Park.

Safer Footpaths and Strengthened Riverbank

One of the key focuses of the project was stabilising the River Hayle bank between St Erth Bridge and Green Lane Bridge. Erosion had been threatening the permissive footpath, but using natural green bank repair techniques, the riverbank has been reinforced and sections of the path widened to improve safety for all users.

To encourage responsible use and prevent further erosion, new signage and protective measures have been installed. The improvements aim to preserve the footpath as a vital community asset for years to come.

Support for the project came from Forest for Cornwall, which provided tree whips, tree protections, mulch mats, and temporary fencing to help stabilise the newly repaired green banks.

Extra Funding Boosts Environmental Enhancements

An additional grant from the Environment Agency, provided through the Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF) to the Westcountry Rivers Trust, has enabled further improvements to the riverbank. This funding supported work on an additional section that required a special permit and will also fund the installation of steps at two dog access points and over the embankment into the Nature Park, making it easier and safer for all visitors.

Brand-New Nature Park Now Open

One of the most exciting parts of the project is the transformation of overgrown scrubland at the end of Battery Mill play park into a new Nature Park. A 600m route has been cleared, with 215m of accessible pathways installed, ensuring that everyone—including wheelchair users and parents with prams—can enjoy the natural space.

The park has been designed to encourage wildlife, with bird and bat boxes installed, and visitors can take in the surroundings from newly placed benches.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

This project has been a huge community effort, with volunteers stepping up to help with tree planting, scrub maintenance, and even learning new skills as River Wardens to help maintain the green bank repairs for the future.

Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and the Parish Council is already looking ahead to further improvements, including:

• Landscaping the extended space between the mini skate ramp and the Nature Park.
• Installing a new basketball hoop and base.
• Planting wildflowers in the spring.
• Exploring the creation of a pond and bird hide at the far end of the Nature Park to further enrich the area.

Have Your Say – Community Survey Coming Soon

As part of the final evaluation, a post-completion survey will be launched soon to gather feedback on the improvements. This will be similar to the survey sent out in September, assessing how safe and accessible the riverbank footpath and Nature Park feel now that the work is complete. Keep an eye out for the link to have your say!

The St Erth Riverside Regeneration & Community Access Project has not only transformed the area but has also strengthened community ownership and environmental responsibility. With continued volunteer involvement and future enhancements on the horizon, this space is set to thrive as a cherished local asset for years to come.