Environment Secretary tours Hadleigh Farm Olympic mountain bike venue
Natural beauty - Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman tours Hadleigh Farm with Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for the 2012 Games (left), and visits Major John Warner at the Salvation Army Rare Breeds Centre (right)
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman dropped in at Hadleigh Farm Olympic mountain bike venue to see how it will help make the country park even more attractive to visitors after The 2012 Games.
Mrs Spelman was reviewing the progress of legacy plans developed by Essex County Council, The Salvation Army and Natural England.
She was accompanied by local representatives including Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education and the 2012 Games, Cllr Pam Challis, leader of Castle Point Borough Council, and Major John Warner of The Salvation Army.
They presented her with outline plans showing how the mountain bike course will be integrated into Hadleigh Country Park after the London 2012 Olympic Games. The proposals will provide more opportunities for walking and cycling in the area as well as enhancing the natural environment.
FANTASTIC
Mrs Spelman said: “This course is a great example of how the Olympics will bring benefits way beyond sport. Not only will the site provide a fantastic race track for local people to enjoy but, through the thoughtful way the track has been designed, the area will continue to be a place for wildlife to thrive.
“Long after the Games are over, Hadleigh Farm will continue to bring joy to many people and deliver real improvements for the environment.”
Cllr Castle added: “It was fantastic to be able to demonstrate how we plan to create a lasting legacy for the county, which includes projects to protect and enhance the natural environment around the site.”
Environmental improvements include a grassland project in the Hadleigh Country Park Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as a Higher Level Stewardship application for the area – aimed at delivering significant environmental benefits in priority areas – in the hope of creating a long-term legacy for the natural environment in South Essex.
Mrs Spelman also toured The Salvation Army Rare Breeds Centre to see its importance in conserving of rare breed animals and providing public access and education about food and farming.
For more information about the course and the future plans, visit essexlegacy.org