PUPILS at a Stalybridge primary school are putting their best foot forward and getting on their bike after a new scheme opened.
Chadwick Dam, which runs on the border of the town and Stalybridge, is the site of the first Bee Network development to be opened.
It includes enhancements to an off-road path for people to enjoy walking and cycling and a new crossing at Mossley Road – improving access to the park and connections between residential areas and Tameside Hospital.
And pupils at neighbouring Silver Springs Primary Academy have been using the new network to make sustainable journeys to and from school, with two events heralding its opening.
Simon the Storyteller read the classic Where The Wild Things Are and made the most of the natural surroundings as he led pupils, who wore masks and hats to celebrate elements of the story, through the park.
Teachers were there to support the event and see how Chadwick Dam can be used for educational activities.
A running event was also held as part of the school’s Sport’s Week, helping children get fit and active in the fresh air.
School Principal Deborah Mason said: “The children loved taking part in these events and exploring the natural environment at Chadwick Dam.
“The new facilities will be of great benefit to the school when holding similar activities and to give families living in the surrounding area the option to cycle or ride to and from school.”
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner, said: “Chadwick Dam is a terrific scheme that will have a huge boost on the local community who will benefit from improved routes to cycle, walk or wheel in such a green, attractive space.
“It’s wonderful that students from Silver Springs Primary Academy are already making the most of the improvements, and I look forward to seeing more people getting out and enjoying what Chadwick Dam has to offer.”
Chadwick Dam has also benefitted from additional planting and new benches to make it a more attractive route and a sensory garden is being created by Ridgehill Big Local Enterprises.
And following consultation, three bat boxes will be installed soon as local knowledge highlighted the area was well used by bat enthusiasts.