This stretch of pathway has been the location of lots of work in recent months. The unsafe bridge was replaced last year, as part of Discover Brightwater's £4 million programme, funded by people who play the National Lottery. Since then Durham Wildlife Trust volunteers have been clearing overgrown hedges and damaged trees to improve access along the pathway.

The team has created dead hedges – barriers made from piles of branches and twigs – along the length of the walkway. Dead hedges put otherwise waste materials to good use and are perfect places for small mammals and birds to shelter from weather or predators, as well offering good habitat for insects. The rewards of this work can already be seen, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife in the area.

A walk along this bridleway, situated on the edge of the River Skerne, leads to Bishop Middleham pond, where work is ongoing to restore the dried up wetland. We hope to see the pond begin to refill over the coming months and for this once-thriving wetland habitat to be restored to its former glory.