A COMMUNITY’S dream to secure the future of a much-loved nature trail has become a reality after two years of hard work.

The community of Marhamchurch, backed by the parish council, has been seeking to raise the huge sum of £25,000 in an effort to secure the purchase the Hele Valley Trail and bring it into public ownership after the site was listed for sale.

The Hele Valley Trail winds its way through 16 acres of beautiful riverside native heritage woodland and well-established broadleaved woodland on the outskirts of the village of Marhamchurch near the North Cornwall coast.

A well-established open space area, it has enjoyed unrestricted permissive access year round for the last 20 years.

However, despite this, there is now concern locally that, should the land be sold, there is no guarantee a new landowner would maintain public access — with the council claiming there has been a history of loss of local paths in similar circumstances in the area.

Despite the need for such a large sum, Marhamchurch Parish Council has today (December 22) announced that the dream has become a reality.

A spokesperson from the council said: “The parish council are thrilled with the successful purchase of The Hele Valley Trail, which has taken over two years of hard work.

“The trail will now remain in public ownership in perpetuity for all to enjoy for future generations. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a success, from fundraising events to individual donations, people sharing our crowdfunding page, and spreading the word.

“We couldn't have done it without the support from the community. A big thanks also to Marhamchurch Parish Councillors who have worked very hard to ensure the parish council were successful. Such a great end to the year and the parish council look forward to organising a celebration event in the New Year.”