Active travel opportunities in the rural areas of Somerset are set to improve significantly as work commences on a new section of the essential Strawberry Line, which will extend towards Wells.

The Strawberry Line, an active travel route, traces the path of the former Somerset and Dorset railway line. It currently runs uninterrupted from Yatton railway station to Station Road in Cheddar. Now, construction has started on a fresh stretch between Wells and Cheddar, set to be accessible to walkers and cyclists by the end of August, with more enhancements planned shortly after.

The name 'Strawberry Line' harks back to its history as part of the Great Western Railway, which famously transported strawberries and dairy products to the markets in London. The strawberries, often referred to as "red gold", were a significant source of income for the communities within the Cheddar valley. However, the line was shut down in 1965 following the notorious Beeching cuts.

Much of the existing Strawberry Line is built along the original track bed. Work started on June 12 to further extend the route towards Ebbor Lane in the neighbouring village of Easton. There are promising prospects for the path to extend even further towards Wells in the foreseeable future.

The new segment, costing around £100,000 and being constructed by Yeovil-based contractors Mark and Kate Golding, will cross Erlon Lane and gently rise beneath the existing A371 bridge. It will then continue along the route of the current public footpath, opening up near Easton Village Hall. This project is funded by a legacy grant from the Mendip District Council in conjunction with Greenways & Cycle Routes.

Following the completion of this segment, efforts will be concentrated on securing the land east of Easton. This area will eventually connect the village to the Haybridge area of Wells and link with the existing parts of the Strawberry Line running in and out of the city.

The Strawberry Line's chairman, Mick Fletcher, has reported ongoing successful negotiations with other landowners between Easton and Wells, raising optimism about the route's expansion.

Another project under active construction is the extension of the path near Dulcote recycling centre. This development follows the completion of the route between Wells and Dulcote Quarry in March 2022. The completion of the new Easton section is predicted to take around eight weeks, weather permitting, meaning walkers and cyclists should be able to use the route by the end of August.

However, the Strawberry Line asks people to refrain from using the existing footpath off Ebbor Lane to ensure public safety and avoid disruptions.

For more information on the Strawberry Line, including how to volunteer, visit www.thestrawberryline.org.uk.