River Findhorn based volunteers from Riverview Park Residents Association are clearing a once popular path for residents and visitors

Volunteers at a local caravan park have cleared an overgrown path to open up a riverside walk for residents and visitors.

Paul Corrin, John Petch, Tom Patterson, James Birse and Bill Gray from Riverview Park Residents Association (RPRA) have spent every Thursday afternoon for the last few months carrying out the work near the River Findhorn following a request from fellow member, Dianne Hill.

RPRA spokeswoman Janet Reid confirmed they have made a “big difference”.

She said: “It’s now a relatively easy walk which gives anglers better access to the river and walkers an off-road path for dogs and children. You can spot wildlife including salmon, heron, osprey and even otters on a good day.

“Two lads were down here recently who said they hadn’t used it in years. There’s a sign on it for Forres Footpaths Trust. It’ll become a popular walk again now it’s cleared!”

RPRA was set up in 2004 to foster good public relations and encourage social activities in the community. It can also act as a pressure group for issues that may affect residents. Residents are welcome to association meetings at the start of each month by invitation or request. The group produces a monthly newsletter focused on life in the park, featuring current issues and upcoming events, as well as advertising local trades and services.

Resident volunteers carry out small jobs like weeding, pruning trees, planting flowers, etc around the site. They also help elderly and less able residents with repairs, gardening and other activities.

“The pathways project was started by Dianne,” explained Janet. “She was out for a walk but had to turn back because it was so overgrown. She asked the residents association if we could do something about it.

“There have been varying numbers of helpers but a hardcore of four have done the majority of the work, despite them being in their 70's!

“They use mainly hand tools but have strimmers, a chainsaw and a brush cutter for the difficult bits.”

Volunteer Paul Corrin confirmed the work party is around a quarter of the way through the job.

He said: “We’re widening and levelling the path to make it safer to walk and cycle on. We would like to make it accessible for all. We’re also cutting a lot of overgrowth back.

“The route stretches along to the Findhorn Bridge - it’s always existed but had fallen out of use.

“It’s needed more than ever now as the Mundole road has become so busy that’s it’s no longer safe to walk along, especially when walking a dog or young children. The path offers a more scenic way!”

For more information visit https://www.riverview-park-residents-assoc.com/ and https://www.forresfootpathstrust.org.uk/