Park hits new heights with climbing feature

A Northumberland country park is scaling up its visitor experience with a new outdoor climbing feature.

Plessey Woods Country Park has unveiled three purpose-built climbing boulders, marking the first attraction of its kind in the county.

The structures, each around ten feet high, have been designed to cater for a range of abilities, with a rubberised safety surface and clear signage in place. 

A smaller, child-friendly boulder has also been installed next to the existing play area.

Councillor John Riddle, cabinet member for environment, farming and rural at Northumberland County Council, said: “Our parks and green spaces are among our most popular attractions, and this is a great new addition for this wonderful area, alongside our refurbished and improved visitor centre and toilet facilities. 

“We know how important sites like Plessey Woods are for people’s health and wellbeing and we look forward to this great new feature being well used over the coming months and years.” 

Funded through a mix of council investment, developer contributions and local support, the addition forms part of wider improvements to the park.

Upgrades to the visitor centre are also nearing completion, including an expanded café, modernised kitchen and new facilities.

The new attraction has already attracted strong early interest, with local groups booking sessions as the park continues to enhance its appeal.

Councillor Malcolm Robinson of Bedlington West County added: “I would like to thank the County Council for agreeing these proposals and devoting time and money to these upgrades.   

“This bouldering project is one I’ve been keen to support through funding for some time and it’s good to see it now complete and open.   

“This along with the soon to be renovated café will give more people even more reasons to visit our park and spend time in this fantastic woodland setting.    

“Once the new drainage is in and the grass re-laid alongside this it will be a very popular area within the park.”  

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