Speen Moors Path Improvement Works

Published: 09 April 2025

West Berkshire Council's improvement works to the Speen Moors public footpath are due to begin on Monday 14 April 2025. This project will significantly enhance accessibility along the route and contribute to a more inclusive and enjoyable walking experience in the area.

Key highlights:

• Scope of Works: The path will be upgraded to a 1.5-metre width using a MOT Type 1, heavy-rolled with a granite dust finish – which has proven to be both hard-wearing and visually appropriate for rural settings.
• Start of Works: Site setup will begin with the installation of a welfare unit and equipment in Speen Church car park, thanks to the kind agreement of Speen Church.
• Landowner Support: West Berkshire Council are particularly grateful to Sir Richard Sutton Estates for allowing improvements to extend from the church car park to the formal Speen Moors path (SPEE/3/1). This vital link enhances local connectivity and supports the Lambourn Valley Way as a key walking corridor.
• Environmental Enhancements: Vegetation clearance was completed by Morton:Pattison last year, and additional funding is expected for biodiversity, habitat, and environmental enhancements over the coming years. An Environmental Action Plan has been commissioned and will be available shortly.
• Community Benefits: West Berkshire Council are also exploring the addition of seating to support families and less mobile users, and hope to refresh interpretation boards where needed.

This project represents a real step forward in improving access to green space around Newbury.

West Berkshire Council will of course provide further updates as the project progresses. If you have any feedback once the works have been completed, please do let us know so that we can pass this on to West Berkshire Council.