New Thames path opens

They can enjoy donkey rides, bee keeping, sheep shearing or watch baby lambs and goats at the Surrey Docks Farm.

Funded by Rotherhithe Community Council through Southwark Council's Cleaner Greener Safer scheme, the new gates provide a north-south wheelchair accessible footpath link in the Thames path between the north-east and south-east corners of Surrey Docks Farms. This shortens the route for people walking or cycling the path and enables them to keep to the river to avoid a long diversion via Rotherhithe.

The gates have been designed by local artist Heather Burrell.

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council said: "The new path is a good opportunity for those with varied mobility as well as physically able pedestrians and cyclists, to walk down the river and enjoy the farm.

"I am delighted that the Cleaner Greener Safer funds will provide some enjoyment to local people and Londoners."

The Surrey Docks Farm is a popular destination for local people and attracts visitors from across much of London, particularly families, and has a variety of attractions in addition to the farm animals and plants, such as a working forge, farm shop and café. It is bounded by the River Thames to the east, with views towards the tall commercial centre of Canary Wharf, which provide a dramatic contrast with the small-scale urban farm.

For further information contact Vigno Hounkanli, Southwark Council press office, 020 7525 0092.

Further information

The Thames Path is a National Trail footpath running for 180 miles along the banks of the river Thames. Starting at the Thames Flood Barrier at Woolwich in South East London it runs along the banks of the Thames to Kemble in Gloucestershire.