Delights to come at the ‘Dell’.

Work to replace a public aerial walkway at the Great Dell in Royal Victoria Park – opening up some breath-taking, tree-top views – has begun.

Walkway under construction. Click on image to enlarge.

The restoration is being carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The walkway was built 20 years ago, but some parts had fallen into disrepair, limiting public access.

A former stone quarry, the Great Dell was designed by influential landscape designer William Beckford and planted out in the 1840s with a collection of unusual and specimen trees, including large north American conifers.

Councillor Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This project will once again allow full access to the Dell, with its breath-taking views. This is part of our plans to help restore the original vision for the site as an important local arboretum.”

Work is expected to take two months and some areas will need to be closed during this period. Members of the public are asked not to enter fenced areas and to follow any advice from the Council’s contractors to stay safe.