A new wellbeing area to enable those in wheelchairs and buggies to enjoy a popular beauty spot is nearly complete.

The ground works for a new wellbeing area at Allington Hill have now been completed.

The site is accessed by the main gate in Hospital Lane and a special all-weather surface has been laid to allow easy access for wheelchairs, motorised buggies and pushchairs to an area on the edge of the woodland. Over the coming weeks the area will be furnished with work bench and seating specially designed for people who would normally not be able to access such an area.

Cathy Harvey of Allington Hill, Cooper’s Wood and Field Community Group, said: “It has been two years in the planning and right from the start we have liaised with many different local agencies and community groups, especially Pam Goddard, who is based at Bridport Hospital as a support time recovery worker, Emma Burt and Kathy Kelly, who both run forest school projects, and Neil Barnes, local campaigner for improving wheelchair access. All their advice has been invaluable as we hope to make the area as accessible as possible for many different groups within the community.

“The volunteer group also, throughout the winter months, revamped the forest school area, locally known as Cooper’s Circle, set within Cooper’s Wood and were helped by Sir John Colfox Academy students, volunteers taking part in an experience day held by Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Toby Hoad with his logging horses.

“For both projects we must thank those that had the vision to support us.”

The group would like to thank Dorset Council, Dorset Community Impact Fund, Stepping into Nature, West Bay Car Boot Fund, Allington Parish Council and the National Lottery. The group also received money from Co-op Community Fund and private donations to help set up activity events once more restrictions have been lifted.

For more information on Cooper’s Circle or the new wellbeing area, contact allingtonhill@gmail.com