Greenspace Utilisation Survey, Westmead Open Space, Wiltshire
Westmead Open Space, owned and managed by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, is a protected greenspace on the southern edge of the market town of Chippenham. It lays adjacent to Pewsham housing estate and therefore represents a key resource both for the 4,634 residents, but also to many others in the area. Development of the site have included two significant waves of native tree planting, establishment of a carpark, consolidation of accessible paths, and more recently a sculpture trail. With an additional 7,500 houses planned for Chippenham, a significant proportion of which are to be built in immediately adjacent areas, natural resources such as Westmead will come under increased pressure and scrutiny.
The principle use of Westmead is likely to be dog walkers, with owners arriving principally by car, but also by foot. Through-traffic from cyclists and walkers is also prevalent, as the space straddles the North Wiltshire Rivers Route (part of National Cycle Route 403) and Avon Valley Walk, providing access to nearby Calne and Lacock, and over to Avebury to the East, as well as Bradford-on-Avon, Bath, and Bristol to the West.
The cycle route incorporates a section that run along the old branch line to Calne, although the future of this path appears uncertain due to housing development. The Avon Valley Walk features some attractive stretches along the disused Wilts and Berks canal, currently under restoration by the WBCT.
