A new fully accessible path from National Star College to Crickley Hill Country Park is the final piece in the jigsaw to help connect people to nature on their doorstep.

The public path, which is suitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, has been constructed on the perimeter of National Star College and runs alongside the campus, connecting the Cotswold Way to Crickley Hill Country Park.

Funding for the Connecting Parishes Project came from an idea at a Gloucestershire Local Access Forum meeting. The forum participants sought funding from National Highways to improve paths and the path network in and around the Missing Link on the A417.

The first bid for designated funds from National Highways funded a feasibility study of improving accessibility and connectivity for several schemes in parishes affected by the A417 Missing Link works. Its aim was to connect people from the urban area to the Cotswold Way and the Cotswolds path network.

Eighteen projects came out of this scheme. Improvements were made to surfaces, drainage, signage and the removal of barriers like stiles and narrow gates. Working with landowners, partners such as Cotswold National Landscape, Cotswold Voluntary Wardens, contractors and other bodies, the schemes took two years to deliver.

The final scheme was the new path link at National Star College. Its aim was to offer a fully accessible path for public and students alike to connect from Ullenwood Manor Road and the Cotswold Way through to a new crossing point to Crickley Hill Country Park.

Before the new path, students relying on wheelchairs could not access Crickley Hill Country Park without being transported by minibus, as the path running alongside the road was too narrow for them to use.

Now students are excited at the prospect of enjoying picnics on the hill and exploring areas of the countryside near college which they have been unable to visit independently.

Elaine Hodgin, sustainability lead at National Star, said: "Students at National Star are passionate about biodiversity and getting close to nature. This new path will enable them to do just that and to play a part in conserving their local landscape at the same time."

In the autumn, students will work alongside community volunteers to plant saplings along the perimeter of the new path, helping the county to achieve its target of 20% of woodland cover by 2030.

Cllr Joe Harris, cabinet member for highways maintenance at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are grateful to National Star for permitting this scheme and enabling the delivery of 680 metres of path. Thanks also to the other landowners and partners and volunteers for helping to deliver these projects."