WORK has begun on a new section of national cycleway which will run through the Wyre Forest.
When it is complete, the stretch will be open to walkers and wheelchair users, as well as cyclists. It will also provide new access points into the forest's nature reserves.
National Cycle Network Route 45 will eventually run from Kidderminster and Stourport, through the forest and the Severn Valley to Bridgnorth and beyond.
The development work is being carried out by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.
It involves upgrading just over two kilometres of existing forest path and adding 600 metres of new path up to National Cycle Network standard.
Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council and English Nature are among the organisations supporting the project.
English Nature's area team manager, Rob Williams, said: "We are delighted that our contribution to this project will enable more people to move slowly through the magnificent Wyre Forest and to experience at first hand some of its wildlife delights, such as the pearl bordered fritillary butterfly."
The project is being paid for through sources including the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, the Countryside Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.
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