A new footpath is to be opened in an Army training area.

The four-mile walk across Friday Wood in Colchester has been created by the Ministry of Defence.

There is information at the start of the walk which tells walkers about the flora along the route.

The project, a joint initiative with English Nature and Colchester Council, is part of a national campaign by the MoD to allow improved and safe access to its land.

Starting at Bounstead Road car park, the path will eventually include detailed wildlife information along its route.

The footpath will be opened on Friday by the Mayor of Colchester, Mike Hogg, and Lt Col Mike Chambers, commander of Army Training Estates East.

Chico Duncan, range superintendent at Friday Woods said: "The public have been allowed limited access to the area for many years, but the new path takes walkers to some of the most picturesque parts of the training area where an abundance of wildlife and plants can be seen.

"At the same time it takes the public away from the areas most heavily used by troops, so this benefits both the public and the Army."

By Martin Buxton

Reporter's e-mail: martin_buxton@thisisessex.co.uk

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