Victoria Gardens were once surrounded with low metal railings. These could be easily stepped over, so I'm not sure if this well-trodden path between the University and Church Street predates their removal or not. While still there they at least gave out a subliminal message to respect the grass. This may have helped but now the scarring only disappears in the most favourable of growing conditions. The cold and lack of rain certainly seem to be hindering recovery at the moment.
It would be a shame to lose any of the grass to permanent paving, and the consequent diagonal bisection of the Garden would not be attractive. Perhaps the solution should be aimed at making it less energy efficient for walkers to choose the direct route. This would spread out the footfall and in damp conditions even persuade some to follow the perimeter paving. This might be achieved by positioning narrow shrub beds for several yards along the edges of the garden at Church Street and the University, and a strategically place bed or landscaped mound near the centre of the garden.
I think the well trodden path appeared before the railings disappeared. At least this mud path has a nice meandering curve to it. I expect a proper path would have to go straight across at an unattractive angle.
ReplyDeleteThe low level railings were removed in December 1999 to prevent accidental trips in the dark during the Millennium Celebrations. They were stored for reinstalling after the 2nd Millennium Celebrations in 2000 preparing to enter the year 2001.
ReplyDeleteIt was then found that the railings were too corroded for reinstalling after so many years of being anchored in the ground. The expense of purchasing new replacements was extreme and many thought that the openness without restrictive railings was an improvement.
I was the organiser of the medical providers and therefore on the Safety Advisory Group (SAG). I asked about the reinstatement of the railings at a SAG meeting after the 2000/2001 Millennial celebrations and the above was the reply from the Council.