Active Feock
A new opportunity for progress
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The Parish Council are starting to look at a new project to support the physical and mental well being of residents of all ages and how our
natural environment can help. Connectingpeople, coming together, supporting our well being; these have been themes behind recent
projects supported by the Parish Council. The Repair Cafe, new gym equipment in our recreation areas and the appointment of an
Information and Wellbeing Adviser are just three initiatives arising from Community Connect and HAIRE.
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For the later project we received significant European funding and for our new project we have been able to take advantage of the
100% funding offered by the Growth Fund.
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National research has shown that the countryside and the coast are good for our health and wellbeing. In the parish of Feock we are
fortunate to have access to both. The Parish Council has sought to improve our public spaces and help people to enjoy the
facilities in the parish but more remains to be done.
Active Feock is about our wellbeing. It will aim to improve and sustain our physical and mental well being at all ages. We will aim to improve
the public footpath network in the parish together with the cycle path and public spaces. The emphasis will be on safety, relaxation and
providing more opportunities for the enjoyment of our lovely natural environment.
Feasibility Study
In April last year, workshops and focus groups were held to inform the Feasibility Study (a copy of which can be downloaded below), and these together with meetings with those responsible for our health, education and wellbeing will play an important part in determining the priorities for the future.
The feasibility study was completed by Inner Circle Consulting, a Cornish based consultancy appointed by Feock Parish Council funded by the Community Capacity Fund.
The feasibility study can be downloaded here.
Feock Strolls
From the Focus Groups, we have good feedback on what residents would like to see improved in the parish and what would encourage them to get out and about more. We have identified short walks named ‘Feock Strolls’ in different parts of the parish, together with installing new bench seats to act as rest points along these walks. The walks are based on existing pavements and footpaths and include a range of views and landscapes. We now need to start to determine the requirements we should aim for to make the walk routes safer (under foot), enjoyable and interesting and how the experience of using them could be further enhanced with trees, shrubs and flowers.
The first Feock Stroll guided walk was held as part of our fortnightly ‘Walk & Talks’ following one of our new shorter routes on Tuesday 22nd October 2024. The walk started from Devoran. The route was flat and suitable for all abilities. Although short in distance the inclusion of pauses for rests and discussion at points of interest will make it a leisurely paced experience compared to our longer, brisker Feock Trails footpath walks.
If you’d like to meet new people and have some company for a stroll why not go along! Dogs on leads are allowed and the group will walk to the pace of the slowest walker so no one will feel rushed. Details of routes and meeting points are included in our What’s On Monthly Listing and also on our www.myfeock.co.uk website.
Cycle routes
In addition, we are looking at improvements along the national cycle path as it passes through the Parish to make it easier to navigate and secure better links with neighbouring parishes and beyond. Not everything can be done at once; indeed some things may not be possible at all! That is why we need to draw up our priorities.
Dyson’s Field
The Parish Council have been gifted field beside the creek on the Tramway between Devoran and Point
for the public to use. Generously donated by the Dyson family, the field has been planted as a woodland
with space for relaxation. The views across the creek are breath-taking and will make an important break
for walkers and cyclists who use the Tramway for recreation. The woodland has been planted with a range
of species to attract flora and fauna to the area. The species have been selected in collaboration with the
family to provide an educational resource for the future. Seating will be provided for people of all ages.
The field will make an important contribution to the physical and mental wellbeing of all who enjoy the
peace and tranquillity of our countryside.
The feasibility study was approved as the basis for the Active Feock project and actions by the Parish
Council at their September 2024 meeting and the Council is now seeking funding opportunities to take the
project forward.
The overall purpose of the project is to support and enhance the wellbeing of residents.
​The funding for Active Feock has been allocated from Cornwall Council’s Community Capacity Fund. The
Community Capacity Fund is part of the Good Growth Programme, which is delivering the UK Shared
Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
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