A new pathway which will allow the public to walk through a former plant nursery and see its varied wildlife has been officially opened.

The Cherry Orchard Nursery at Nonsuch Park had not been used for its original purpose for a number of years and has become an important habitat for birds, plants and insects.

Now the Nonsuch Park joint management committee, which manages the area, has set up a working group to organise the work at the old nursery site.

Councillor David Wood, the committee’s chairman, said: “The joint management committee is delighted that this project has been successfully completed. Our thanks go to the Veolia Environmental Trust who provided the funding for the path and we are also very grateful to Surrey County Council, Nonsuch Watch and the Friends of Nonsuch for their financial support and assistance.

“This site has become an important habitat for a wide range of birds, plants and insects. The path, which will run from Bluegates to a mown path in Nonsuch Park, will allow the public to walk through the area and access the remainder of Nonsuch Park.

“To give everyone the chance to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this quiet corner of Nonsuch Park, no cycling will be allowed and we will request that dogs are kept on a lead. An information board will be provided to raise awareness of the importance of the site for nature conservation.”

The decision was made at the Nonsuch Park joint management committee meeting, which happened on Thursday (January 21).

The executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold, added: “The Trust works to support community and environmental projects across the UK and it is one of our priorities to support schemes to open up public spaces so that they can be enjoyed by people. I hope the new path leads to future enjoyment of Cherry Orchard Nursery.”