A new 70-metre-long boardwalk made from recycled plastic has opened at Six Acre Meadow in Tolworth.

The walkway passes through the small greenspace just a short distance from Tolworth station, and was opened on Sunday (July 4) by the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Sushila Abraham.

Six Acre Meadow is considered one of Kingston borough's "oldest hay meadows", running alongside the Hogsmill River, and is home to a raft of key native species including butterflies, hoverflies and bumble bees.

Following the official opening ceremony, Kingston Council (RBK)’s Biodiversity Officer, Elliot Newton provided an overview of the wildlife in the area and together with residents participated in a ‘Balsam Bash’ that helps control the invasive plant species.

Speaking at the event the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Sushila Abraham said:

"I am delighted to officially declare the new Six Acre Meadow boardwalk open.

"The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has demonstrated the important role our local green spaces play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our communities.

"We are so fortunate to have this natural heritage on our doorsteps and the new walkway will ensure this area is accessible to everyone, of all ages, to enjoy now and for years to come."

The new walkway is made from recycled material also known as ‘end-of-life plastic’ as it has reached its recycling limit.

RBK said the 70-metre-long boardwalk diverted "more than 50,000 plastic bottles" from landfill.

“This really is a special location - it’s where Sir John Everett Millais painted the background to his famous piece Ophelia in 1851," the mayor added.

"And as one of the borough’s oldest hay meadows, it’s home to a wealth of exciting biodiversity.

"The new boardwalk forms a circular loop from the wild meadow into the woodland providing the community and local conservation groups with enhanced and safer access to all of this magnificent green space!"