Aberdeenshire Council has announced the next phase of improvement works at the Huntly Meadows woodland path network is to get underway, with completion expected by the end of March.

An important core path route within the town, the woodland path is used by both residents and visitors alike to access a range of community facilities.

Latest works will involve the installation of three recycled plastic pedestrian bridges to match those installed last year and the replacement of existing steps opposite Rowan Avenue and the eastern end of Riverside Drive with new timber railway sleepers set on foundation pads.

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Material will be introduced to regrade the slope and make them more accessible with less height on the risings, while new post and rail fences will be installed adjacent to the top footpaths to avoid further damage to the slope.

Aberdeenshire North Outdoor Access Officer Bridget Freeman explains: "The improvement of this asset will safeguard the long-term sustainability of the route and ensure the objectives of the core path plan are met. The works will be undertaken internally by Aberdeenshire Council’s construction team with completion anticipated by the end of March."

Meanwhile, the council is seeking tenders for additional tree-clearing operations to remove a small area of storm-damaged woodland to the south of Rowan Avenue.

The woodland which has been successfully cleared to-date by north-east horse loggers Simon and Danny Lenihan will be replanted as part of a community event with the Marr Countryside Ranger in early April.