Family cycle ride to mark grand opening of Ifield Mill Pond

Ifield Mill Pond has undergone an 18-month enhancement programme including the construction of new footpaths, boardwalks and restoration of the Ifield Mill - picture submitted by Crawley Borough Council

On Sunday March 20 at 10am Crawley Cycle Club is inviting cyclists to meet at Crawley Library to join the procession to the pond.

The ride will be led by experienced Cyclist Touring Club members and, as long as they are capable of cycling for two hours, children can take part when accompanied by a guardian and wearing a helmet.

Once the cyclists arrive at Ifield Mill Pond they will be able to join in a day of activities, walks and crafts finishing at 2pm.

On offer will be guided nature walks, bird box making, demonstrations by Crawley Model Boat Club and Crawley Angling Society.

The day, being organised by Crawley Borough Council, follows 18 months of work, which has included desilting the ponds, restoring the mill, installing a new dam spillway near Ifield Mill allowing fish, eels and wildfowl safe passage and improved walkways, a 310m boardwalk and cycle paths.

There is a small amount of parking on site, so people are urged to travel there by public transport or walk. The pond is close to bus stops and Ifield Railway Station.

For more information about the cycle ride contact [email protected]