Annual report & accounts 2024-25

  1. Introduction
  2. Highlights
  3. Education & training
  4. Monitoring cycling, road safety and connecting people
  5. Access to bikes, cycle parking & storage
  6. Transport Planning & Engineering
    1. About Transport Planning & Engineering
    2. Case study: Dreel Burn Path upgrade, Anstruther, Fife
    3. Map of TP&E project locations
  7. Organisation

Transport, Planning & Engineering

Case study: Dreelside Woods Path upgrade, Anstruther

Footprint East Neuk is a small community group based in the East Neuk of Fife, which aims to conserve and improve woodland spaces and re-connect people with the local natural environment.

One of the group’s main projects centres on improving access to the Dreel Burn, which has been developing into a local wildlife haven. With waterside access limited by steps and blocked by pockets of derelict land, the group sought to make improvements to enable people of all ages and abilities to experience the water course as it approaches and runs through the coastal town of Anstruther.

View of the old steps to the Dreel Burn in Anstruther, Fife.

Footprint East Neuk appointed TP&E to design and manage the project to install a ramp to the waterside, bringing TP&E’s expertise in planning in rural settings and experience of working proactively with landowners, residents and stakeholders.

Among the challenges were rising river tides, unknown ground conditions, and construction of the access ramp on a slender piece of derelict land. Attention also had to be given to local wildlife and potential impact on the water course itself.

Working alongside local stakeholders, TP&E successfully designed a solution fitting for the location and project aims, with construction delivered on time and on budget. The path officially opened over Easter 2025, with a celebration event attended by hundreds of local residents - many accessing the waterside for the first time.

Completed Dreel Burn access path