A POPULAR beauty spot near Bardon Mill has finally re-opened for the summer – but only parts of it – after it was ravaged by extreme weather eight months ago.

The picturesque Victorian wilderness garden at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge suffered landslips, river bank and footpath erosion, as Storm Desmond struck last December.

The bad weather continued into January, when the site’s iconic wobbly bridge was wiped out, just a year after it had been re-built at a cost of £100,000.

Volunteers have been working alongside National Trust rangers to repair damaged footpaths, making them safe for public use.

While some areas are still out of bounds – the main path along the west side of the River Allen is still closed – visitors can now access areas of the woodland via diverted routes, with options to go via the east side of the river into Morralee Woods, or continue downstream to Plankey Mill and into Staward Gorge.

National Park ranger Chris Johnson thanked the Catholic Trust and its tenant, for allowing access into the woods via neighbouring land, as well as the efforts of volunteers.

He said: “It’s great news that we’re able to re-open sections of Allen Banks for the summer.”

A 300-metre landslide destabilised all three of the paths on the west side of the river and destroyed the east riverside path.

The landslip through Walks Wood is so severe that this area of the site remains closed, as well as areas in Morralee Woods which were damaged by rock falls and erosion.

Mr Johnson said that future public access to some areas, including the Victorian summer house which was recreated in 2003, was still uncertain.

He added: “In order to fully understand what has happened on the site, a geophysical assessment of the area is being carried out.

“We are also working with engineers so that we can make an informed decision as to the future access options in Allen Banks.”

There are currently no plans to re-build the wobbly bridge. The suspension bridge was mangled in the storm, with damage caused to its original stone abutments.

During the site’s closure, rangers have spotted plenty of wildlife including deer, red squirrels, otters, and an array of woodland birds.

To volunteer or make a donation towards the work at Allen Banks, contact Aerian Rogers by e-mailing aerian.rogers@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone (0191) 255 8638.