This lively community group has had a very busy first year, which saw the acquisition of a six-acre woodland just a few minutes’ walk from Fordingbridge High Street. Local residents, people with specialist skills and many other individuals with a keen interest in restoring and conserving woodlands have volunteered to join the new Woodland Group.
A Board of Trustees has been formed by Fordingbridge Greener Living, and the Woodland project group meets regularly at the George pub in Fordingbridge. The future of the woodlands is decided by the whole group, making it a genuine local community effort. Fordingbridge Greener Living is waiting to be confirmed as an official charity and will be appealing for donations and applying for substantial grant funding.
Its aim is to create an accessible community woodland which is rich in plants, animals and birds and to be a place for peaceful contemplation. The plan is to restore the woodland, which has been neglected for decades, and make it accessible to the wider community in 2027.
The programme of work includes limited tree planting, felling of dead and dangerous trees, and enhancing the indigenous flora and fauna. Work parties have already started to plant new trees and hedges and remove invasive species of plants.
A Project Manager for the Woodland Group will reach out to local schools and Fordingbridge residents and invite everyone to help with and participate in the restoration of what is set to become a beautiful local asset.
So, happy birthday to the Woodland Group and here’s to another very busy year!
If you’d like to volunteer to help with the restoration please contact fordingbridgegreenerliving@gmail.com
