Chilswell Community Woodland

A new woodland is born

Residents and schoolchildren turned out on Wednesday (16th January 08) to help plant a new community woodland for South Hinksey.

 

The area is located on a patch of former arable land adjacent to Chilswell path on the south side of the A34, between the golf course and the garden centre. The land, owned by the Parish Council was identified as a possible new woodland resource by the 2005 parish plan.
Oak, ash and other naturally occurring trees and shrubs were planted by residents and pupils from a local school.

Further tree planting sessions were held from 10.30am on Tuesday 22nd and Thursday 24th January

South Hinksey’s Parish Council Chairman, Dr Clive Briffett, promoted the new woodland from its origins in the Parish Plan. He says "this woodland will soon become a haven for a range of wildlife using its varied habitats and we hope that people will come and enjoy it."

The planting scheme was financed by help from the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment, the Forestry Commission and the Doris Field Foundation, without which it would not have been possible to plant.

The layout of the woodland was designed by the Oxfordshire Woodland Project , a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and others. David Rees of the Project says "broadleaved woodland is great for wildlife and as a place for people to unwind. In future, we hope the trees will grow into good timber for construction and firewood and so become a traditional working woodland."