Forest chiefs are looking to flower power to help provide a new woodland with a splash of colour next spring.
Rangers are bidding to plant over 2,000 bulbs, including daffodils, snowdrops and bluebells, at the 165 acre Thurnscoe Community Woodland.
And now they want local people to lend a hand, with two drop in sessions being staged on 23 and 25 October, from 11am to 3pm, meeting at the woodland car park off Barrowfield Road, Thurnscoe.
There’ll also be children’s crafts, guided walks and chance to make bird feeders, all free of charge. There are also thousands of packets of native wildflower seeds being given away for people to plant in their own gardens. And you can even have your say on the future of the new wood!
The woodland, being nurtured at the former Hickleton colliery site, is owned by the Land Restoration Trust (LRT) and managed by the Forestry Commission’s South Yorkshire Community Rangers. Over 100,000 trees and shrubs have been planted and a four mile network of paths created along with wildlife habitats.
Ranger Louise Newell said:
"This is the perfect opportunity for people to make their mark, find out more about the woodland and have a great time in the fresh air. Together with the LRT, we are also keen to get feedback on what kind of facilities people want to see developed in the woodland. They’ll be chance at both sessions to make your views known and quiz rangers."
Louise recently took up her Thurnscoe role, fresh from a similar job in Glasgow. The 24 year-old is a keen photographer and is making a pictorial record of the landscape’s transformation. She added:
"The wood is well established and already providing havens for wildlife and a wonderful place for people to exercise."
Euan Hall, Chief Executive of the LRT commented:
"The woodland at Thurnscoe is, as its name suggests, an amenity for the community. Now the LRT have ownership its long-term future is secure and the rangers are working hard to ensure that the community can make the most of their woodland."
NOTE TO EDITOR
The Forestry Commission is responsible for the sustainable management of existing woods and forests and a steady expansion of woodland to provide more benefits for society and the environment.
The Land Restoration Trust, a company established by English Partnerships, Groundwork, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission, will improve the environment and quality of life for communities by providing long-term sustainable management of public spaces across England. Within 10 years it will acquire, own and manage 10,000 hectares of previously derelict and under-used land, to deliver environmentally informed, community-led regeneration. For further information please contact enquiries@landrestorationtrust.org.uk
Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351, mobile 0775 367 0038.