Public access in a local woodland is to be improved following a successful grant application.
The Malvern Hills Trust, who own and look after the woodland, has received £40,955 from Malvern Hills District Council to improve access in the Community Woodland, Townsend Way.
New stone surfacing on paths through the woodland and the installation of a new bridge are planned for this autumn/winter.
Beck Baker, Community and Conservation Officer said, ‘We are delighted that our funding application for a grant to enable us to undertake these access improvements was successful. Thanks to the support of the Malvern Hills District Council we will be able to provide better access through this wonderful woodland and encourage more local people to enjoy and explore this fantastic green space.
In addition to the path works, new benches and signage will also be installed to allow people to rest and find out more about the woodland’s nature and history. Benches have been donated to the Trust by local people and there are still some available. Those wishing to contribute towards a bench are encouraged to take a look at their website www.malvernhills.org.uk/get-involved or call 01684 892002.
Beck added ‘This woodland has so much potential and there are hundreds of people who live nearby who perhaps don’t know about it or that it is open for public access. By improving the condition of the paths and providing more visitor information we hope to bring more people to explore and care for what is an important local green space.’
The Community Woodland came under the Trust’s jurisdiction in the mid-1990’s after the construction of Townsend Way and the development of the nearby industrial and retail parks.
