Public access in a local woodland is to be improved following a successful grant application.
We have received £40,955 from Malvern Hills District Council to improve access in the Community Woodland at Townsend Way. The funding is from Section 106 money, which is paid by developers as part of legal agreements linked to planning applications.
The grant has already supported the installation of a new bridge, and the next stage is for paths through the woodland to be surfaced with stone to make access easier for local people.
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.”
Work on the path will begin on the 10th August and local path diversions will be in place for public safety whilst the surfacing is underway.
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.
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. In the current crisis it is even more important to stay healthy and well by getting outdoors. 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.”
Benches have been donated by local people and there are still some available. Those wishing to contribute towards a bench can find out more information here.
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.
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