Witney News - Green light for new woodland in West Witney

Green light for new woodland in West Witney

A piece of land in West Witney looks set to be transformed into woodland for the community to enjoy.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet has recommended that Witney Woodland Volunteers (WWV) be given permission to create an acre of woodland on the Council-owned land in Deer Park Road, near the Deer Park and Thorney Leys estates.

The action group’s leader, Juliet Curry, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Council is supporting this and has agreed to allow us to use its land. I am sure the residents who live nearby will be delighted. We have been working on these proposals for over a year and believe that Witney needs a woodland like this. It will be a real asset to the local community as it will be open to any Witney resident to walk through and enjoy the changing seasons.”

The group - which meets weekly to keep footpaths and river paths clear around Witney, by cutting overhanging branches, weeding and litter picking - wants to plant around 1,500 native trees and will be responsible for maintaining the woodland. It is associated with the Wychwood Project, which works to restore and maintain the Royal Forest of Wychwood, and has been working with the Project’s Manager Nick Mottram on the plans.

Cllr Warwick Robinson, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Conservation, said: “Areas of woodland such as this have already been created in several villages in the District with great success and the Council is pleased to be able to support this scheme. It is a good opportunity for this area of Witney, and for residents to get involved in improving the environment.”

Witney Woodland Volunteers estimate that it will cost between £6,400 and £8,000 to purchase trees, fence the area to protect the saplings from animals and install wooden benches for community use. It plans to fundraise locally as well as apply for grant funding.

Anyone wishing to get involved in the project or join the volunteer group can contact Mrs Curry on 01993 702202.