Volunteers dig in to create woodland for all (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Volunteers dig in to create woodland for all

WORK has begun to create community woodland near Swindon.

About 200 people turned out with their spades to start work on the project at Oxleaze Farm, in South Marston.

The free, environmentally friendly event was part of the continuing development of the Great Western Community Forest.

Guided walks, environmental activities and children's face painting were also on offer, as participants planted about 1250 trees.

Colin McEwan, the chairman of South Marston Parish Council, officially opened the community woodland. He said: "It was a splendid day and we managed to get two-thirds of the field planted.

"It's a six-acre site which will provide an excellent facility for the village. We are hoping to upgrade the footpaths to create a circular walk allowing families to make the most of it.

"We are trying to develop the concept of a wildlife corridor and have already spotted a dozen or so deer in the area."

The community forest will provide a mixture of oak, ash, hazel and other UK species. The new woodland, once planted, will be part of a bigger development, including access links to and from the village and the continued management of the site.

The Great Western Community Forest will eventually cover a vast swathe of the region, improving the environment as well as providing a leisure facility. For more information visit www.forestweb.org.uk.