Thriving woodland project scoops top awards (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Thriving woodland project scoops top awards

30081-02A PROJECT set up to manage derelict woodland once part of the ancient royal Braydon Forest has come top in Swindon Borough Council's second annual Quality Of Life Awards.

Peatmoor Community Woodland Group took over the care of the six acres of copse, at Peatmoor, in West Swindon, 15 years ago when there were hardly any birds, insects or wildflowers left.

Since then it has created a nature trail and re-introduced a variety of flora and fauna.

The volunteers won the voluntary and community groups' category as well as the over-all winner's trophy in the competition, which is aimed at boosting an interest in Agenda 21 and the environment.

Liz Emerson, the group's secretary and treasurer, said: "This will be a real morale booster for the members. It is a reward for all the volunteers who put in so much hard work over the past 15 years."

Local Agenda 21 co-ordinator Lynn Forrester said that with 28 applicants taking part entries had doubled since the awards were inaugurated last year.

"In an area like Swindon where we are seeing huge levels of development and the surrounding countryside is being swallowed up, people genuinely want to look after the environment, " she said.