Big donation boost for woodland appeal - The Malvern Observer

Big donation boost for woodland appeal

Malvern Editorial 30th Apr, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

EFFORTS to save a ‘beautiful’ woodland near Alfrick have been boosted thanks to a £2,000 donation from a county councillor.

Coun Paul Tuthill, Worcestershire County Councillor for Malvern Link, allocated £1,800 from his divisional fund to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s appeal to buy Blackhouse Wood.

A major fund-raising bid to buy the 38.5 hectare site, which is part of the Suckley ridge, was launched in February and the trust has already raised more than £84,000 towards the required £200,000 total.

Coun Tuthill said: “The nearby Knapp and Papermill nature reserve is also in the Link Division and is very well used and regarded.




“Acquiring this woodland would also be of benefit not only to local people but also to visitors to the area.”

The actual costs of the woodland, which has been subject to small-scale quarrying and forestry plantation in the past, was £400,000 but the trust paid half of that total by dedicating a collection of gifts left in wills.


Kate Thomas, head of resources for the trust, added: “We are delighted that Coun Tuthill has chosen to donate some of his divisional councillor’s fund to our appeal.

“We have had a fantastic response to our appeal so far, demonstrating just how passionate people are about saving our beautiful countryside.

“The appeal is still open for individual donation and we are also working with a number of organisations to secure a number of funding grants.”

The trust intends to replace most of the non-native trees with oaks and field maples. Dormice boxes will also be installed and pathways and glades will be widened and created to ensure enough light reaches the woodland floor.

Visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/backtolife or call 01905 754919 for more information or to donate.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Malvern Observer newspaper.