WORK has started on improving biodiversity of the ‘wood of thanks’ which will be used as a memorial area for people who lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic.
The District Council is partnering with the Malvern community forest to make improvements to the woodland, which will act as a natural tribute to the community response to support neighbours through the pandemic.
The Wood of Thanks is next to Goodson Road by the retail park in Malvern and will include a memorial for people who lost their lives to the virus.
The community forest is a charity which invites people, communities and groups to get involved in managing woodlands and hedgerows for residents to enjoy.
Volunteers at the community forest will help to improve the memorial woods’ health and biodiversity by managing the trees and vegetation, maintaining access trails and engaging the local community in their long-term program of conservation work.
Planned works include tree and shrub maintenance and special ‘hibernacula benches’ which will serve as refuges for overwintering reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
And a planned painted mural and natural sculptures will be installed.
The England European Regional Development Fund has donated over £3400, or 45 per cent of the cost, towards the project.
The council’s Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services Coun Beverley Nielsen said: “After so much suffering and dedicated service by key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, this wonderful project offers local people the opportunity to enjoy this mature woodland, whilst perhaps taking time out for contemplation and reflection in these peaceful surroundings.
“The council has developed a plan to manage the woodland making it a better space for our wildlife and for visitors alike.
“I’d like to thank the Madresfield Estate, our Biodiversity Project Officer at MHDC and Malvern Community Forest volunteers for their support in enabling the revival of this very special space.”
