Fenscene | Community
Community Wood Celebrates W
VISITING WITCHFORD’S MILLENNIUM WOOD….
itchford’s Millennium Wood may be small but it is full of features
for the enjoyment of the public and the encouragement of wildlife, writes Richard Braund. Only 0.3 ha or 0.75 acre, it’s
situated on the south side of Main Street, almost opposite the Post Office, and is indicated by a finger post on the gate post. From its beginnings as an open field 20 years ago, it is now an attractive semi-mature woodland. The purpose of the Millennium
Wood is to celebrate the Millennium, promote the village community, enhance the village environment, and encourage the enjoyment of nature.
EARLY ROOTS
Witchford Parish Council purchased the land in 1998 from Mrs E Tull, to remain an open space in perpetuity for the benefit of the village. On 4th December 1999 over 140 volunteers planted 300 trees and 300 shrubs, all native species but predominantly oak and ash. Only about two thirds of the site was planted, the remainder being left as a meadow.
A local craftsman made the oak gates and carved the Millennium Wood lettering. Over the next two years volunteers planted about 100 m of native hedge, some of which has been laid to maintain its wildlife benefit.
FEATURES AND EVENTS
The Wood is a valued location for community events, and is frequently used for activities by Witchford Pre-school, the Brownies, the Scouts and Cubs. A central fire pit was installed by Witchford Scouts and is
Above: Information about the Wood and access were improved in 2011.
Right: The Millennium Wood is situated on the south side of Witchford’s Main Street, almost opposite the Post Office.
Below: Volunteers planted about 100m of native hedge for the benefit of local wildlife.
enclosed with wooden benches constructed by Team D from recycled play equipment timber. It provides a focus for many of the community events held in the Wood. These include campfire gatherings, camping cooking, barbecues and bonfires. Each January, the Witchford Open Spaces Group organises a Wassail-in-the-Wood with local musicians and traditional wassail food and drink.
Above: A central fire pit provides a focus for many of the community events.
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The meadow mow is another popular event arranged by the Open Spaces Group each June, working with Witchford Scout group, who provide welcome refreshment when the task is complete. Information about the Wood and access were improved in 2011 when an information board designed by the Open Spaces Group was unveiled by the Parish Council chairman. At the same
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