Torridge District Council announces plans to establish a community woodland at Gatefield Amenity Grassland, Bideford.

Torridge District Council has announced proposals to establish a community woodland, at Gatefield amenity grassland on the Londonderry Estate in Bideford.  The proposal forms part of the Council's commitment to plant 10,000 urban trees across the district by 2025, as part of the North Devon Biosphere's Nature Recovery Plan. 

The Council will be running two consultation events in July to gather views and feedback from local people.  These will take place on:

• 5.30pm - 7.30pm -Monday 22 July, Kingsley School Library, Northdown Road, Bideford.
• 10-12pm - Saturday 27 July, The Play Area, Gatefield Amenity Grassland, Bideford.

For those unable to attend, there will be the opportunity to complete an online questionnaire.  Feedback received during this process will help to shape the final plans and ensure the woodland serves the interests of the whole community.

It is intended that approximately 1,500 trees will be planted on the Gatefield site, creating four woodland blocks with paths around the perimeter and a wide grassy path that runs through the site in a westerly directly, framing the view of Kenwith Valley out towards the sea. A large open space will remain at the brow of the hill where there is a plateau.

The site connects to woodland on neighbouring land and is close to wildlife rich areas in the Kenwith Valley. By connecting these habitats, the intention is to extend local nature corridors and the tree planting will store carbon as a response to the effects of climate change.

Councillor Peter Hames, lead member for Climate Change, said:

It is imperative that the proposal for a community woodland has the support of local people, so we hope to see as many people at these events and receive as many completed feedback forms as possible. This site is currently open access, but the severe gradient means that it is unsuitable for recreational activities, other than dog walking. Footpaths will ensure this activity can continue and the proposed woodland will help people to connect with nature, improve the scenery and provide opportunities for educational activities and public events as well as providing important habitat and food sources for wildlife.

The findings from the consultation will be reported to the Community and Resources Committee in September, for members to vote on the proposal.  For further information and to submit your views, please go to www.torridge.gov.uk/naturerecovery

July 24