[O]ak Tree Animals’ Charity have been awarded a grant of £14,872 from Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to further develop Blackburn Woods for our community.
Blackburn Woods is a beautiful 2.4ha native woodland on our Oak Tree Farm Site that is being opened for community use. The grant will allow us to create accessible pathways for all users, educational nature trails and run community sessions within the woodland to discover the native animals and plants within the woodland. The woodland boundary offers far reaching views across the Eden Valley to Corby Castle and the Pennines beyond, the grant will also create a viewing platform and memory garden for people to spend time enjoying this outstanding view, relaxing and providing the opportunity to take some time to remember loved ones (both human and animal) past and present.
Caroline Johnson, General Manager, said “We are extremely grateful to Postcode Local Trust, and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, for providing us with the resources to develop this wonderful woodland further.
“Since the re-opening of Blackburn Woods earlier this year, we have seen a great number of our community taking advantage of the peace and tranquillity this woodland provides for dog-walking and recreation.
“As we develop the woodland further, we are looking to create a great community space for people of all ages to enjoy our native wildlife and taking part in conservation. We are establishing the ‘Friends of Blackburn Woods’, a volunteer group dedicated to supporting and helping managing this community woodland. We would like to thank all of the volunteers who have given their time to this project so far, from path-laying, species identification, bracken clearing to drainage, this thriving woodland is testament to their dedication and hard-work.”
For further information about Blackburn Woods or how to become involved in the Friends of Blackburn Woods please visit www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk or call 01228 560082.
