Commemorative bench unveiled to mark 20th anniversary of Friends of Linslade Woods
It was party time for Friends of Linslade Woods who gathered to celebrate its 20th anniversary with the unveiling of a commemorative bench seat.
Cllr Victoria Harvey, founding member of the group and volunteer, unveiled the bench seat in the picnic area of the Woods to mark the occasion.
She spoke about the challenges now facing the group due to neighbouring development and stressed the significance of a lack of understanding about nature and wildlife.
She also recalled how the Friends group had been set up and how she once bravely stood in front of the bulldozers in 2004 to protect destruction of the area after contractors were spotted clearing an area of woodland in 2004.
“They were alarmed as it looked as if the area was being prepared for development,” said member Ken Barry.
“There was also a lot of anger as in 1993/4 local residents had been involved in planting the trees under a scheme financed by DEFRA and the Forestry Commission. Victoria spoke of how she was alerted and then bravely stood in front of the bulldozers to prevent further destruction. She was joined by local residents and members of South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth, all of whom were appalled at the destruction."
He added that Tree Preservation Orders were then passed by South Bedfordshire Council in order to halt any further clearance attempts.
A meeting was subsequently held at Stockgrove Park under the auspices of the Greensand Trust at which the Friends Group was set up to look after the Woods with an initial fund from the town council. Eventually the Woods were permanently saved when they were purchased by Central Bedfordshire Council in 2009, ‘a perfect reward for the Friends after years of campaigning and negotiation’.
The Friends have continued to carry out regular working parties and other events in partnership with Central Beds Council and the Greensand Trust, winning Green Flag Awards every year.
“With so much urbanisation and development taking place all around us, we are very fortunate that this pleasant green oasis has been saved for the future for the benefit of both wildlife and people, “ added Ken. “We will continue to care for the Woods as a wildlife haven for all to enjoy.”
The Friends welcome new volunteers to join regular working parties held throughout the year.
Anyone interested can contact Gary Peach of the Greensand Trust on 01525 237760 or email [email protected] .