Acres of ancient Norfolk woodland, dating back to at least the 1600s, have been secured for the community to enjoy and for wildlife to thrive in.
A specially-formed trust has bought 7.4 acres of woodland at Buckenham Wood, between Strumpshaw and Buckenham, east of Norwich, to become its caretakers and protect it for future generations.
The woods are in an area, close to Buckenham Marshes, which is the location of one of Norfolk's natural wonders, where tens of thousands of rooks and jackdaws congregate at dusk.
Hazel Stuart, chair of the Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust, said: "It’s great that the local community came together to preserve the local environment and to ensure a greener future for generations to come.
"We’re very grateful for the significant grants secured from the UK government and Broadland District Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the council’s106 Green Infrastructure Fund.
"We’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed time, money and interest towards this significant milestone in the story of Buckenham Ancient Wood."
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The purchase of the central section of Buckenham Wood is the latest chapter in community efforts to protect the ancient woodland, designated a County Wildlife Site because of its importance.
More than 20 years ago, Strumpshaw Parish Council intervened to stop Norfolk County Council turning part of the woodland into a landfill site.
The parish council bought the eight-acre eastern section, which had been used for dumping concrete and lumps of tarmac, and restored it.
In 2022, the landowner offered the parish council the chance to buy the central section of the woodland, but the council did not have the necessary funds.
But it prompted the formation of the Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust, which includes representatives from Strumpshaw Parish Council and Lingwood and Burlingham Parish Council among its trustees.
The charity was formed in the summer of last year and has grown to more than 100 members.
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They will now start the work to conserve and protect the wood for the future, working with the adjoining woodland owners.
The trusts intends to allow wildlife to thrive and to ensure the local community can benefit from the green space for generations to come.
The western section of the woodland remains in private ownership.
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