Development of Community Woodland

Aim

Continuation of clear up from Storm Arwen in 2020 and replanting, with native species in areas cleared.

Ashington Community Woods is approximately 135 hectares of mixed woodland, which was planted in the 1980s following the closure of Ashington Colliery. The site was completely cleared of all the old colliery buildings, spoil heaps and all associated equipment prior to planting. The Friends of Ashington Community Woods (FoACW) was established as part of a project to open up the woods for use by the general public for recreation purposes. We now have dog walkers, cyclists, running clubs including Park Runs, forest school groups and others who access the woods for pleasure.

Following storm Arwen in November 2021 hundreds (if not thousands) of trees were blown down within the wood. FoACW have spent quite a lot of time, bearing in mind we only meet one day a week, clearing up this damage and where possible replanting with native tree species. This work is still ongoing. 

If we are successful in raising the money we would intend to purchase a new chainsaw for use by the qualified volunteers and to have the existing ones serviced. The existing chainsaws have been supplied by the individual volunteers and are now in need of repair/servicing.

This project successfully funded on 16th October 2023