Summary

Common farm woods is a new woodland planted under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in a partnership between the Forestry Commission, Swindon Borough Council and the local community.

The woodland will help connect fragmented woodlands within a priority Green Infrastructure (GI) corridor identified within Swindon’s GI Strategy. The tree planting was completed over two seasons by local volunteers. Volunteers were recruited via local groups, local advertisements and social media.

Results

Together the community have planted a total of 15100 trees. 

The woodland will provide a valuable habitat, acting as a refuge for many local species.

The woodland has not only had environmental benefits but also huge social benefits. 

Encouraging local participation in the project has created a sense of local ownership which should ensure the young woodland is maintained as a community resource that everyone can enjoy.