Leamington community wood to spend grant on children's facilities

Achieving Results in Communities (ARC CIC), which oversaw the creation of the woodland on two acres of derelict land on the former Ford Foundry site, has received the funding from SITA Trust.

The money will go towards providing a natural play area for children, a space for learning about insects and a Forest School area.

Kath Pasteur, ARC CIC’s director and member of the Friends of Foundry Wood, said: “One of our aspirations has been to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors and learn in a natural environment. By providing these facilities, we hope this will increase the amount of time that families can spend enjoying the woodland.”

Marianne Ivin of SITA Trust said: “ARC are an enthusiastic group who have achieved so much already in three years by providing the community with a great facility that is still growing.

“Our funding will see some great additions to the woodland which will make visits even more fun and exciting for everyone who attends. We can’t wait to see how this project evolves.”

Since it was created by volunteers in 2012, the woodland off Prince’s Drive has become a haven for wildlife and hosts environmental and educational activities throughout the year.

During the Easter school holidays, planned activities include willow weaving, print making, spoon carving and a Family Woodland Adventure Day, which will include campfire cooking, fire-lighting, den-building and story-telling.

To see the March to April diary of events or to find out how to volunteer at Foundry Wood, visit www.foundrywood.co.uk