Coup for woods as revamp is planned; pounds 120,000 is given to site at Ashington.

Byline: Amy Hunt

AWOOD on the site of a former coal mine is to get a six-figure revamp. Environmental regeneration charity Groundwork North East and Northumberland County Council have secured pounds 120,000 to open up the woods on the edge of Ashington.

The two-and-a-half year Ashington Community Woodland Project will see the transformation of the 133-hectare reclamation woods, planted 30 years ago on the site of the town's colliery, one of the first such schemes in Europe.

Funding has been secured for the project through Natural England via Access to Nature, as part of the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme.

One of only two such schemes in the region, the project brings together experts at the environmental regeneration charity Groundwork North East and Northumberland County Council.

For nearly three decades the area remained virtually untouched allowing a rich diversity of flora and fauna to develop, including woodland birds, red squirrel and deer.

About four years ago the county council opened up the area with new footpaths and bridleways for residents who live in one of the most challenging areas of the North East, amongst others.

But a recent survey of the area revealed 33% of residents did not realise what was on their doorstep.

Now Groundwork North East is launching a drive to encourage residents of one of the most densely populated areas in the country to use the green space.

Proposals include employing a woodland community officer to manage the site, creating a high profile gateway feature which can be seen across Ashington that will reflect the cultural heritage of the mining area, producing outdoor classrooms for local schools and children's centres and encouraging wildlife spotting.

"This is a real coup for Northumberland and it is going to be fantastic," said Groundwork North East business manager Vicki Sixsmith.

"This was one of the first reclamation schemes in Europe. The woodland was left pretty much to its own devices and is just full of wildlife. It is the most amazing green resource and it is right next door to an area which can reap the benefits by using it to boost their health and well-being."

Work will start on the project at the end of the year and the community will be encouraged to contribute their views.

Groundwork North East also plans to launch a competition for school children to design gateways to the site.

CAPTION(S):

REVAMP Groundwork North East business manager Vicki Sixsmith at a site which has been given a pounds 120,000 boost. PLANNING From left, Groundwork's green exercise co-ordinator Stephen Matthews, business manager Vicki Sixsmith and director Angus Robson.