Local
Nature Reserve Status for Scadson Woods
The Trust has applied for Local Nature Reserve status
for Scadson woods following the successful designation
of Occombe Valley woods in January 2004.
Scadson, once open fields and orchards, dates from the
1800’s and holds Torbay’s oldest tree, an
oak approximately 300-350 years old. Like Occombe Valley,
the woodlands, in part because of their urban location
and high levels of public access, have been suffering
from a range of problems, including fly tipping, motorbikes,
fires, camping, garden encroachment and vandalism. LNR
designation for the site has been one of the fundamental
aims of the Torbay Heartwoods project as it raises awareness
and strengthens the projects work to re-assert community
pride and ownership of the woodlands. Since Occombe woods
designation last year, the Trust has launched a ‘Friends’ and ‘Parents’ group
to help Mel Border, Heartwoods ranger with such tasks
as access improvements, essential tree safety work and
clearing fly tipping and dumped garden waste.
The Trust will hear if the application was successful
later in the New Year. The Trust also plans to apply
for LNR status for Cockington Valley this spring.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Occombe
Friends or Parents group, please contact Mel on 01803
606035 or email woodlands@countryside-trust.org.uk. |
