Flintham community group saves woodland close to A46

An area of woodland has been saved thanks to the actions of a community group.

There had been fears that the woods, off the A46 at Flintham, could be lost to development.

But the site has now been granted Asset of Community Value status thanks to the efforts of Friends Of Flintham Spinney Woods. It means the woods cannot be sold without first giving the community chance to bid for it.

Jacqui Turrell, the group’s chairman, said residents were determined to save the green space for generations to come.

“We wish to put in place opportunities for community involvement of all ages and interests, so that the woods and land are recognised as an important asset for the parish of Flintham,” she said.

The village’s MP, Robert Jenrick, and Rushcliffe Borough Council ward member Sarah Bailey backed the group’s plan.

Mr Jenrick said: “I know how important this issue is to many residents of Flintham and I was delighted to lend my support.

“The protection of being an Asset of Community Value exists to ensure those things that are precious to a community can be preserved and appropriate care given to their future ­— I’m very pleased Rushcliffe has assisted and designated the woodlands in this way.”

The group was formed last year by residents of Flintham and Syerston keen to see the land preserved for environmental, social and recreational use.

Owl boxes, monitored by a local group, have been put on site and bat experts have recorded different varieties of the species in the woods, some of which are rare.

The area is also used as a base for education programmes developed for the benefit of community groups and schools.

Borough council leader Simon Robinson said: “The environment is one of our key priorities and following an independent process I am pleased the council has been able to grant the Asset of Community Value status.

“This will give the community an opportunity to bid to purchase the asset and protect this important green space for residents in the future, should the current owners wish to sell the land.

“We are very aware of the volume of development required in Rushcliffe in the coming years and that’s why, where possible, we can provide advice on the process for local groups that wish to protect areas of significance in their community.”

The group now hopes to work with the landowner to plant more trees to help with growing back the woodland removed during the A46 dualling works and towards planting the Queen’s Green Canopy, a national tree planting scheme to mark the monarch’s platinum jubilee next year.

For more information about the Friends of Flintham Spinney woods, contact friendsofflinthamspinney@gmail.com