Leo Docherty MP joined Anne-Marie, from the Land Trust, and Suzie, from the Conservation Volunteers, on a guided walk of the Wellesley Woodlands.
Since the Land Trust took ownership of woodlands in 2014, significant progress has been made in transforming the former MoD training area into a haven for nature. Spread across 110 hectares, the woodlands are the largest SANG (Sustainable Alternative Natural Greenspace) in the whole of the country, and managed by a dedicated team of rangers and volunteers from the Land Trust, The Conservation Volunteers, and Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust.
Recognising how well managed and cared for the site is, the woodlands were awarded Green Flag status last year, and just this week, the hard work of all those involved was awarded with the Most Improved Site of the Year at the Land Trust Awards 2023.
Commenting, Leo said:
"It was great to join Anne-Marie, from the Land Trust, and Suzie, from the Conservation Volunteers, this morning for a guided walk of the Wellesley Woodlands. We spoke about the Land Trust's ambitions to enhance the 110 hectare woodland for residents, and the importance of greenspaces in Aldershot and Farnborough.
"Congratulations to all those involved, including Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust and Grainger plc as Wellesley Woodlands has won the award for most improved site at this year's Land Trust Awards."
Pictured, Leo with Anne-Marie and Suzie on a walk around Wellesley Woodlands