A WOODLAND near Wanborough has received a grant of more than £40,000 to create a hub of discovery and adventure.

The 46-acre Warneage Wood has been awarded £42,807 from the Biffa Award to carry out essential repairs and maintenance to make it a more appealing attraction. The money covers nearly all the costs required for developments to the wood, which is owned by the Woodland Trust.

Sarah Stebbing, site manager for the Woodland Trust, said: “Warneage Wood is a wonderful place to explore, and the new signs and restored barn will mean that more people can do this.

“We hope that local schools and community groups will benefit from the changes made at Warneage.

“What’s also very exciting is that locals can get involved in the changes being made by volunteering with us – the necessary training and equipment also being covered by the Biffa Award grant. We would love to hear from locals regarding the history of the village and the wood to gather information to include on the information boards.”

The Woodland Trust is now looking for volunteers to help out with the work needed, including coppicing and orchard pruning.

The biggest of the developments that need to be carried out in the wood includes repairs to a stone barn that has fallen into disrepair.

It is hoped that the barn will become an information point that schools and community groups can use for activities such as school visits or scout meetings.

The barn will also be home to new interpretation boards, which will tell visitors more about the history of Warneage Wood and nearby Wanborough.

The wood, which is made up of broadleaved woodland, was planted between 1994 and 1995.The main tree species present include oak, ash and field maple – plus others that prefer wetter conditions such as alder and goat willow.

The wood is well-known for its pleasant views and status as a site of special wildlife interest.

Work is due to be carried out by the end of this year.

To find out more about Warneage and visit it for yourself, go to woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods.

If you want to contribute to the project as a volunteer, email Sarah Stebbing on sarahstebbing@woodlandtrust.org.uk.