The fate of a wood in Hellingly is being discussed at a public meeting next week (27th February) with the aim of securing it for future generations.
The Friends of Park Wood, a campaign group trying to secure the wood from its current owners, the Environment Agency, says the community needs to pull together to make sure the sale of the woodland benefits the area.
The Environment Agency has owned the wood since just after the Second World War, but is now selling it off as it is regarded as an ‘asset’ that it cannot warrant owning. Park Wood is a protected area of Ancient Woodland, so any sale will still mean it has to be open to the public and wildlife protected.
Paul Rees from the Friends of Park Wood told Hailsham FM this week; “Our aim is for the 152 acre wood to be protected for future generations, our Mission Statement is we want to preserve this wood which has been neglected for twenty years. There are a number of options on the table which will be discussed at the meeting which needs support from the local community.”
An Environment Agency spokesman told Hailsham News; “Park Wood will remain open to the public by law, whether or not owned by the Environment Agency. Similarly, wildlife and plants in the woodland will continue to be protected.
“We’re working with the Friends of Park Wood and others to reach a satisfactory outcome to all. The Environment Agency has a responsibility to the taxpayer to use public money wisely. We no longer obtain materials for coastal repairs from Park Wood, meaning it is no longer feasible for the agency to manage it.”
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 27th February from 18:15pm at the Charles Hunt Centre in Vicarage Field. The Environment Agency will be attending to answer questions as well as a representative from The Woodland Trust.
Photo: © Sussex Air Imaging
