Kettering horse paddock to become community woodland

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 08:52 · Archive

A six-acre horse paddock in Kettering is being transformed into a community woodland with 3,100 native trees planted over two years.

A six-acre horse paddock at Gawthrops Meadow on the outskirts of Kettering is being turned into a community woodland. Over the next two years, more than 3,100 native trees of differing varieties will be planted by volunteers. The project has been funded by the Forestry Commission and coordinated by North Northamptonshire Council.

The council said the site had been 'carefully designed to complement existing habitats in the surrounding area, creating stronger links between neighbouring woodlands and grasslands'. As the woodland matures, it will provide food, shelter and breeding opportunities for a wide variety of wildlife. Initial works have been completed by the council's grounds services and arboriculture teams.

The site is currently being prepared for the next phase, which includes the installation of deer fencing and tree planting this winter. The Groundwork Northamptonshire charity will recruit and coordinate the volunteers. Richard Pearce from the Forestry Commission said he was 'delighted' to see the local community playing a part in the plans.

How it is being reported

• Horse paddock to be transformed into new woodlandMore than 3,100 trees are set to be planted by volunteers over two years.BBC Northamptonshire · 2 Nov, 08:30
• New Kettering woodland will see horse paddock transformed with planting of 3,100 treesA new community woodland in Kettering, supported by funding from the Forestry Commission is being created on a former horse paddock.Northants Telegraph · 31 Oct, 20:33

In this story: Kettering · Gawthrops Meadow · Forestry Commission · North Northamptonshire Council · Groundwork Northamptonshire · Richard Pearce · Chris McGiffen

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log