We're delighted to announce that Severn Trent has awarded over £52,000 to the Dunsmore Living Landscape Partnership scheme through its Community Fund. The new project at Diamond Wood Country Park in Rugby will provide opportunities for residents to learn about and help look after the green space. The project will run for 18 months from April 2025 to September 2026.
The woodland sits on the outskirts of Rugby and is owned by Rugby Borough Council. Approximately 50,000 young trees were planted in 2012 and 2013 by volunteers and council staff to create a predominantly wooded landscape, with some open glades. It is well known by local dog walkers and is a great area for residents to enjoy the outdoors and get close to nature.
The aim of the project is to set up a 'friends of' group which will carry out regular habitat management tasks in the woodland such as thinning out the trees, removing old tree guards, planting bulbs and creating habitats for nesting skylarks. They will also carry out wildlife surveys in the summer. We are planning a wide range of engagement activities such as guided walks, talks and ID sessions. There will also be a series of health and wellbeing sessions and educational activities.
The Friends of Diamond Jubilee Wood project will work with local residents to improve the woodland habitat, making more space for nature, and create a sustainable group which can continue this valuable work long into the future. Within the woodland, a quiet reflection area will be created to allow visitors to relax and unwind in this peaceful atmosphere.
A launch event was held in Diamond Wood on Sunday 13th April, with opportunity to learn more about the project and to take part in crafts and activities. We spoke to local people and gathered information on what they would like to see happening in the woodland, and let them know how to get involved. For more information, please contact Kayleigh.brookes@wkwt.org.uk.
Lucy Hawker, Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme Manager, said:
“Twelve years after it was planted by volunteers from the local community, this is the perfect time to be undertaking activities in the woodland which ensure the wildlife can continue to flourish and allow the local community the opportunity to be involved in caring for the wood. We are very grateful for this funding from Severn Trent which allows us to be working with Rugby Borough Council and local residents to improve this valuable site for people and nature.”
