Woodland aim in milestone celebrations

IT WAS founded using land gifted by William the Conqueror as thanks for helping to quell unrest among the population.

Now the modern day leaders of a historic North Yorkshire town are being asked to mark the 950th anniversary of the start of construction on its Norman castle with a scheme that gives something back to residents.

Environmental charity Just The Job hopes to celebrate the milestone in Richmond’s history by planting a woodland accessible to the whole community. It says it wants to create a natural place that appeals to all ages and abilities, providing a space where people can play, walk, think, learn, relax or walk the dog.

Other ambitions include cutting carbon, enhancing natural biodiversity, creating a habitat for wildlife, providing an educational resource for local schools and forging links with artists.

With the consent of the Zetland Estate, the proposed wood, to the north of Gallowfields Trading Estate, would be planted in such a way that, following initial phases of thinning, at least 950 trees are retained to establish into mature specimens.

The wood would include benches, clearings, environmental art and a small rustic structure for the observation of wildlife as well as the display of interpretation on the history and significance of the town.

A spokesman for Just The Job, which supports adults with a wide range of abilities in practical, work orientated therapeutic activities, said: “The wood will become a natural and cultural resource, fostering an appreciation of the history of the town and of the value of wooded habitats.”

Just the Job has agreed to oversee the management of the woodland.

Ahead of Richmondshire District Council’s planning committee meeting next week, the idea has been enthusiastically received, despite the planned site being currently used for agricultural grazing and not being overlooked by the Grade I listed castle.

Richmond Civic Society has commended the proposal for its “imaginative use of the area”, while the British Horse Society said the scheme would benefit the local community at the same time as having a minimal impact on nearby public rights of way.

Richmondshire Ramblers has confirmed it supports the project as it should improve access opportunities for residents.

Recommending the scheme be granted, planning officers said the proposal was not considered to be harmful to the setting of the Richmond Conservation Area, the nearby heritage assets such as Richmond Racecourse or important historic views, particularly from Richmond Castle Keep.