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"Providing, maintaining and regenerating a safe, accessible and pleasant woodland environment for the public." |
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Welcome to Gunton Wood Originally part of the gardens surrounding Gunton Old Hall, the 3½ hectares of Gunton Wood degenerated into a wilderness of rank vegetation and sycamores after the Manorial Hall was pulled down in 1963. So it was a daunting task that confronted a group of residents in 1997 when they resolved to restore the Wood to its former glory. One year later GWCP was formally constituted, a management plan by Suffolk Wildlife Trust was in place, tools were purchased using grant funding and work commenced to clear the mountains of rubbish that had accumulated over time. After 20,000 work party hours spread over 10 years, the Wood has been transformed with 3000 new trees, paths, seats and a pond to provide a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. Amongst many honours, including designation as a Nature Reserve, the Group has won the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service and its 200 members often participate in social events such as Continental coach trips.
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Newsletter We would like to wish all our Members a very Healthy and Happy New Year. 2008 is a special year for us as it marks the completion of ten years of effort to arrest the decline of Gunton Wood and it is most gratifying to realise that some of our present work party volunteers were involved in that very first one (on 28th March 1998) when we started to clear Japanese Knotweed from the Stubbs Wood entrance, and then had to get the fire brigade's approval for a massive bonfire to get rid of the rubbish mountain! Perhaps we can be forgiven if we indulge in a little nostalgia as we remember some of the highlights of those passing years ... 1998 - built toolshed, first 300 trees planted; 1999 - cleaned out well, first garden party; 2000 - reached agreement with Church to manage their part of Gunton Wood, Tesco agreed to Nature Reserve; 2001 - seat near gate stolen, all paths chipped; 2002 - wild flower meadow established, main gates installed, Paul Heiney inaugurated Information Boards; 2003 - Lord Tollemache presented Queen's Award, first fete on School playing field, reconstructed wildlife pond; 2004 - Gunton Wood declared a Nature Reserve, coppicing and hedge laying course ...
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What's new 10th Anniversary Work Party Celebration
On Saturday 29th March, GWCP held a 10th Anniversary Celebration of their First Work Party in Gunton Wood.
Hot dogs, soft drinks, tea, coffee and (of course) a Celebration Cake was available!
Thursday Work Parties: Saturday Work Parties: New members warmly welcomed! |
