Hundreds rally behind bid to safeguard ancient woodland
Hundreds of people have rallied behind a £200,000 four-month appeal to buy and safeguard a 24-hectare (60-acre) extension to Guestling Wood, near Hastings in East Sussex.
Among them were a host of high-profile and celebrity supporters like actor Robert Bathurst, star of hit TV drama Cold Feet, who backed the Woodland Trust’s calls to help safeguard the ancient site. Guestling Wood is more than 1,000 years old, is mentioned in the Domesday Book and supports many rare wildlife species including water voles.
Robert Bathurst said: “This is fantastic news. It is clear there has been phenomenal support for this campaign. To be able to buy the remaining 60 acres of this precious and stunning ancient woodland means a valuable habitat can be safeguarded for generations to come. Our ancient woodland is irreplaceable and once destroyed is lost forever – it’s the equivalent of our rainforests.”
The campaign to safeguard Guestling was also supported with a number of generous donations, including a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) award, several charitable trusts plus the High Weald AONB Unit.
Stephen Boyce, deputy director for the Heritage Lottery Fund in South East England, said: “Few people realise that every lottery ticket bought has the potential to help protect the countryside and its fantastic woodlands. We’re delighted to have been able to make this award, which will ensure that Guestling Wood is preserved for future generations to be able to enjoy and learn about.”
Woodland Trust regional development officer Nick Morgan, oversaw the fundraising drive to buy the southern half of Guestling Wood and paid tribute to all who supported the campaign.
He said: “The support of local people and organisations has been incredible. It now means we can protect and safeguard this fantastic ancient woodland for all.”
