Ancient woodland appeal hits £100,000
13-09-2005
It was announced today that the Woodland Trust Wentwood Appeal has reached its £100,000 target, just three months after its launch. The restoration of Wales’ largest ancient woodland can now commence.
Conservative Assembly Member for South Wales East, William Graham said “There has been an amazing groundswell of support throughout Newport and Monmouthshire for the purchase and restoration of this ancient woodland”,said Mr Graham. “Once again the South Wales Argus has taken a lead in co-ordinating a successful public appeal.
“Last week David Davies (MP/AM for Monmouth) and myself met up with Rory Francis (Woodland Trust Publicity and Public Affairs Officer for Wales) at Wentwood to see how the ancient woodland – now known as Wentwood Forest – can be restored and utilised as a major leisure and tourist attraction.
“Although most of the native broadleaved trees in Wentwood were felled to provide valuable timber during World War I, remnants of the ancient woodland survive and can be restored if the site is managed sensitively.
“Ancient woodland is one of the richest wildlife habitats, home to more threatened species than any other habitat in the UK. It is our equivalent to the rainforest.
“It was on 6 June, that the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, launched a public appeal to buy 352 hectares (870 acres) of Wentwood Forest - the largest ancient wood in Wales. Wentwood Forest is a remnant of a vast woodland that once stretched from the River Usk to the Wye Valley. Due to its size and age Wentwood retains an amazing amount of woodland species”.
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