Land Trust adds Twywell Hills and Dales to expanding portfolio

Twywell Hills and Dales Country Park in Northamptonshire has become the latest site added to the Land Trust’s expanding portfolio of green spaces.

The Land Trust was transferred the management of the site from East Northamptonshire Council (ENC), who will be investing capital funding to make a number of improvements to the area.

Throughout the initial stages of the handover, the Land Trust will work in partnership with ENC to develop the Friends of Twywell Hills and Dales group, which will ensure any improvements meet the needs of local residents and visitors to the site.

The much-loved and well used area is popular with local ramblers and dog walkers, plus visitors to the district looking to escape the busy towns.

Part of Twywell Hills and Dales is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for botany but with an excellent invertebrate flora which is replicated over more of the site. The site is also recognised as the best place for butterflies in Northamptonshire. However, these elements of the site are currently in poor condition and are deteriorating and the Land Trust will improve the conditions and create a better environment for both the wildlife and visitors.

Euan Hall, Chief Executive of the Land Trust, said:

“We are delighted to add Twywell Hills and Dales to our portfolio of sites and we look forward to working with the local community and Council to unlock the site’s vast potential and enhance their physical and mental well-being, as well as creating economic and social value.”

Cllr Steven North, Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said:

“I’m pleased we have found an organisation that, like us, appreciates how important Twywell Hills and Dales is to the district. We’ve had many enquiries asking about the future of the site, so after months of uncertainty, this news is very welcome.

“If you’re looking to get outside to improve your health and wellbeing and explore everything the district has to offer, I urge you to visit the area and enjoy the woodlands and open pasture that East Northamptonshire is so lucky to have.”

The Land Trust’s management of the site got off to a great start with the help of enthusiastic volunteers in the Friends Of group. An Easter Hunt was held at the site during the Easter weekend which saw around 40 children and 80 adults searching for clues in the spring sunshine.

More community activities will take place in the near future at Twywell. For more information on the Land Trust, or Twywell Hills and Dales Country Park, visit www.thelandtrust.org.uk.