The Land Trust acquires Surrey ancient woodland site

National land management charity, the Land Trust is delighted to announce the acquisition of Bookhurst Wood in Cranleigh, Surrey.

Spanning 13.8 hectares, Bookhurst Wood’s ancient woodland has rich potential for both biodiversity to flourish and the public to enjoy the surroundings. The Land Trust is looking forward to sustainably managing the site for community benefit.

Bookhurst Wood – which is home to an expanse of lush greenery, canopy of trees and carpet of bluebells – has been acquired from Linden Homes. The Land Trust will be seeking to appoint a managing partner to manage the woodland on its behalf on a day to day basis.

Simon Pile, Estates Manager for the Land Trust, said: “Bookhurst Wood is a fabulous example of ancient woodland and we are tremendously excited to have the opportunity to help unlock the site s vast potential for the benefit of the community.

“We would like to thank Linden Homes, who we have acquired this wonderful woodland from, along with Waverley Borough Council and Cranleigh Parish Council for helping facilitate the transfer.”

Fiona Davidson, senior planning manager at Linden Homes Guildford, commented: “We are delighted to fulfil the terms of our original planning agreement with Waverley Borough Council and have transferred Bookhurst Wood to the Land Trust together with funding to help safeguard its future.

“It’s important that the future of this beautiful, ancient woodland – which provides a stunning backdrop to our flagship development, Swallowhurst – is now assured and it will be maintained and enhanced for years to come; not only for the benefit of our residents, but also for the wider community of Cranleigh as well as visitors to the area.”

A spokesperson for Cranleigh Parish Council added: “The Parish Council welcomes the Land Trust’s aim to enhance Bookhurst Wood for community use whilst protecting the integrity and character of the ancient woodland for future generations and wishes them every success with this venture.”

The Land Trust’s long term vision is to improve the quality of people s lives by creating, improving and maintaining sustainable, high quality green spaces that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.