Wellesley Woodlands wins at Land Trust Awards 2018

Wellesley Woodlands was the winner of a new category at the Land Trust awards 2018, picking up the award for the site delivering most beneficial and improved economic activity.

The site, based in Aldershot, was formally taken over by the Land Trust in the summer of 2014 with the vision to provide beautiful green open spaces that will benefit local people and wildlife.

The woodlands form part of Wellesley, a development of 3,850 new homes being delivered by Grainger plc on former Garrison land in Aldershot, which is providing significant regeneration within Aldershot.

A growing number of small businesses are also now using the woodlands supported by the Land Trust’s managing partners Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and the Countryside Ranger, Laura Keighley.

The woods are being used for a dog walking business, fitness and personal trainer classes, forest schools sessions and mountain bike training.

The site was recently visited by MP for Aldershot, Leo Docherty, who said:

“Well managed green space such as Wellesley is brilliant for people’s physical and mental well-being and it has been wonderful to witness the positive impact it has had on the local community and the residents who live nearby.”

Steve Crosby, Estates Officer for the Land Trust added:

“The Land Trust’s vision is to provide beautiful green open spaces that will benefit local people and wildlife and over the last few years Wellesley Woodlands has become a vibrant hub for the community.

“With over 200,000 visitors annually Wellesley is a wonderful demonstration of the positives that green space can bring to a local area.”

The site at Beam Parklands was highly commended in the category.