Following on from a successful clean up operation in two local woodlands in Thornwell the team lead by Tom Ward-Jackson the Tidy Towns Project Officer from Keep Wales Tidy have turned to the community again for even more help.

The clean up our woodland event drew participants from the local community groups of Bulwark and Thornwell and the Eco Team of children from Thornwell Primary School lead by Mrs Davies, the Headteacher and Mrs Mills who is the Forest Schools co-ordinator, and from members of the scouts and the guides.

Participants who joined in to help clear up the rubbish were given a safety talk by Tom before setting off with litter pickers and bags.

Tom was encouraged by the fact that nearly 50 people turned up to take part and said "I was overwhelmed by the level of support from the community and how they were impressed by this little known gem of a woodland.

"It's an excellent start for the continued development of the woodland by this enthusiastic community of all ages. "

Cllr Henry Ashby was instrumental in assisting with the removal of the rubbish and organised the skip, which by the time the volunteers had been around the woodland, was almost full. Crew members from Severn Area Rescue Association removed various bit of iron rubbish and a motorbike from the river bank and added them to the skip.

Now the team are focusing on further improving the woodland for community use and will be following up on some great ideas that were put forward on the day, such as adding some interpretation about the trees, more benches and a possibility of opening up some of the viewpoints.

The 'team' which includes Pam Lloyd, RCA; Erica Sheppard, adventa; Mark Langley of MCC Countryside Service; Helen Howlett, Coastal Access Initiative Officer; Deserie Mansfield, RCA/  MCC Tidy Towns Officer; Rick Hayes, ComBat are inviting members of the community to put forward their ideas for what they might like to see happen in these woodlands and also for people to volunteer for future projects.

Please email your ideas and views to Erica Sheppard [email protected]">[email protected]

The clean up team would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the clean up event happen and stayed to the 'bitter end' to make sure the woodland looked spick and span.

Pictures show members of the Severn Area Rescue Association pulling old bikes and pushchairs out of the River Wye. Meanwhile, volunteers carry out a major clear up of the Warrenslade and Parc Redding Woods.