Keynsham woodland project needs volunteers

A COMPANY that bought an area of woodland in Keynsham last year is appealing for help in restoring and enhancing the natural habitat.

GWR Waste Management said it bought the 0.85-acre woodland on Avon Mill Lane to save it from potential development.

Working with Keynsham Town Council, it has since cleared overgrown vegetation to clear up walkways from the woodland on Avon Mill Lane.

The company has also set up information boards on the outskirts of the site, which runs alongside the River Chew.

It also hopes to install bird and bat boxes and, in the coming months, to set up cameras to monitor wildlife sightings, to share on its website and social media.

The company says: “We’re actively removing invasive plants like ivy, which has been strangling local trees, and introducing measures to support the rich biodiversity that makes this area so unique.

“We’re creating an environment that welcomes back species like the charming hedgehog, playful otters, majestic owls, kingfishers, and other birdlife.”

GWR Waste Management is now inviting residents, local conservation groups, and eco-enthusiasts to be part of the woodland project by visiting https://www.gwrwastemanagement.co.uk/woodland-project or emailing info@gwrwaste.co.uk

The company, based near the woodland, at Old Station Yard, Avon Mill Lane, bought the woodland through an online auction with Hollis Morgan Estate Agents & Auctioneers in April last year for a reported £65,000.

A company spokesperson told the Voice: “The woodland is and will be a conserved area, to encourage local wildlife and support local ecology. This area will remain fenced to protect it.

“We’re excited to offer arranged access to the woodland as a meeting space for local community groups to host educational activities and join us in hands-on conservation activities.”