What’s new?
17 December 2007
'Fit for a King' project is launched
Ancient woodland in Corby will receive a biodiversity facelift
Thanks to a gift aid donation of £7,000 from Waste Recycling Group (administered by WREN), The Wildlife Trust's Fit for a King project will enable The Trust to carry out improvements to King’s Wood Local Nature Reserve, an important fragment of the former Rockingham Forest.
The grant will enable The Trust to preserve the woodland’s ecological value: volunteers and staff will coppice and lay trees and hedges to increase the range of habitats for invertebrates and birds; contractors will remove branches from overhanging trees; volunteers will clear ponds and remove litter, which could injure wildlife; and the glades and ride edges will be mown to provide nectar sources and warmth for butterflies and beetles.
King’s Wood is a fantastic green space in the heart of the large town of Corby. The ward of Kingswood is undergoing enormous regeneration at the moment. As wildlife guardians of this woodland, The Wildlife Trust has a responsibility to protect and enhance this haven for wildlife.
The woodland is a fantastic example of the medieval Rockingham Forest. It survived initially because of its value as a preserve for the King’s deer, and later because of the expansion of Corby around it. Owners Corby Borough Council promoted it as the first Local Nature Reserve in the county.
Over 250 plants species have been recorded, including dog’s mercury, enchanter’s-nightshade and yellow archangel – all characteristic of ancient woodlands. Birds such as treecreeper, nuthatch and tawny owl are resident. It is also home to nationally important species including bullfinch and pipistrelle bat. King’s Wood is important in two local Biodiversity Action Plans.
For more information about the project, please contact Tamzin Smith on 01604 405285 or tamzin.smith (at) wildlifebcnp.org