The Future of the Woodland
Photographs of woodland flowers by Valerie Pady
The Holyford Woodland Trust has asked East Devon District Council to engage a consultant to draw up a draft management plan for the woods, this will be presented to the Trust for comments.

Following a discussion with the Trust the consultant will prepare a final management plan to be submitted to English Nature, and the Trust will apply for Local Nature Reserve status for Holyford Woods.

The management plan will seek to enhance the wildlife potential of the woodland and also improve the public access to the woods. To this end the Trust hopes to involve the local community and to form a volunteer group known as 'The Friends Of Holyford Woods' to provide working parties for essential work such as fencing, clearance of tracks and rides etc.

If granted this will be the first woodland Local Nature Reserve in East Devon and will complement the newly formed Colyford Common Local Nature Reserve at the East end of the village.

The aims of the Trust as set out in the constitution are:

1. The advancement of education of the public in particular in the wildlife, history, archaeology, art and architecture and including flora and fauna of the area of benefit.

2. The conservation of the total woodland eco-system and preservation of sites or buildings of ecological, historical, archaeological or architectural importance for the benefit of the public.

3. The conservation and management of Holyford Woodland and its natural water sources with a view to protecting the ancient character and natural beauty of this area of East Devon for the benefit of the community at large.

The Trust aims to meet regularly throughout the year and to keep friends of Holyford Woods informed of progress. Also, following the success of our open day in May we will be repeating 'Bluebell Day' as an annual event.