Charity Acquires Additional Land Adjacent to Ancient Woodland for Community Use

An organization that holds ownership of a section of an ancient woodland in Derbyshire has acquired an additional 8.26 acres of land, intended for community use and advantage. Grith Pioneers, which has possessed 100 acres of Shining Cliff Wood in Ambergate since 1932, successfully secured a parcel of farmland at auction, situated next to its existing property. Michelle Kershaw-Wright, a trustee for the charity, stated that £103,000 was successfully raised, and the new land was purchased for £102,000. She commented: “It is wonderful we will be increasing the biodiversity in the area and involving lots of local people.” She further added: “We are very glad to be adding to the land held by the charity for future generations to enjoy.” Shining Cliff Wood holds the designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also hosts an independent hostel. Mrs. Kershaw-Wright noted that the woodland has three primary owners: the National Trust, the Wiltshire family (proprietors of Peak Pits), and Grith Pioneers. She indicated that Grith Pioneers plans to engage in consultations with scientists, water ecologists, ornithological groups, the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and individuals participating in local re-wilding initiatives regarding the future use of their newly acquired parcel. Mrs. Kershaw-Wright also stated: “We are hoping to do some sort of re-wilding project, creating a mosaic of habitats to increase biodiversity. “There might be a natural regeneration of trees, tree planting, possibly a wildflower meadow area, maybe some hedgerows.””Previously just grass was grown in the fields to feed cows, the fields are empty most of the year so there will be an explosion of wildlife activity in the fields over the next 20 years plus as nature takes over.” She mentioned that a modest portion of the funds for the land purchase originated from crowdfunding efforts, with the remaining amount contributed by Grith Pioneers, Forest School Camps, and local organizations such as Wildlings pre-school, which utilizes the area. Mrs. Kershaw-Wright reported that approximately 200 individuals made donations, describing this as “very heartening.” She indicated that only £1,000 remains available for legal expenses and the repayment of personal loans, thus they are receptive to additional contributions.