The first 1000 trees have been planted at the Burnehyll Community Woodland.
Formerly farmland, the 110-acre site between Chesterton and the Kingsmere development in Bicester was acquired by Cherwell District Council with the vision of creating a nature-rich space for local residents to enjoy and biodiversity to thrive.
Over 50 local volunteers from Bicester Green Gym, Bicester 41 Club, and Chesterton Rainbows, led by the Friends of Burnehyll Community Woodland, worked in partnership with the Council to plant the first trees.
Dan Sames is the District Councillor for the Bicester South and Ambrosden Ward. He said: “It is fantastic that planting is underway at Burnehyll Community Woodland. This is a great project for so many reasons – it will provide a natural haven for wildlife, improve local air quality and be an open green space for residents to enjoy.”
The first trees have been planted around the pond with 25,000 set to be planted in total. The trees have been carefully chosen to suit soil conditions in different parts of the woodland with over 30 native tree and shrub species selected.
By 2023 the Council will have invested over £300,000 in the project including archaeological surveys, public access footpath work, signage, gates, park furniture, and tree planting.
