Fairlands Community Woodland
Fairlane Wood - A Community Woodland in Fairlands Valley Park
During the winter of 2022/23, schools and the local community took part in an exciting project to help plant a new woodland in the Southfield of Fairlands Valley Park.
As part of our commitment to helping combat climate change, around 1 hectare of new woodland has been planted with help from the community.
Most of the woodland was planted with whips, which are small tree seedlings aged around 2-3 years old. In contrast, some larger trees, over two meters tall, were also planted around the perimeter.
The trees planted are species mainly native to the UK and consist of:
- Field maple
- Hornbeam
- Silver birch
- Rowan
- Hazel
- Hawthorn
- Wild Cherry
- Crab Apple
- Walnut
- Sweet Chestnut
- Oak
Delivering such a large project required much planning. Once the site was prepared, schools and the community were invited to help plant the new woodland. To kick off the project, dignitaries planted seven Silver Maple Trees to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th Jubilee.
Following this, a massive effort from the ten Stevenage schools helped to plant the woodland. Over 200 pupils, teachers, parents, and guardians took part, planting around 1,300 trees. The schools involved were:
The Thomas Alleyne Academy, Ashtree Primary School and Nursery, Almond Hill Junior School, Peartree Spring Primary School, Woolenwick Infant and Nursery School, Greenside School, Roebuck Academy, Round Diamond Primary School, Shephalbury Park Primary School and St Nicholas C of E Primary and Nursery School.
A further 80 local community members, councillors and staff also took part in a woodland planting event in January 2023.
Once planted, Stevenage residents were invited to vote on their favourite name for the new woodland, with Fairlane Wood taking the top spot; thank you Becky Harris for your suggestion.
An event formally opening and naming the woodland took place in November 2023, which included unveiling new signs. You can read more in our news article: New Woodland name revealed.
It will take several years for the woodland to develop into maturity. However, a mosaic of different habitats will enhance biodiversity, such as woodland glades, naturally regenerating scrub/woodland, and complimentary meadow grasslands. In addition, we have left extensive areas of informal grass paths within and around the new woodland so that it can continue to be accessed and enjoyed.
The Green Space Volunteers help to manage and maintain the woodland.
Planting trees is just one way we can help reduce the effects of climate change. Trees are incredibly beneficial. They provide oxygen to breathe, a home for wildlife, store carbon, keep towns cool, make places more appealing, and reduce soil erosion.
