Council gives '˜unwelcoming' woodland a makeover

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) started work yesterday (March 9) after the woods had become overgrown and covered with brambles and shrubs.

A spokesman from the council said the thick foliage had made the woods an ‘unwelcoming place’ for residents and made an ‘attractive spot for anti-social behaviour’.

The larger trees will have branches that are lower than 6ft from the ground removed and the shrub cover around the Cricket Pavilion will be trimmed, the spokesman added.

Removing the undergrowth will allow woodland flowers like bluebells, snowdrops, and daffodils the sunlight they need to grow and spread.

“Residents have expressed concern about people using the woodland as cover for anti-social behaviour,” said councillor Gary Marsh, cabinet member for Service Delivery.

He added: “We’ve listened to what they have to say and this new conservation programme will make sure the woodland is more open and inviting.

“We will target a different section of the woodland each year to make sure that the woodland is constantly trimmed back. All of the green waste we remove will be shredded on site and spread over the non-grassed areas to encourage the woodland flowers to grow.”

For more information about parks and open spaces in Mid Sussex contact the MSDC Landscapes team on 01444 477439 or email [email protected].

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