It is early on Thursday morning and a group from Long Ashton led by two Parish Councillors are getting ready for the last day of raising funds to buy Woods in Long Ashton for the community. Radio Bristol are coming to interview and put us on the airwaves. It is a fantastic project as the woods are very close to the village recreation area and would fit very well into greater educational and leisure improvements for us. Long Ashton has been trying to buy these woods since the 1970's when it was agreed but the then District Valuer would not agree the price of £45,000 required by the then owner as being the correct value. This was a shame but he could not be swayed. Now we have another opportunity and the price asked is now upwards of £90,000. We hear that the Golf Course want to buy it so that they can give themselves a 100m safety strip which we could well accommodate them with but on initial talks are not ken on supporting the village bid. Perhaps they will think again. Other groups apparently want to have a log cabin village in the 18 acres. Holiday homes perhaps? Something like the leisure Park in Gloucestershire which has just had problems with rating and some residents there are struggling and not able to live in their, rather expensive, 'holiday homes' when they wish.
The woods also have connections to an ancient monument which may effect the possibility of obtaining planning for anything but it might be that there would be an archeological dig there at some point. How exciting is that!? Living at Gatcombe I well remember the University digging up what they think is one of the earliest Christian burials in England in the 1970's.What might they find on Keed's Hill? Time Team watch this space!
Just think of the nature walks that the two schools could enjoy. I remember still the primary school walks I took on Backwell Hill. Good constitutional and absorbing information as we went. THis is an ancient woodland site full of fascinating natural elements to set young hearts racing with enthusiasm and only a stone's throw fromthe village hall.
We have loads of local talent to get involved, foresters, walkers would be coppicers. As we are constructing the New Village 'way forward to 2026' this seems a wonderful proiject to give the villagers that will be cohesive, educational, conservationist recreational and very very interesting.
May I suggest that everyone 'gets stuck in'? Contact me, Listen to Henny Fordham on Radio Bristol. Maybe I can get Chris Evans to join in Its a GREAT PROJECT and we need to get moving
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