Families flocked to the woodland fun day on the Pigeon’s Farm estate to find out how they could get more involved in their community and clean up the unloved woods. They suggested ideas from treeplanting and more seating, to an adventure playground and setting up a conservation group.

Newbury’s biggest landlord, Sovereign Housing Association, teamed up with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and West Berkshire Council to generate ideas to turn the woods into a real focus for the community.

BTCV Community Project Officer Katrina Pengelley said afterwards: “We want to help the community improve their local environment by showing how residents can get involved.”

A 3D model was used to generate ideas from neighbours, and interested residents will now form a conservation group to analyse the results and put them into practice.

Sovereign Neighbourhood Warden Chris Treacher said: “Once the group is set up, Sovereign and BTCV can help it apply for grants to create lasting improvements. Evidence shows that vandalism can reduce when teenagers have a part to play in community life.”

Pictured (From left) Louise and Rebeckah Trott with Chloe Bailey at Pigeons Farm woodland fun day (Photo Peter Bloodworth Photography)