Visitors to Yeo Valley Woodland in Barnstaple, North Devon, can now enjoy enhanced amenities thanks to the installation of new oak benches and trim trail fitness equipment. This improvement project was made possible by a £6,000 donation from the former Frankmarsh and Gorwell Community Association.
The funds were gifted to the Friends of Yeo Valley Woodland, a local community group dedicated to improving the woodland. They utilized the donation to procure and install high-quality seating and outdoor exercise equipment, aiming to make the woodland more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Improving Accessibility and Encouraging Activity
The newly installed benches offer peaceful resting spots throughout the woodland, providing opportunities for visitors to pause, relax, and appreciate the natural surroundings. Complementing these, the new trim trail equipment is designed to encourage active play and outdoor exercise, catering to those looking for a more vigorous experience in the natural setting.
Councillor Ricky Knight, Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity at North Devon Council, lauded the initiative as a “fantastic example of local people investing in the future of their community.” He emphasized that these additions will enable more residents to enjoy the woodland and stay active in a natural environment.
Community Collaboration and Future Enjoyment
Lesley Brown, a member of the Friends of Yeo Valley Woodland, expressed satisfaction with the new additions, stating they make the woodland “more welcoming and accessible for everyone, whether you want to relax or be active.” The installation of these new features is now complete and ready for public use, signaling a successful collaboration between community groups and local authorities to enhance public green spaces.
