Angus Wood today
Angus Wood is a thriving community woodland. A haven of tranquillity in Blandford’s town centre. The wood is permanently open to the public and is a great place to unwind. Used by residents and their families, children, visitors and dog walkers, and a great spot for a picnic. Halloween in Angus Wood is very popular with young families and the successful Sustainability Fair held in August 2018 will be repeated next year. Friends of Angus Wood – and the involvement of local people – are key to the continued sustainability of the wood. Scroll down to find out how to become a friend.
History
Angus Wood was donated to the community by the Angus Family in 1990. The Woodland Trust planted the wood for Mrs Jean Angus in 1985. The family, who were keen nature lovers, is delighted that the wood has become even more of a community asset under the management of the Blandford Environmental Trust (BET), and that it continues to carry their name.
Managed by the community for the benefit of the community
Neglected for a number of years as a difficult to maintain small wood, The Woodland Trust sought community involvement. Blandford Rotary took the initiative to set-up the BET as a limited company in partnership with the Blandford Town Museum and The Blandford School, with the aim of maintaining the wood for the benefit of the community and as an open air classroom for schools and community groups of all ages. The Woodland Trust granted BET a 25-year lease on the wood in June 2010. The wood was declared open by the Mayor Esme Butler and Sir Ghillean Prance, former head of Kew Gardens. The fine oak tree planted in the clearing at the time promises to have a very long life.
Friends of Angus Wood
The healthy state of the wood today has been achieved through the efforts of the directors and, most importantly, by the Friends of Angus Wood. A lot has been achieved. Rotarians and Friends painted the railings in 2011. The all-weather path was installed with CPEND, Blandford Rotary Club and Rotary Foundation grant funding in 2012. It provides wheelchair access around the wood. Youth Aid and EDP personnel have helped, hundreds of young trees have been planted. Crucially, work maintenance mornings held on the last Saturday of the month between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon, with coffee at 11.00 am, keep the wood in good condition throughout the year. Membership is open to all – we particularly welcome local residents and families of all ages.If you would like to become a member of the Blandford Environmental Trust (BET) and the Friends of Angus Wood (annual membership fee £10) please e-mail the BET Secretary at [email protected]gmail.com or phone 01258 458911,and either ask for an application form to be posted to you or print off and complete the form below and send it to:
The Secretary, Blandford Environmental Trust, c/o Blandford Museum, Bere’s Yard, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7HQ
Further information including details of the monthly Angus Wood work mornings will be sent to you with the application form.
Data Protection Act 1984. Your name, address and e-mail address will be kept on record solely for the purposes of Blandford Environmental Trust Ltd. This information will not be disclosed to any other party.
Download the the form in pdf here:20190226_BET_ applicationform
BET Team
Chair: Jenny Thompson
Directors: Dr Sylvia Hixson Andrews, Dr Peter Andrews, Rtn Steve Adamson and Rtn Martin Nicol (Nic)
Secretary Mrs Christine Atkins. Treasurer Geoff Poskitt.
