TRUST LAUNCHES APPEAL TO CREATE “LAURIE LEE WOOD”

Tuesday 15th January 2013

Trantershill Wood

We are launching an appeal to safeguard a woodland once owned and loved by author and nature-lover Laurie Lee. Trantershill Wood, in the Slad Valley is being sold and the Trust has a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect this piece of literary heritage.

“We urgently need to raise £35,000 to safeguard Trantershill Wood.”Says Dr. Gordon McGlone, CEO Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

“I can think of no other campaign like this, where we have the chance not only to protect a vital piece of habitat, but also to commemorate publicly a great man’s contribution to the nation’s literature.”

Trantershill Wood is a superb example of ancient woodland, over three hectares bursting with an abundance of native flora and fauna, including rare species, such as white helleborine and carpets of bluebells in spring. The woodland is next to the Trust’s existing nature reserve Swift’s Hill, and together will create over 13 hectares of living landscape in the Stroud Valleys.

Laurie, would have been delighted knowing that the future of his beloved woods is hopefully going to be secured.

“I'm convinced that Laurie, would have been delighted knowing that the future of his beloved woods is hopefully going to be secured.” Said Jessy Lee, Laurie Lee’s daughter, “and that The Trust can protect this precious woodland for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and for future generations to enjoy.”

Already the Trust has been pledged £5,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund from Grundon Waste Management to kick start the fundraising campaign.
“To many people, the writings of Laurie Lee – the author of ‘Cider with Rosie’ and the well known naturalist – personify the splendour of the Gloucestershire countryside.” Said Richard Skehens, CEO of Grundon.

“Grundon is delighted to support the Trusts new fundraising campaign to maintain this ancient woodland for the long term enjoyment of future generations. We would encourage local businesses and individuals alike to support GWT in its quest to safeguard this valuable site.”

Ancient woodland like Trantershill Wood is our nation’s rainforest, an irreplaceable resource that is home to many rare and threatened species. Whether the Trust will be able to save this site hangs in the balance and it desperately needs donations to safeguard this woodland for future generations to enjoy.

So much is possible, yet there is so little time. Please, if you value the unique landscape of Gloucestershire make a donation online or telephone 01452 383333.

Tagged with: Fundraising, Appeal. laurie lee, Slad valley