Residents are being urged to support a new initiative to help maintain the beauty of Twigmoor Woods and protect it from anti-social behaviour.
North Lincolnshire Council, along with partners The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and owners the Scawby Estate, are appealing for volunteers to step up and help improve footpaths, remove invasive plants, and conserve the biodiversity of the historic woodlands.
The year-long project will set up a Friends of Twigmoor group to restore and support the area following incidents of quadbikes, fires and littering.
The council is tackling anti-social behaviour with a new Public Spaces Protection Order that will prohibit activities including off-road biking and quadbiking, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.
Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Projects like this show how we can work together as a community to enhance our wonderful green spaces and it tells people that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, be it in our towns or countryside.
“It is also a great way for people to get outside and make a positive difference to the environment.”
Volunteers do not need to commit to a timescale and no previous experience is needed.
In return they will gain new skills and experiences, enjoy feeling part of team, improve fitness and mental health and be contributing to a project with a positive environmental impact.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Twigmoor Woods is a favourite spot for families, dogwalkers and wildlife spotters. With the help of our partners and volunteers the council intends to keep it that way.”
The project starts on Monday, 20 September, with an initial programme of work running until Tuesday, 28 September.
Once-monthly task days will be set up and community days organised for the public to visit and assist.
Twigmoor Woods is owned by the Scawby Estate and managed by North Lincolnshire Council. As well as a variety of native and ornamental species it is also home to many types of wildlife, including woodpeckers, tree creepers and common warblers.
The Twigmoor area has a fascinating history. The woods were once home to a large colony of black-headed gulls, and later an army camp. Two of Guy Fawkes’ fellow Gunpowder Plotters – Jack and Christopher Wright – once lived nearby.
More information on volunteering is available from TCV on 01482 620 309 or email humber@tcv.org.uk.
