THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE WOOD, HANNINGTON
UPDATE FROM THE FREKE AND NORTON CHARITY
4th March 2026
The trustees wish to give you an update about the Wood, which you will remember we acquired at auction in July 2021, with the help of generous donations from local residents.
The planting happened in two stages :
- Part A ( 4 acres) in April 2022
- Part B ( 2 acres) in March 2023.
Since then maintenance has been provided regularly by Southern Forestry, who ( helped by many residents) did the original planting , and we have made claims for instalments of the original grant obtained from Great Western Community Forest ( run by Swindon Borough Council) as and when required.
Most of the Wood has progressed well , despite the wet winter of 2024/5 , followed by a very dry summer, and now more rain. However we do now need to replace up to 30% of the trees and shrubs, and this will be done probably mid-March ,depending on the weather. This attrition rate is quite low, according to Southern Forestry and reports from other such plantings in the locality. As usual , there is also work to do uprighting trees and leaning shelters and stakes, and spot and other weeding. The rides will be mown again soon.
The stables and sheds, which it is intended become a visitor centre when the trees have grown and matured sufficiently , are currently let to a local farmer for storage for the time being and he helps keep an eye on the property.
So the project is very much under way as we had originally envisaged , and we will keep you posted as it continues.
With thanks again for your support, and best wishes from all the trustees .
Mike Scott
Trustee
The Thomas Freke and Lady Norton Charity