Ashington Town Council Pledges Support for Community-Led Enhancement of Ashington Community Woods
Ashington Town Council has demonstrated its commitment to support local stakeholders and woodland users by pledging just under £4,000 from dedicated project funds towards the Project Development Phase of Ashington Community Woods. This investment, combined with additional funding from Ward Councillors' Environmental Enhancements budget, will support comprehensive consultation, steering group management, and the preparation of funding applications to help realise the community's vision for this cherished space.
The Town Council has appointed Groundwork NE & Cumbria , a leading environmental and community charity, to lead this exciting initiative. Groundwork NE & Cumbria brings extensive experience in delivering community-led environmental projects and has a proven track record of working collaboratively with local communities to create lasting positive change. Their approach focuses on empowering local voices and ensuring projects are shaped by those they benefit, while championing practical action to combat climate and nature emergencies. This expertise will be invaluable in developing the woodland's future while ensuring the community remains at the heart of decision-making.
Kevin Clark, Programme Coordinator for Groundwork NE & Cumbria said: “We're thrilled to extend our partnership working in Ashington Community Woods, together we look forward to increasing use of the woodland, connecting people with nature and to see improved health benefits as a result of our work. The site is a significant one for many reasons, the size of the reclamation and link to rich mining heritage, the biodiversity of habitats and species as well as regular groups using the woodland for exercise, from running to dog walking.”
The collaborative initiative, beginning in April 2025, will bring together regular woodland users, community groups, and local residents to shape plans for enhancing this valuable green space. Initial focus will be on creating a more welcoming woodland entrance, improving visitor orientation, and celebrating the site's journey from its mining heritage to its present-day role as a vital community asset and wildlife sanctuary.
Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball said: "We know how important Ashington Community Woods is to our residents, and we're committed to supporting those who use and look after this space regularly, as well as encouraging more visitors. The aim is to help shape improvements, while respecting the site's mining heritage and its significance for local wildlife and enjoying the outdoors."
The project was backed from the outset by County Cllr Caroline Ball and County Cllr Brian Gallacher who are part of the steering committee. As the project progresses, we expect more stakeholders will want to be directly involved, alongside Northumberland County Council, Friends of Ashington Community Woods, Ashington Hirst Running Club, and local historian Barry Mead. Friends of Ashington Community Woods has been a stalwart of the area for many years.
Dennis Turner, Chair of the group said: “Friends of Ashington Community Woods was established 15 years ago as part of the initial development to create the community green space from what was the site of Ashington Colliery. During that time, we have work closely with both Ashington Town Council and Groundwork NE & Cumbria. We look forward to being involved in this new project to further enhance this amazing green space and make it even more inviting to the people of Ashington and the surrounding area.”
Key elements of the collaborative approach include:
- In-depth consultation with current woodland users and stakeholders
- Development of user-led proposals for signage and orientation features
- Community input on heritage interpretation elements
- Collaborative planning of enhanced visitor facilities
- Exploration of public art and sculpture opportunities
A steering group representing various community interests will be established to guide the project's development, ensuring continued local involvement in shaping the woodland's future. Public consultation events will be held in July 2025, providing opportunities for all residents to contribute their ideas and aspirations for the site.
Groundwork NE & Cumbria will support Friends of Ashington Community Woods to seek additional grant funding to help realise the shared vision for the woodland, with this initial investment from Ashington Town Council covering the crucial development phase including professional support for funding applications.
As this exciting project develops, regular updates will be shared with the community. Residents are encouraged to stay connected and engaged with the project's progress through the Town Council's communication channels. Anyone interested in getting involved or learning more about the project is warmly invited to get in touch.
For more information about the project, to register your interest in updates, or to get involved, please contact admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk.
