A NEW area of woodland for the people of Selby, which has been in development for over two years, is set to open its first phase.

The Selby Community Woodland, in Bondgate, will be opened next week with almost 5,000 trees planted with the help of three local schools, footpaths and benches.

The Selby Community Trust have also secured almost £50,000 in grants and donations from the Woodland Trust, to employ Yorkshire artist Alisa Magnus to create new unique sculptures for the site.

Steve Shaw-Wright, chair of the Community Trust, said: “The end of this part of the project is really only the start, for many years to come and hopefully beyond my lifetime this Community Woodland will bring pleasure to the people of Selby.

“A lot of hard work and time has been committed to the Community Woodland, I must say that without Tina Mason, Clerk to the Trust, I doubt we would see the Community Woodland in the shape it is today. As chair of the Trust I, along with the rest of the Trustees, will be looking forward to our next green development, securing more green open space for the people of Selby to enjoy.”

The project has been made possible with help from Groundwork North Yorkshire, grants from Big Lottery Community Spaces, The Big Tree Plant, Drax Power LFC, Eggborough Power, North Yorkshire County Council and the Selby Central Community Engagement Forum, and an official dedication and opening ceremony will be held on Tuesday, March 20, at 11am, with Selby Town Mayor, Coun Wendy Nichols.

Paul Varney, programme manager for Groundwork North Yorkshire, said: “This new woodland area is going to be a fantastic facility for the people of Selby and I am sure it will also attract many visitors from nearby areas.

“It has been designed with the community in mind, and uses materials and landscaping to blend in with the surroundings. I am also very proud to be part of the launch event to celebrate the achievement of the project and it is a great example once again of partnership working.”