Refurbishing ageing Woodland fixtures.

Back at the turn of the millennium, the splendid work being done by Jim Grogan and his Parish Council Sub-Committee was recognised by the local authority (then Cheshire County Council). From a very low base, the group had begun creating a natural woodland from the virtually abandoned part-fields which remained after the construction of the A51 Tarvin By-pass. In addition to the kudos attached to the award itself, the award was marked by installation of three oak "Countryside and Wildlife Award 2000" boards within the woodland itself. One was at Broomheath Lane, another at Hockenhull Lane and the third was put in at Townfield Lane.

These boards have remained in the woodland for 18 years and have withstood everything that the weather could throw at them. As might be expected, their condition has gradually deteriorated, to a point where the benefit of retaining them might now be called into question. However, waiting in the wings is one of our woodland heroes, Derek Rawden.

Derek is the man who has made all of the green information boards and tree identifier posts which can be seen on any woodland walk. He would not hear of the award boards being thrown away, despite the fact that restoration seemed nigh on impossible.

The result of Derek's skill can now be seen by all as the boards have now reappeared back in the woodland, looking perhaps better than my memory tells me they were when they were new. The wonderful job of refurbishment which Derek has accomplished is shown in the accompanying photographs.

Thank you Derek for all your hard work and effort on behalf of both the woodland and the wider Tarvin community. We are grateful to you.