WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust announced purchase of a large ancient woodland in North Wiltshire which will soon be transformed into a nature reserve.
The trust bought Great Wood, near Royal Wootton Basset, to prevent it from being sold off in pieces to different landowners.
This purchase was made possible by a grant from Biffa Award, part of the Landfill Communities Fund.
Great Wood will undergo a major programme of restoration work in the upcoming months to prevent more species from disappearing in the area.
The trust hopes the restoration will aid the return of animals such as purple emperor butterflies or nightingales which are typically only found in ancient woodlands.
Gary Mantle, chief executive of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “I am delighted that we have saved Great Wood as a fantastic place for nature and people in Wiltshire.
"This is a unique opportunity for us to preserve what is probably the largest collection of wild service trees in the country as well as fantastic stands of oak.
"We will restore it to a fully functioning ancient woodland ecosystem, increasing biodiversity whilst ensuring it is more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”
"We have a wonderful chance to work with local farmers and other landowners to connect Great Wood to other nearby ancient woodlands and hedgerows as part of a wider nature recovery network.
"This will allow woodland butterflies, birds and mammals to move between different habitats through the seasons.
"We are grateful to Biffa Award for helping us realise our dreams for Great Wood.”
Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award grants manager, said: “It is a privilege to have been able to play a part in securing the future of Great Wood.
"The Biffa Award Board awarded Wiltshire Wildlife Trust £2.1m, its largest ever single grant, in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
"The grant demonstrates the importance the Board places on nationally important sites like this ancient woodland, securing them in perpetuity for generations to come.
"The purchase and improvement work will protect and enhance habitats for a wide range of woodland wildlife, as well as it offering a place for local communities to come together to enjoy a range education and engagement activities.”
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