I was really glad to visit Bolehill Woods today and speak with the people behind the fantastic Friends of Bolehill Woods. The woodland is a real asset and clearly valued by the local community.

I walked one of the wood’s rights-of-way with ecologist Matt Falconer and landscape architect Nathan Edwards. They explained the history and ecology of the 2.4-acre wood and why it is unsuitable for development.

Friends chair, Penny Dembo, updated me on the group’s campaign. I was glad to hear that the Friends are communicating with the new owners of the land, who bought it at auction in January after pipping the Friends’ £67,000 bid by just £1,000.

I’ve also written to the new owners myself to ask what they plan to do with the wood. I’ll continue to support the Friends’ campaign to ensure the wood is maintained and kept open to the public.