Kings Farm Wood officially opens to the public

After a successful fundraising campaign to save the much loved Kings Farm Wood, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is officially opening it for the public on 12 September 2013. In an action packed day, the Trust will be taking people on guided walks throughout the afternoon and evening. Trust staff will be available to talk about the wood and plans for the future, as well as wildlife experts on hand to talk about the variety of animals, birds, plants and trees you will find in the reserve.

Kings Farm Wood is jointly funded by Swindon Borough Council, Wroughton Parish Council and the Trust and is owned by Swindon Borough Council and the Trust.

Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Head of Fundraising and Communications, Amanda Callard said: “After purchasing the reserve some months ago with help from Swindon Borough Council and Wroughton Parish Council, we have been working towards this day. We are delighted to be able to protect this wonderful area for visitors to enjoy. It is our way of saying thank you to anyone who has donated, or helped us to save the wood. I hope they will all come along and find out what we are planning.”

As it is a public space, everyone will have access to the new nature reserve. “Even if you played no part in fundraising or donating, come along and talk to us. Have a go at one of the conservation tasks we will be running. Have a cup of tea and a piece of cake and enjoy the day. Everyone is welcome. There’s no need to book, just come, chat with our staff, find out about our local wildlife and celebrate with us,” said Amanda.

Guided walks will take place every hour from 2.30 to 6.30 and visitors will have the opportunity to try practical tasks that will help with the management of the woodland. Tasks will start take place from 2.30 to 4.15 and at 5.30 to 7.15pm.

Following the exciting, recent discovery of a rare barbastelle bat at another reserve, Blackmoor Copse near Salisbury, which is also owned by the Trust, a bat walk is planned to start at 7.30pm.