Residents take control of Bexhill woods

Members of St Mary's Wood (EARA) Ltd celebrating at St Mary's Wood, Bexhill. SUS-160609-164344001

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A group of residents has officially taken ownership of an area of ancient woodland which was to be auctioned off by the council.

The 2.01 acre St Mary’s Wood was to go under the hammer in May last year with a guide price of £195,000.

The wood was a number of pieces of land owned by Rother District Council set to be sold off to boost the local authority’s coffers.

The Ellerslie Area Residents Association set up St Mary’s Wood (EARA) Ltd and following negotiations with the council, has now officially bought the woodland for just £1.

In a letter to the group’s supporters, CEO Christopher Wallace said: “I am sure you will agree that our company has created a natural asset for all to enjoy. All this was made possible by your very positive and generous financial contributions.

“This was a wonderful display of our community working together for the benefit of future generations of both residents and visitors.

“Over the coming months we plan to invest money, time and effort into our wood.