An Avon charity that planted 10,000-trees near Chippenham in April has been given an award for the effort by Chippenham’s Civic Society.

Over 500 volunteers helped the charity, Avon Needs Trees (ANT), plant the woodland at Stanley Lane and they have called the site Pudding Brook Wood after the historic name for the stream that runs along its edge.

The awards ceremony was held at St. Andrew’s Church in Chippenham last week.

The award was presented to Avon Needs Trees trustees Tara Castle and Wiltshire Councillor Dr Nick Murry by Civic Society Chairman, Mike Stone, who with Civic Society President, Jack Konynenburg, described ANT’s work as a great example of enhancing our local natural heritage.

Chippenham Town Mayor Liz Alstrom also attended the ceremony.  

In accepting the award, Dr Nick Murry, a Founder Member and Trustee, explained how ANT had been set up in 2019 by Nikki Jones and four other volunteers, first purchasing and planting 34 acres at Hazeland, near Calne, before acquiring and planting Pudding Brook Wood, near Chippenham.

The charity says volunteers are needed this winter for replanting and maintenance of Hazeland and Pudding Brook Wood, with dates, details and a booking form available on the ANT website.