"Acklam 2020 Woodland Project"

Welcome to Acklam 2020

Community Woodland Project - 2000:

Introduction

A Community Woodland Project became a main priority in 1999. The Group applied to Shell Better Britain for a grant in 1998, the aim of which was to conserve and improve the local historic woodland in and around the Acklam Hall Estate. Such 'green belt' land is limited and it is much valued by Acklam residents.

Members started with a woodland survey of East Wood, making a detailed plan. It soon became obvious that the well-used path extended in width to 12 feet in many places and was a complete quagmire in wet weather. This over use was threatening the whole wood.

The components of the project were then defined as:

The introduction of bat boxes to encourage wildlife
Construction of a path through the wood
The preparation of a Leaflet to help raise awareness of the area's heritage.

Bat boxes, 28 in all, were constructed during a group workshop. We realised that if the boxes were to survive, they would have to be placed fairly high up the trees.
The tree survey was completed, with notes on seasonal wildflowers. This information would be used to indicate where best to introduce new young trees and wildflower clumps in the future.
Local interest material about the area was collected, historical and archaeological, for inclusion in our woodland walk leaflet. Two community talks by local experts in these fields were arranged. Both of these talks were well attended by the community.
Grants were sought to fund the replacement for the East Wood footpath by one with a durable surface. This to cost more than originally estimated, but without it, Acklam 2020 would not be able to improve wildlife habitats in the long term.

East Wood Path Creation

We invited Claire Gallagher from British Trust of Conservation Volunteers, BTCV, to come and survey the site and give us recommendations and costings for an appropriate path. High durability was needed because the path was well used, despite its present poor state. Not only were local dog walkers and residents using the woodland path; it was also providing a safe walk to school for many children from the three large neighbouring secondary schools.

The path was completed on schedule by the end of July. Even before the completion of the path, regeneration of the natural woodland undergrowth was in evidence. Members of the 2020 Group visited the site frequently during the working day, to encourage, support and to check on progress made. The volunteer workforce were proud of their achievements as they could see for themselves the vast improvement it was to make for the community who used it.

The Woodland Walk Leaflet entitled Acklam

The Aim of the Leaflet was to promote our local area from both a Historical and Ecological point of view.

Draft copies were sent to numerous outside agencies to verify facts. Tees Archaeology told us that Acklam Hall was in fact a Grade I listed building; (we had been led to believe it was of a lower status). The Local History Society, the Vicar of St. Mary's Church, The Principal of Middlesbrough College and many local residents took time to proof read and make comments on the document. It was decided to print in full colour and seek the services of a professional designer. We decided to use our own photographic skills to avoid further costs.

A Presentation of the Woodland Leaflet was given to the Community Council in May 2000. The Leaflet was ready for the local churches Millennium Festival in July. There were to be guided walks in the area, led by local historians and Acklam Hall was to be open to the public. Everything fell into place very quickly, not only with the designer, but also with a local printer. The Leaflet was distributed to the following places.

Libraries.
Museums.
Schools and Colleges.
Tees Archaeology.
Local History Society.
Churches.
Local Councillors
Members of Acklam 2020

Where possible, every copy or packet of leaflets was delivered personally as a PR gesture. We wanted the readers to identify the Group responsible for the project. There were many comments of appreciation from both local people and the wider community.

The Launch of the Project

It was decided by the Group to hold an official ceremony to mark the completion of this project. This would provide an opportunity to thank all of the people who had made this project happen.

Middlesbrough College provided the ideal venue. The Launch took place at the College on Thursday October 5th. Guests met for coffee and were welcomed by the College Vice-Principal. There was a short presentation by Brenda Allen, past secretary of 2020, using the latest computer software. The Head Boy from one of the local schools spoke a few words of thanks on behalf of the schoolchildren. A buffet lunch was served and the conclusion to the launch was a short walk led by Martin Allen, another member of the group, along part of the route on the Leaflet. This ended at the new gate at the start of the path. A ribbon was cut by Joanne Smithson, who helped us at the outset of the project, to mark the occasion.

This project was funded by contributions from:

Shell Better Britain
Acklam Community Council
Middlesbrough Environment City
The Countryside Trust
Middlesbrough Community Chest
HallGarth school and King's Manor School
Middlesbrough Council provided the new gate.