English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS)

The City Council received funding from the EWGS to help to manage some of its woodland areas.  EWGS is a scheme allocating a series of grants provided by the Forestry Commission (external link).  The aims of the EWGS are to:

• sustain and increase the public benefits given by existing woodlands, and
• help create new woodlands to deliver additional public benefit.

The areas are The Dingle and Dukes Drive Woodlands.  Works are to include:

• Removal of dangerous trees for public safety.
• Drainage works.
• Removing scrub/small trees cutting to open up footpaths, thereby improving public access.
• Removal of Rhododendron, Sycamore and Laurel to improve access and biodiversity by opening up areas of the woodlands.  This allows more light to the woodland floor thereby increasing the range of habitat within the woodland.
• Leaving felled wood to form habitat piles to increase biodiversity.

The funding will be used to improve public access to these woodlands and improve woodland structure, under a holistic management plan.  It spans a three year period.  Works started on The Dingle in 2006 and are due to start in Dukes Drive woodland at the end of November.

Contact Details

Countryside Service

Email - countryside@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402397

Fax - 01244 310071

Address - Countryside Service, Green Space Team, Culture & Community Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS