A SOUTH Lakeland community is on a mission to raise £120,000 in order to keep a much-loved woodland in public hands.

The decision to sell Staveley’s Craggy Wood was taken by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) in 2016.

Staveley Parish councillors and the village community were opposed to the potential sale and the Craggy Wood Steering Group was formed to try to avoid it being purchased by an unknown buyer.

Since the wood was put up for sale the steering group has had Craggy Wood designated as an Asset of Community Value by South Lakeland District Council.

Anne Salisbury, Staveley Parish Councillor and chair of Craggy Wood Steering Group, said: “Craggy Wood is a beautiful and cherished feature of Staveley village and residents were shocked to discover the plan to sell it as we thought wood was safe in public hands for the future.

“We have negotiated a deal with the National Park that if the local community can raise £120,000 to buy the woodland, Cumbria Wildlife Trust will take on the ownership and long-term management of the site. We need to raise £46,000 by the end of September 2018.”

And adventurer and Staveley resident Leo Houlding has got behind the efforts to keep the local woodland in safe hands.

“Over the years we have enjoyed walking in Craggy Wood,” he said. “Now we have two young children, the delights of this ancient woodland and its rocky outcrops provide an ideal place to explore. Maintaining access and the freedom to play in Craggy Wood, as well as protecting the native wildlife, is why I whole heartedly support this bid to secure the woods on behalf of the local and wider community.”

Helen Lancaster, property services manager for the LNDPA said the authority had been in discussions for ‘some time’ with the community and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

“If successful, this move will enable us to raise funds that can be ploughed back into maintaining and protecting the Lake District National Park, whilst knowing this wildlife-rich ancient semi-natural woodland will continue to be managed and enjoyed by people for many more years to come,” she said.

More information at: http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/craggy-wood