Communities on the map

Grants from the National Forest Company have been helping to make 'dream' community projects a reality.

One of the most eye-catching projects that the NFC has supported is at Ravenstone, where a committee of local people got together to organise the creation of a village feature sculpture.

The striking stone and metal creation (pictured right) by artist Phil Townsend is now in place on the village green. Ann Thorne, Chairman of the organising committee, said: 'The group of people involved have had to put in a great deal of work over a number of years, but it has all been worthwile. We are all very proud of what Phil has created.'

Among other projects to benefit from NFC support are the creation of small orchards by schools and community groups in Heather, Burton and Ellistown. Each of the new orchards has been created using traditional apple varieties that are part of the local heritage.

Users of South Derbyshire Mental Health Association's Bank House are enjoying the fruits of their labour now that spring is here in their beautiful new garden. The garden, which has a new sculpture, sundial and benches, was another project that had grant support from the NFC.

Elsewhere, the friends of Newhall Park enjoyed a fantastic show of bluebells after their mammoth bulb planting project. And over the last few months more than 800 private gardens have benefited from the free trees given away in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire, helping to bring the Forest into towns and villages.

If you have ideas for a community project that would help The National Forest to grow in your town or village contact Sue Anderson on 01283 551211.