In April 2020 the town council bought Becky Addy Wood on behalf of the community.
Becky Addy Wood is accessible by a right of way that parallels the canal and provides an alternate walking route to Avoncliff and covers over 10 acres.
It is home to many ancient and native species of trees and rare flora, as well as blankets of wild garlic and bluebells.
It also provides vital natural habitat for protected local wildlife, including bats.
History
Below, you can read our full history with Becky Addy Wood through our press releases (in chronological order):
Ancient woodland protected for future generations
Protected woodland receives funding boost
Town council response to Becky Addy Wood concerns
Mayor responds to continued concerns over Becky Addy Wood
Emergency tree works needed at Becky Addy Wood
Bradford on Avon Town Council is undertaking urgent tree works in Becky Addy Wood
Bradford on Avon Town Council has withdrawn proposal to sell Becky Addy Wood
Litigation
In February 2023 a temporary High Court injunction was imposed on the town council which halted the tree safety work in Becky Addy Wood.
Statement on Becky Addy Wood (February 2023)
On Tuesday 2 May 2023 a High Court order was put in place — based on a proposal put forward by the town council on Friday 17 February.
The High Court order required that independent experts survey and report on Becky Addy Wood in their professional areas of expertise. They will then produce a 2 year woodland management plan.
Bradford on Avon Town Council would be responsible for the implementation of the plan over the next 2 years.
High Court order sees way forward at Becky Addy Wood (May 2023)
In April a large ash tree fell across and obstructed the public footpath. Clearance of this fallen tree might have posed a risk of contempt of court, given the High Court Injunction, as advised by our solicitors.
We requested an amendment to the Court Order to make it clear that we would be allowed to clear the fallen tree without causing any legal risk to the Town Council while the High Court injunction is still in place.
The other party has agreed to this, and so we are able to carry out the work to clear the public footpath.
Tree blocking public footpath in Becky Addy Wood can now be cleared
At Full Council on Tuesday 7 May, Councillor Katie Vigar read out the following statement: “The high court trial concerning the litigation brought against the town council concerning Becky Addy Wood took place last week. The trial ran from Tuesday until Friday afternoon, and we now await the outcome.
Most recent town council statements:
Statement at Full Council Tuesday 5 September 2023 (pdf)