In May 2020 we bought Becky Addy Wood on behalf of the community.
Becky Addy Wood is accessible by a right of way that runs parallels the canal and provides an alternative walking route to Avoncliff and covers over 10 acres. The woodland is around 1.6 miles from the town centre in the parish of Westwood.
It is home to many ancient and native trees species and rare flora, as well as blankets of wild garlic and bluebells.
It’s also a valuable natural habitat for protected local wildlife, including bats.
How we manage Becky Addy Wood
We manage the woodland to protect, conserve and enhance its ecological value as well as its value as a public space.
This includes installing bat and bird boxes in the woodland.
Getting here
Becky Addy Wood is on a steep country lane between Avoncliff and Westwood.
There are frequent trains to Avoncliff and infrequent bus service to Westwood. Becky Addy Wood is best reached on foot via footpaths.
The paths through the woodland are rough and can be muddy. There is no parking at Becky Addy Wood and there is limited parking nearby.
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.
The claimants continued with legal action through to a High Court trial in April 2024 – which resulted in the case being dismissed.
As the defendant the town council was not able to withdraw from the case although it made every effort to reach a pre-trial settlement with the claimants.
Below, is a chronology of statements made to Full Council concerning Becky Addy Wood.