Dear Editor,

I noticed in Issue 246 of Grange Now a short article by Tony Saunders about Brown Robin in which he mentions the Lime Kiln Wood project. Your readers may be interested in seeing a bit more detail, as follows.

‘Lime Kiln Wood is being run by a Trust (composed mainly of local people) for the improvement of the wood’s biodiversity and to enhance its value as a resource for the quiet enjoyment of the inhabitants of Grange and Lindale. We have already been rather busy, repairing the surrounding drystone wall, removing litter, and surveying the trees and ground flora. Users of the wood may be interested to learn that it contains over 75 species of trees and smaller plants, including Herb Paris, a marker of ancient woodlands. Indeed, the wood has probably been there in one form or another for thousands of years. It used to be coppiced, and exploited for limestone to feed the old kiln, but since these industrial activities ceased, the wood has grown increasingly dark, so the ground flora and associated fauna are in decline. To reverse this process, we have re-started hazel coppicing with the advice of Tony Saunders from the Brown Robin reserve, and we will also be thinning out some of the sycamores which are now casting overly-dense shade. The Lime Kiln Wood Trust is keen to work with local people to restore the wood to its former glory, so please let us know if you would like to help. Details of our management plan can be found on our new website:- www.limekilnwood.org.uk which will be up and running shortly.’

Peter Matthiessen, Chair, Lime Kiln Wood Trust