Family-owned homebuilder Pennyfarthing Homes is making a significant contribution to the Alderholt community by opening up a large section of local woodland for residents (and their dogs) to enjoy.
The High Wood Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) is intended to take pressure off protected Dorset heathland habitats and will help create new habitats for wildlife to flourish, supporting the ongoing health of native flora and fauna and enable local residents to reconnect with nature.
The High Wood SANG is being created as part of Pennyfarthing’s ongoing commitment to the natural landscape, as the company provides new homes for residents at Oakwood Grove in Alderholt. The SANG will see Pennyfarthing not only delivering access to this land but committing to its ongoing management.
Ben Arnold, Land & Planning Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, comments: “In addition to providing much-needed homes, at Oakwood Grove in Alderholt, we are delighted to be unlocking previously inaccessible woodland for local people to enjoy. The woodland paths will be a real asset for dog walkers, runners, families out for a stroll and anyone who wants to reconnect with the natural environment.”
The SANG project will provide public access to 2.44 hectares (6 acres) of woodland to the north of Alderholt. Paths will meander through the woodland connecting with the existing footpath network in the area. Woodland restoration and management work is already underway to enhance the biodiversity value of the SANG woodland. The agreed management plan has been designed to allow native species to flourish, with conifers to be removed to support native ash and hazel trees to flourish. The removed conifers will be repurposed to create woodchip pathways.
Pennyfarthing will also be adding gravel paths over drainage ditches, to ensure walking routes are useable during both wet and dry weather. Additional habitats will be enhanced to benefit bats, birds and invertebrates, as well as woodland flora. Boards at the two main access points to the SANG will provide historical information, as well as details of the walking routes.
The High Wood SANG will be open to all those who live in the vicinity, including buyers of the new Pennyfarthing homes, at Oakwood Grove. This attractive new development provides a selection of homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments which are being offered as First Homes, this Government backed scheme allows key workers and local first time buyers a substantial 30% discount against market value. The scheme also includes bungalows with two and three bedrooms and houses ranging from two to four bedrooms, along with a play area, pond and greenspaces.
In addition to the High Wood SANG, Oakwood Grove residents will be close to the village centre shop and pub and Alderholt recreation ground, with the New Forest, Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Salisbury and Bournemouth a short drive away. Less than nine miles away, Moors Valley Country Park and Golf Course provides a further 1,000 acres of parkland and forest to explore.
Homes at Oakwood Grove will be available from autumn 2024. For further details, please visit https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk/site/oakwood-grove/
