As 2025 draws to a close, we want to send warm festive greetings to all our friends and supporters. Your care for Buckenham Wood and commitment to its conservation has made this year truly special. Every volunteer hour, every penny donated and every kind word, has made an incredible difference and is really appreciated. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Together, we’ve shown what amazing things we can achieve. As we step into 2026, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum — with more opportunities to get involved, learn, and celebrate the woodland we all cherish.
For the latest news on how the Buckenham Wood management plan is progressing check out our dedicated website page, which we are keeping regularly updated with what is happening. Some key recent highlights are below:
Closure of some paths: Visitors to Buckenham Wood will notice that two recently created paths which enter the wood from the Strumpshaw Parish Council boundary have been closed. These paths have been closed to create a wildlife sanctuary area within the section of the wood owned by the Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust. To read more on the benefits of creating a wildlife sanctuary click here. Our website page includes a map of the wood which indicates the two paths which have been closed.
The fencing used to enclose the wildlife sanctuary area is made from sweet chestnut, from a well-managed local woodland. This fence will age and quickly blend in with the surrounding woodland. The fencing work was completed in mid-December.
Tree safety and management work: The contractors have confirmed that no further tree works will take place this year. However, an additional three to four days will be required in the New Year to complete the canopy restoration. This work will focus primarily on the sycamore trees within the woodland.
Path along the northern boundary: Improvement works will take place on this path during January. For public safety, the path will be temporarily closed during these times. Further details about these works can be found here.
Over October and November, we held four volunteer work days, including our first two Wednesday sessions, alongside the usual Sundays. We want to thank everyone who braved some rotten weather in November to come and help us. To find out what the team have been doing click here.
Looking for a rewarding New Year’s resolution? Why not join one of our volunteer work parties! It’s a wonderful way to meet new people, enjoy the fresh air, and chase away those winter blues.
Sign up to our mailing list to receive email updates about upcoming work days—we’d love to see you there.
This year has been full of milestones and moments worth celebrating. Follow the links to relive these highlights and see photos on our website and Facebook.
February
Our Wood Warden volunteer team was established! They now regularly walk the woods, noting potential risks to visitors and wildlife, helping us keep Buckenham Wood safe and thriving. Read what one of our Wood Wardens has to say about their role.
March
We hosted our second BAWT Barn Dance — a joyful evening raising approximately £1,000. A huge thanks to Lingwood Village Hall for hosting, The Yare Folk Group for keeping us entertained all night, and to everyone (including local businesses) who donated raffle prizes. We’ll be back in 2026! Catch-up on the night's festivities via our website and Facebook.
April
Visitors joined us for Buckenham Wood Bluebell Day, sharing in the delight of our woodland carpeted in blooms. The BAWT team were on hand to welcome visitors and celebrate this seasonal wonder. Find out more – here!
June
We secured funding from the Greater Norwich Growth Board to deliver vital conservation works in Buckenham Wood. Guided by ecologists and partners including Broadland District Council, BAWT developed the Buckenham Wood Management Plan—ensuring the wood’s health and protection for generations to come.
We shared the plan through in-person meetings and online resources, highlighting the conservation works that will restore, maintain, and preserve Buckenham Wood well into the future. Explore our website for more details about the Buckenham Wood management plan and include updates on how the work is progressing.
The Strumpshaw Brownies joined us for a guided walk around Buckenham Wood, exploring the woodland and creating beautiful drawings to document their experience. To see their pictures click here!
August
We celebrated the launch of Bob’s Blog, a new space for sharing woodland stories, insights, and updates. Click here.
October
Our Annual General Meeting brought the community together to reflect on the past year and look ahead. We were inspired by guest speaker Nick Acheson, a passionate conservationist and gifted storyteller. Read more here.
We also celebrated the publication of our 2026 photo calendar, featuring 12 stunning images taken by members of the local community — a true showcase of Buckenham Wood through the eyes of those who love it. Check out who won here.
All Year Long
Our incredible volunteers have been at the heart of everything — from litter picks to tasks which support the management plan. Their dedication has been integral to the woodland’s care and future. Scroll through updates from all the 2025 work days – here.
Our beautiful calendar, featuring stunning images contributed by the local community, is now available.
Voluntary suggested donation: £8 per calendar
Where to collect: Calendars can be picked up from three locations (The Shoulder of Mutton, Pages Garage and Lingwood Village Hall) — look for the collection boxes. Or contact the BAWT team via our email (info@buckenhamancientwoodland.org) for local pick-up/delivery.
Easy online donation: Our Just Giving page will be displayed (QR code) next to each box so you can donate on the spot – thank-you for your support!
The northern boundary permissive footpath will be officially closed for 24 hours on 12 January. Thank you for your understanding.
BAWT purchased the woodland in October 2024, starting the hard work and financial commitment to maintain it. Let’s all get together to help ensure that the local community continues to benefit from our Ancient Woodland for generations to come.
1. Become a member – it’s free!
We need members so that funders can see we have community support, and to guide our decisions.
2. Volunteer
We need more volunteers to help join us run the Trust, and to help with practical tasks in the wood.
3. Donate
We’ve raised money to purchase the woodland, but there will now be more work to be done in the wood.
4. Follow us on Facebook
Please follow and share us on Facebook.
5. Spread the word
If you think you know someone who would enjoy getting involved with our work please tell them about our website, where they can find out more about us.
This project is funded by the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund.
This project is part-funded by the UK Government and Broadland District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This project is part-funded by Broadland District Council through their s106 Green Infrastructure Fund.