Our story
Richmond Castle turned 950 years old in 2021. As part of the celebrations and as a legacy for future generations to enjoy, the community came together to create a new woodland on a site adjacent to the historic Richmond Racecourse. The idea was borne out of a request for ideas to mark this auspicious occasion and was developed by a dedicated team of individuals from the town with the local community getting involved with planting. Volunteer work parties help a local charity keep on top the maintenance and the site has become important for community activities as well as a great educational resource.
With the planting of native mixed woodland a new habitat is being created and with further planting in the future a vital wildlife corridor will connect existing old woodland and species-rich habitats on the edge of Richmond. Already with the reduction in intensive grazing, wildflowers have had the chance to flourish attracting butterflies, moths and bees. The woodland is surrounded with a new hedge adding more important habitat and wildlife diversity.
In addition to the creation of a new habitat and community involvement, the new woodland is of course helping towards reducing the impact of climate change and is part of wider tree planting and carbon sequestration projects in Richmondshire.
Although Rufus Wood is relatively small it will play a big part in the Richmond community and its efforts to tackle climate change in the coming years.
Our advice
Our main advice would be to have someone knowledgable about planning. We did and it has made negotiating the planning process so much easier. Have small but diverse group of individuals to steer the project. Make sure you take a long view of the process as things may take longer than you would expect.
The most encouraging part of the project was bringing together people from different parts of the community to create something that will be used by the people of Richmond for years to come. From the landowner, business people and local charities, we have created a team that should keep the project sustainable and adaptable for years to come.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the increase in local biodiversity and changing ecology of our woodland; carbon savings through new trees planted; the new connections made between local people and businesses; and the role of Rufus Wood in bringing the community together.
