Leamington’s Foundry Wood celebration day

ARC CIC, the community interest company behind the development of Foundry Wood at the former Ford Foundry site, is inviting one and all to see the fruits of volunteers’ labour at its community woodland fair on Saturday.

As well as a bring-and-share picnic from noon to 2pm, the event, which runs from 11am to 5pm, will include guided walks at 11.30am and 3.30pm, demonstrations of traditional woodland crafts, workshops, live music and information stalls.

Foundry Wood project leader Kristie Naimo said: “People have told us that they wanted a space for wildlife conservation and education, so everything we have done has been in response to that.

“It’s now a unique space in Leamington. There is a huge variety of bird life, insect life, bees and butterflies because there are so many wildflowers. There are also squirrels, rabbits, foxes, toads and a wildlife pond.

“It’s really noisy with birdlife - especially at the moment when it’s all lush and green - which is remarkable when you think of how close we are to a very busy road. It’s such an asset to have this here.”

The wood includes an outdoor classroom and compost toilet and over the summer, there will be a programme of workshops and educational activities for children and adults.

Anyone interested in arranging further activities is invited to call Kristie on 07906 262364 or email [email protected]

The site is not yet suitable for wheelchairs, so anyone with mobility problems who would like to go to the fair is asked to contact Kristie to request for assistance.

The wood’s entrance is on Princes Drive between Park Drive and Old Warwick Road, with free parking at Victoria Park car park.