Ellesmere’s attractions are about to receive a boost as Plantation Wood is gifted to the community by the Grosvenor Estate.

A fundraising coffee morning to celebrate the transfer took place on Saturday, May 5 at the Warden’s Bungalow, Cremorne Gardens, Ellesmere.

Plantation Wood, located between Castle Fields and the canal, is a delightful, unspoiled wood which completes a circular walk around the town, taking in the canal, the Mere and Cremorne Gardens.

In recent weeks, work has been carried out to improve access in the wood, with steps being repaired, handrails installed on steeper sections and obstructions removed.

That work has been made possible by a £4,000 grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help Scheme.

Many individual donations have also been received, along with £500 from the Red Lion quiz teams.

These donations will be used towards a tree safety survey, improved signing and ongoing maintenance work. Chair of the Plantation Wood Trustees, Paul Goulbourne, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Grosvenor estate for agreeing to gift Plantation Wood to the community and to the tremendous local support we have received.

“It is clear the local community values very highly assets like the wood and its importance to the attractiveness of Ellesmere.”

“The trustees will be taking advice on how best to maintain Plantation Wood and developing an ongoing maintenance programme to ensure it can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors.”

Invitations have been sent to Rachael Walker of the Grosvenor Estate and local solicitor John Gibbons to join Ellesmere Tesco, trustees and residents to celebrate the good news.

So far, footpaths have been cleared of overhanging branches and saplings, steps have been repaired and in some cases, replaced, and safety handrails have been fitted to those steeper footpaths making it accessibly to all.

A tree survey will also be carried out soon.

To keep on top of what else is to come for The Plantation Wood you can sign up to the newsletter by visiting www.plantationwoodellesmere.org.uk