A WOODLAND has been opened up to the public following a bursary donation.

The Ashwells Amenity and Pleasure Ground Trust has given its thanks after it received a £500 bursary donation from Cala Homes to open up an area of woodland.

The trust was set up to manage the nature reserve and meadowland for residents of Earls Colne.

They wanted to open an area of woodland beside a stream to make it more accessible to locals.

Through the £500 bursary grant from homebuilder Cala Homes, there has been a new footpath installed which crosses the stream and another small brook.

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The donation to the Ashwells Amenity and Pleasure Ground Trust, located close to Cala’s Audley Chase development on Station Road in Earl's Colne, has allowed the trust to open this new streamside walk.

It is hoped the opening will encourage locals to get lost in nature and allow them to appreciate the natural beauty of their surrounding countryside.

Frances Barton from the Ashwells Amenity and Pleasure Ground Trust said: “We have noticed that locals have been spending more time outdoors and so we noted the need for increased accessibility along our beautiful woodland areas in Earls Colne.

“We are hugely grateful to Cala for their generosity as this funding has enabled us to purchase good quality oak sleepers for the footbridge and we have enough money left to build another bridge over another part of the stream.

"This has allowed us to make a circular route for our local residents to enjoy their beautiful countryside in all its glory for many years to come.”