Recent History

One of the suggestions arising from the Parish Plan was to have a woodland in Burton open for public use. In 2003, a 'Woodland for Burton' committee was set up, it's members being the Parish Heritage Wardens Paul and Linda Sutton together with Phil and Diane Simmons, Sue Warren and Barbara Stead. It's initial aims were to identify an area, either of existing woodland or other land to be planted up as a woodland.

Amazingly, an existing small woodland, privately owned in the village, came on the market in April 2004. With great haste the Heritage Wardens alerted the Parish Council.

All the village were informed and within a week donations were received amounting to almost £10,000 towards the purchase price. In total the village raised £12,800 and grants were obtained from the Leicestershire County Council Shire Grant Scheme(£10,000) and from Charnwood Borough Council(£5,000).

The woodland became ours in October 2004 and was officially opened 1st May 2005 by the Chairman of the County Council, Councillor Peter Winkless.

With the help of Neill Talbot of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Franciose Scire of Charnwood Wildlife (Charnwood Borough Council), a five year management plan was drawn up. A Management Committee was appointed to take care of the Woodland. Founding Members were Paul and Linda Sutton, Derek Brewis, Paul Rushforth, Catherine Thomson, Margaret Pickford and Diana Edmonds.

For information regarding the Plantation Management Committee please contact the clerk to the council.