WILTSHIRE West Scouts, who lost their site Roundwood Scout Campsite and Activity Centre at Brokerswood earlier this year, have identified a new site for the camp at Biss Wood, near Trowbridge.
The site would provide a facility for outdoor pursuits and camping for Scouts, including those from Westbury, to use. Westbury Town Council has pledged £500 to help with the purchase of the site.
The site near Trowbridge will mean Westbury Scouts have a nearby site – rather than having to travel to others in the county such as Potterne.
John Cox from the group reports, “The Scouts have been searching for a new camp site for our 800 young members for some months. Mr and Mrs Awdry have kindly agreed to sell us a field adjacent to Biss Wood. We hope to develop an enduring, mutually beneficial relationship with the Wildlife Trust, who own nearby Green Lane Woods. The site will also be made available to organised youth groups, Brownies and Guides and to local schools.
“Most of the field will be planted as a new wood to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and our wood will be one of those listed in a book to be presented to Her Majesty. The Woodland Trust have every kindly agreed to help us plan, plant and maintain the new wood.
“A planning application has been lodged with Wiltshire Council and more details about the scheme, including our business plan, are at www.wiltshirescouts.org.uk
“We hope to exchange contracts for the purchase of the land before the end of June and complete the purchase as soon as possible thereafter, though we will not be able to take possession until the owner has harvested his crop later this summer.
“The cost of the land, plus the facilities that we shall need, is estimated at £175,000. As of mid-June, we are only £1,000 short of the purchase costs and £28,000 short of the total. We are extremely grateful to those who have contributed towards this exciting and worthwhile project.
“To help close the gap we are launching a tree-planting scheme and we are looking for help from companies and individuals in west Wilts.”
The group is appealing to local people and firms to: • Subscribe to the tree planting scheme. • Make a donation to the new site. • Help with donations of building materials, equipment, and loan of machinery in the autumn.
If you can help, please contact John Cox on 01225 864270 or by emailing jandbcox@hotmail.com
