Corton Woods Project

Photographs of the work carried out by Corton Woods Project volunteers

The Corton Woods Project was formed in 2001 by residents who were concerned about the deteriorating state of the woods.  A formal meeting was arranged at the Corton Hut and from this meeting a committee was formed.  The newly formed group drew up a constitution with the main aims being to improve the visual impact, encourage appreciation and sympathetic use of the woods and encourage greater bio-diversity and restore traditional management techniques.

After consultation with Waveney District Council and Suffolk Wildlife Trust a woodland management plan was established.  Only when all this was in place were the group able to obtain insurance from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).  Work parties are held twice a week, on a Thursday and Saturday. 

Work undertaken includes:

Clearing and dredging of the pond

A programme of major replanting of the woods with over 1200 native species of trees, pond plants and wild flowers

Habitat piles have been created to encourage wildlife

A disused bus shelter has been converted to a permanent work shed

Steps and bridges within the woods have been built

Different types of bird boxes have been place throughout the woods

Since 2001 the project has won a number of awards including the silver award for the best conservation project in East Anglia in 2003 and 2004, and the Best Community Project.

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The Parish Council purchased 8 acres of land from Alan Coleman in 1938 to use as the village playing field.  This was to replace the Recreation Ground which the Coleman's had reclaimed.  The field was extended in 1958 and to the west some years later.  The playing field was leased to the trustees of Corton Playing Field Committee in 1965 for a term of 60 years, at an annual rent of one shilling payable on the first day of April.  The organisations who could use the field were:  The Committee of the British Legion (Corton Branch), Corton School Managers, Corton Youth Club, Corton Women's Institute, Corton Mother's Union, Corton Parochial Church Council, Corton Cricket Club, Corton Football Club and Corton Parish Council.  By 1987 several of the groups were defunct and new groups added - Corton Wives, Celtic (sic) Football, Corton Happy Circle and Corton Playgroup.  The field is one of the largest playing fields in Suffolk. 

Football Tournament being played on Corton Playing Field

Corton Wives hold their meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.  The group invites various speakers to their meetings as well as social evenings and meals out.  There are usually about 25 to 30 people attending these meetings.

The picture below was taken on 3rd January 1961 when the group were known as Young Wives

Middle Row:  Mrs Knights with Brenda, Mrs Knights with Richard and Vincent, Mrs Ayers with Sally and William, Mrs Taylor with Christine, Mrs Coull, Mrs Godfrey, Paul Coull

Front Row:  Jenny Knights, Martin Hoyes, Steven Butcher, Sue Butcher, ? Blizzard, Trisha Ayers, ? Blizzard

Celebrating 40 years

40th Birthday Celebration Cake

Coach Trip

Trip to see Woody Bear

50th Birthday Celebration Cake