** Update 09/11/2025 **

A Massive Thank You!

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that, thanks to your incredible support, we can now proceed with the purchase of the Community Woodland – home to the beloved Gruffalo Trail!

Every like, share, and donation has made a real difference. This achievement belongs to all of us, and we look forward to seeing the woodland continue to thrive as a space for nature, play, and community connection.

This is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to the area. We’ll continue to need your support through volunteering and future funding opportunities. Over the years, we’ve been lucky to have Network Rail and John Lewis staff join us through corporate volunteering and we’d love to see more of that!

Stay tuned for updates as we take the next steps together. 💚

****UPDATE: 07/11/2025 ****

Railway Paths Ltd has requested that the Mount Vernon Community Hall Volunteer Management Committee confirm its intention to complete the offer via the auctioneer. This confirmation must include agreement to cover:

The buyer’s fee

Railway Paths Ltd’s legal costs of £2,400 plus VAT

Deadline: Confirmation must be provided by 12:00 pm on Monday, 10 November 2025.

If no confirmation is received by this deadline, the woodland will be relisted with the auctioneer.

We will also have our own legal fees to cover as part of the purchase, which was expected. When the MVCH Volunteer Management Committee took on the lease, the area was frequently used for fly-tipping. Since then, our Community Hall has created a safe off-road path and community play areas, and we have maintained the site at significant cost to the Hall.

This development is extremely disappointing.

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Help Us Secure and Protect Our Community Woodland

Mount Vernon Community Hall Volunteer Management Committee has an exciting and challenging opportunity.

We are purchasing the woodland area behind our community hall, ensuring it remains a safe, green space for everyone to enjoy.

This land is home to mature trees and our much loved play areas, but it also comes with responsibilities:

• Ongoing maintenance of trees and play equipment

• Professional treatment for Japanese Knotweed (a 5-year plan is already in place)

• Regular upkeep to keep the area safe and welcoming

After careful consideration, we’ve agreed to take on this project for the benefit of our community.

Our offer has been accepted, but we now face an unexpectedly higher buyer fee and significant ongoing costs.

Why We Need Your Help

We need to raise funds to:

• Complete the purchase of the woodland

• Cover professional services for land and tree management

• Maintain play areas for local families

Every donation, big or small, will make a difference. Together, we can protect this green space for generations to come.

Let’s keep our woodland safe, thriving, and in community hands. Thank you for your support!