I will be attempting to cycle unsupported from Lands End to John O' Groats but rather than just do it for fun I thought it was worth putting the effort to a good cause in my local community.

East Tytherley is a small village in the Test Valley with its key family hub being the village playground. The play area is set in a beautiful landscape adjacent to the village church, which dates back to Saxon times. The park is on a protected site of archeological interest. Because of its location in a safe rural environment it attracts families not only from the village but from surrounding villages and wider afield. It makes the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic in a tranquil setting. Adults are able to meet together whilst the children enjoy the park's play area, which includes a large field area to kick a ball about or throw a frisbee!! Alongside the park is a strip of woodland and from the church public footpaths go off in various directions.

The park and its infrastructure, whch was originally created after significant fund raising 11 years ago is in need of refurbishment and enhancement. The cost to do the first phase of the work is estimated at £10,000. The funds raised will be used for the following purposes.

The Landscape and Habitat

To improve the landscape by refencing, and hedging the boundaries , creating additional habitat for birds and small mammals. and improving safety. The woodland requires a number of poor condition trees to be removed with new ones planted and the planting of woodland wild flower species. Bird and bat boxes will also be put in the trees.

The Playpark Facilities

Some play equipment will replace existing equipment with any new equipment being agreed upon after surveying the wishes of local families. Any new additions will be subject to the agreement of Historic England. There will be additional picnic benches and other seating installed and perhaps a small undercover area. The signage for the park will be improved with inclusion of its historical reference and perhaps species of animals and birds that you may be lucky to see. There is also a need to improve the car parking facilities for the church and the playpark.

I hope that you will agree that whilst this cause isn't of national interest that it is a worthwhile community cause benefiting not only families in the immediate vicinity but further afield. It will create additional animal and bird habitat whilst at the same time providing an enviromental and historic educational angle.