The Woodland Trust has completed 650 metres of new surfaced pathways at Penn and Common Woods – the first stage of a £200,000 investment.

These new pathways connect existing surfaced tracks to make up a circular 1.2km route through the woods.

The trust secured grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) of £68,800, with a further £34,833 from The Veolia Environmental Trust, awarded through the Landfill Communities Fund, and nearly £30,000 from local supporters.

With grants from the Forestry Commission the charity has raised nearly £200,000, which will allow it to improve paths, signage and interpretation throughout the woods, making them more accessible for visitors.

Paul Jarczewski, Woodland Trust site manager, said: “The funding we’ve received from the HLF will enable us to work with huge numbers of people locally and learn more about the rich history of these woods. There will be many opportunities for people to get involved over coming months and years.

“We hope that by making the woods more inviting and accessible to visitors, thanks to the funding from The Veolia Environmental Trust, that we’ll also provide a better experience when they visit.”