In November 2023 the Barkham and Arborfield Parish Councils united to preserve the Coombes woodland for community enjoyment and education.
In a landmark collaborative effort, Barkham Parish Council and Arborfield and Newland Parish Council jointly purchased 60 acres of The Coombes ancient woodland that sits along the boundary between the two parishes. This initiative will ensure that The Coombes remains open to the public to enjoy in perpetuity and will enable the parishes to take further steps to improve bio-diversity in the area.
The newly acquired woodland is a vital hub for biodiversity in the area. Recognizing the importance of woodland habitats in supporting diverse ecosystems, the Councils are committed to preserving this natural treasure for the enjoyment of current and future generations of residents and to enhancing the area by working with ecology and woodland conservation organisations to ensure the health of the woodland for
years to come.
The Councils also intend to use the woodland for educational purposes and will be seeking opportunities with local schools to enable them to use this important resource as part of their curriculum delivery
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer then contact us using the form below