Woodland Improvements Completed Through A66 Community Legacy Funding

A woodland area near Richmond has been upgraded as part of a community improvement project linked to the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine scheme.

Round Howe Wood, located beside the River Swale, has received a range of new features aimed at improving the experience for visitors and encouraging greater community use of the site.

The improvements were delivered through a collaboration between Richmond Rotary Club and the British Gurkhas and Nepalese Community based in Catterick and Darlington.

Funding for the project was secured through National Highways’ Community Legacy Fund, which supports local initiatives connected to major infrastructure works taking place along the A66 route.

New additions to the woodland include handcrafted oak picnic tables, decorative wooden toadstools and a collection of carved woodland animal sculptures.

The sculptures, featuring animals such as otters, badgers, an owl and a mole, were created by chainsaw artist Sam Bowsher from Moffat. Stone bases were supplied by Jonny Staley Stonework, while the picnic tables were constructed by Military Craftsmanship.

Martin Collinson, Programme Manager at National Highways, said the organisation was pleased to support the improvements through the Community Legacy Fund linked to the A66 project. He described the scheme as an opportunity to create a welcoming outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the wider community.

Richmond Rotary Club representative Colin Grant explained that the project began after concerns were raised about the condition of older woodland sculptures installed around 15 years ago. He said the area was intended as a picnic destination but lacked the facilities needed to encourage visitors to stay and make full use of the site.

National Highways said its Community Legacy Fund is designed to deliver long-term social value alongside major infrastructure projects. The initiative supports schemes focused on economic growth, environmental enhancement, community wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion.

The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project forms part of wider efforts to improve transport connections across the North of England while also providing benefits for communities located near the construction route.