Welcome to Chapel Lawn’s Brineddin Wood

If you live locally. You’re probably already aware of Brineddin Wood and its 21 ancient quillets (woodland portions). But how much do you know about the two quillets in the centre of the wood that are owned and managed by the Redlake Valley Community Benefit Society? A good place to start is at our ‘latest news page’. By scrolling down through the articles there you will learn about what we do to increase biodiversity in the wood and how we are dependent on volunteers to do that. If that interests you, please explore this website further and then, if you like what you’ve read and would like to help in any way, get in touch. We’ll be pleased to hear from you.

If you’re a visitor to the area. We love people to visit the wood at any time of the year. Spring is especially lovely when you can see the wild daffodils at the western end and the bluebells beside the footpath along the whole length. In summer, when the leaf canopy is dense, it has been likened to a living cathedral. In the autumn when the colours are at their richest, it is magnificent. A moderately difficult clockwise circular walk is best and takes between one and two hours – please keep dogs on leads. First walk to the western end of the village. Opposite the Old Smithy a footpath veers off to the right. Follow it over a river bridge and a couple of stiles and then along a field margin until you reach the Pentre hamlet. Double back sharply here to take the public footpath along the lower wood margin. Half way along at our society’s ‘quillets’, you will see signs of management: an information board, a woodland clearing, deer fencing, and rustic steps leading you to the upper reaches (take care – it’s VERY steep). After that, continue right to the end where a gate leads you into an open field. Cross the field to a stile where you will turn right and walk down the metalled road back to Chapel Lawn.

And whether you’re local or not. There are many ways you can help us in our work to improve biodiversity in the wood. Which begs the question, ‘isn’t it already a haven for wildlife’? Despite its beauty, sadly, no, and the reasons are explained here, and there are many ways you can help. The occasional donations are always welcome, but we especially like people to become involved. This could involve joining our Sunday work parties, helping with fund-raising events, and lending professional expertise when required e.g. environmental, legal, social media etc. New shareholders are always very welcome. We’re also very happy if you just want to stay informed by typing your email address into the space bottom right of this website page. Or to get in touch directly, look bottom left.

Images courtesy of Sarah Jameson: images@sarahjameson.co.uk