Phase One - Woodland & Wildlife

Central to the ‘Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood’ project is the planting of 8,000 trees on the riverside below Horncliffe to commemorate Pierrette and Fredrick Grinham (community stalwarts for a great many years) and the generosity of their French relatives who saw fit to donate the proceeds of their estate to the village for the benefit of its inhabitants - as highlighted in the document ‘An Introduction to Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood’. The creation of the wood is deemed to be an apt and fitting tribute not only to Pierrette and Frederick - but also the philanthropy of the Capron Family.

A major aim of the ‘Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood’ initiative relates to woodland and wildlife – the planting of 8,000 trees ticks this box - not only with regards to a new woodland, but in time will play its role in relation to wildlife. The 2 mile riverside path from the iconic Union Chainbridge to St Thomas’s Island above Horncliffe is a haven for wildlife and Grinham’s Wood is a welcome addition. A fitting tribute but with major environmental as well as wildlife benefits - and now a reality.