James Herriot – Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood an Explanation & Update

(Update No2)

Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood is centred around 2 miles of path and trail encompassing spectacular vistas of the river Tweed from the Union Chainbridge up-river to the village of Horncliffe and beyond to St Thomas’ Island. Which also happens to be a part of the Lower Tweed Trail and Destination Tweed’s ambition and efforts in relation to establishing a trail from the source of the river to the mouth.

The Grinham Legacy is an important aspect and relates to Fredrick Grinham who died in 2003, and his wife Pierrette in 2010. It was at this time their French relatives generously donated the proceeds of the estate to the village (in excess of £100,000-00). This was utilised to update and extend the village hall, create a village play park, restoration of the war memorial, information panels for the Union Chain Bridge – amongst others.

This fund was exhausted prior to the concept of Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood, hence a major aim being to highlight and celebrate the philanthropy and generosity of both the Grinham and Capron families.

To date Phase 1 has seen the planting of 8,000 trees (Grinham’s Wood) which was completed via grants and assistance ref the English Forestry Commission, Destination Tweed, Cheviot Trees and the Landowner.