Diamond Wood – Jubilee Wood – Ashlawn Road
Rugby Borough Council has been working with the Woodland Trust to develop a permanent legacy to mark the Queens Diamond Jubilee. We hope neighbours, communities, schools and families will come together to plant thousands of individual trees in their gardens, playgrounds and community spaces - each taking the chance to mark this special moment in history in a way that will stay with them forever.
Schools and community groups are welcome to apply to the Woodland Trust for free tree packs to help local people get involved in the celebration. The aspiration of the Woodland Trust is to plant 6 million trees across the country.
An exciting opportunity exists for Rugby to be one of only 60 locations across the country to have a special Diamond Woods, transforming our landscape in a generation and providing a lasting and meaningful tribute for many years to come. The potential site for this unique woodland area would be in the Rainsbrook Valley, off Ashlawn Road in Rugby.
More information about the Jubilee Woods projects and the Woodland Trust is available via the following link: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/jubilee-woods/Pages/home.aspx.
The 116 acre site was previously leased for arable agricultural purposes and is characterised by an open feel with far reaching panoramic views. The perimeter of the site is currently well-used as an unofficial walking route and as a link into the adjacent Ashlawn Cutting Nature Reserve.
Design concept
Approximately 50,000 young trees will be planted to create a predominantly wooded landscape, with open glades. Long distance views will be retained with the creation of vistas to the open countryside beyond. The woodland is designed in fan-shaped blocks divided by 10m wide rides or walkways. The margins of the rides will be planted with predominantly shrubby species. The design allows a variety of circulatory routes around the site and will be treated as wildflower meadows with desire lines mown through or allowed to naturally occur.
All of the species used will be native to further enhance habitats and local biodiversity:
Tree species: Oak, Ash, Beech, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry, Field Maple, Alder, Hornbeam, Rowan, Sweet Chestnut and Whitebeam. No Ash will be planted until the current restrictions due to Ash tree die-back are lifted.
Shrub species: Holly, Dogwood, Spindle, Buckthorn, Hawthorn, Dog Rose, Hazel, Guelder Rose, Blackthorn and wild Privet.
Environmental impact
Varying habitats will be created from woodland through to scrub, with wildflower meadows and some close-mown areas. Mammals such as shrews, weasels and others will flourish and inhabit the site as it establishes. It will act as an extension to the adjacent nature reserve.
The existing ditches and streams will be enhanced to improve habitats for reptiles and invertebrates, for example, grass-snakes and newts.
The array of habitats will also encourage a rich diversity of bird life from lesser-spotted woodpeckers, jays, song-thrush and owls.
Sustainability
The site as it matures will result in reduced maintenance and will provide a long-term environmental asset. As a result of necessary thinning and coppicing there will be a source of timber for other uses.
Ecological report
An extract from the County Ecology Services department states that 'the site is currently of low ecological value and as such the woodland creation is very much welcomed and sounds fantastic to link up existing habitats'.
Accessibility
The site will be accessed via the proposed cemetery / crematorium in the north and also from Onley Lane, where car parking will be available. Many of the walkways will be accessible for the disabled.
