May 2025 update

The official opening of Queen Elizabeth Memorial Wood on the 3 June 2023, marked the successful completion of the transformation of the Marl-pit from a disused and abandoned wilderness into a new community woodland, permanently open to all residents of Necton and other locals who wish to explore this space.

Since then, NAT Trustees and Volunteers have given over 200 hours of volunteer time during 2024 and 2025 to May carrying out activities such as:

• Strimming paths and verges

• Re-establishing boundary hedges

• Repairing and replenishing the pond

• Making good areas damaged by petty vandalism

• Maintaining visual inspections of trees

• Clearing dead tree stock and weather damaged trees

Re-establishing boundary hedges

As part of National Highways A47 improvement works, over 600 young trees and hedging plants became available for planting within Necton.  NAT utilised these to bulk out existing boundaries and fill gaps.  This planting was carried out during the spring of 2024 across several Saturday mornings.   In addition to initial watering, volunteers carried water to site to provide essential watering during the very dry months of spring and summer. This planting was successful with good growth evident on most of these young plants this spring. 

The Art Wall project

Last year, NAT saved a little bit of village history, and transported it to the wood, with help from volunteers and local organisations. The story of this project is documented on our website. The fine weather this March enabled the team to finish off the school mural wall by installing capping stones along the top.

The wall mural that was created by children in class of 2003 at Necton Primary School.

Signage to the woodland

To help increase local footfall to the woodland, NAT commissioned two wooden signs from a local artisan and installed these on Kett’s Hill.   Signage on the gate into the wood guides visitors on what they might see on their visit. It also sets out some essential rules to ensure their safety and that of others.

Commitment to biodiversity

The only waste removed from site is that which has been illegally fly-tipped.  During 2024, NAT undertook a litter-pick session producing a large trailer-load of dumped waste that was brought to one of NCC’s official disposal sites.   Necton Men’s Shed undertook another organised litter-pick this April. 

All organic waste remains on site, with significant branches and logs used to create wildlife habitats.  Smaller and green vegetation will be left to compost down in our new on-site compost bays.

Introducing some magic

Last year, local councillor, Thirza Hicks, donated eight colourful whimsical fairy doors, beautifully made by Avenue Woodwork, to the QEM wood. These were purchased from monies raised through quiz and bingo nights that Thirza organises (details of regular dates for these events are in The Link). The first of these doors was installed in an obvious place. The remaining doors will be located in more imaginative locations, adding a little mystery and fun for younger visitors who might like to find them.    NAT hopes to engage with the youth club on this and other activities over the coming months.