New community woodland officially opens at Wiggenhall

A new community woodland featuring 40,000 trees has officially opened to the public in Wiggenhall St Germans, West Norfolk.

Residents, councillors, project partners and community representatives gathered on Saturday (18 July) to celebrate the opening of Wiggenhall Woods, a 15-hectare woodland created by Norfolk County Council.

The woodland has been several years in the making and comprises three distinct areas: Daisy Flower Forest, Bob Rawlings Spinney and Wicga's Wood, each developed with its own character and local identity.

Speaking at the opening event, Councillor Pat Gould praised the collaborative effort behind the project and the lasting benefits it will bring to local residents. Councillor Gould said:

"A lot of hard work has gone into getting to this stage, and it's fantastic to see that effort rewarded. Standing here today, it's easy to imagine how this place will change over the years. The trees may still be young, but one day this will be a mature woodland that people can enjoy for years to come.

"This woodland will - I have no doubt- become an important part of local life. People will make memories here and hopefully develop a real sense of pride in having such a wonderful green space on their doorstep."

Project History

The project was delivered by Norfolk County Council's Green Spaces Team, working alongside Wiggenhall Parish Council, local residents and forestry specialists.

Community planting events allowed local people to help establish parts of the woodland, creating a lasting connection between the site and the village.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the project is the strong local influence on the woodland's design and identity. Daisy Flower Forest was named by pupils at the village school, Bob Rawlings Spinney was named by the parish council, while the largest woodland area, Wicga's Wood, takes its name from the historical origins of Wiggenhall itself. The name is derived from the Old English "Wicga's Nook", reflecting the area's local heritage.

The woodland was planted during the winter of 2025/26 and includes a wide range of native trees and shrubs selected to create a rich and varied landscape for both people and wildlife.

To help the young trees establish successfully, an innovative mulch made from recycled green waste was used across the site, helping retain moisture and giving the trees the best possible start.

Visitors can now explore a network of paths through the woodland, including routes through Wicga's Wood that connect to existing public footpaths and open views across the surrounding landscape.