A Falmouth based environmental community group has established an action plan to protect and improve local woodlands.

The Falmouth Green Corridor Forum was established when three community conservation groups joined together to promote the creation of a green corridor through the town.

At a meeting of the forum on September 23, members elected Falmouth town councillor Tony Parker as its chair and agreed a programme of activities over the coming months.

These include:

  • Establishment of a co-ordinated pollution monitoring programme at various points along the Bickland Stream
  • Engaging with the Environment Agency on producing an information and awareness programme for residents, businesses and schools in the catchment area of the Bickland Stream
  • Monitoring ongoing discussions aimed at establishing and maintaining a pathway through South West Water land at Prislow Woods
  • Production of a descriptive map, leaflet and video of the green corridor for use in promotional and education programmes

In forming the group, Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland, Prislow Woods Community Project and Swanpool Forum members felt that a parent group was necessary in order to coordinate their activities.

The group addresses matters which require a "whole corridor" perspective such as pollution monitoring, protection from inappropriate development and education programmes.

They have been joined by representatives from Cornwall Council, Falmouth Town Council, Cormac, Environment Agency, South West Water, Falmouth Civic Society, Falmouth Allotments Association and Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Chair Tony Parker, said, “I feel very encouraged and inspired by this new group as it is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of one of Falmouth’s less well known assets and responds to the universal call for increasing bio-diversity to assist combatting climate change.

"It is also a positive reflection on Falmouth’s Neighbourhood Plan which proposed the establishment of the green corridor as one of its many initiatives to protect and conserve Falmouth’s cherished green spaces.”

Anyone with relevant expertise who would like to join the Falmouth Green Corridor Forum or wishing to find out more should contact the secretary at dryelland@aol.com.