St Hilda's College
St Hilda’s College is proud to announce its participation in a significant environmental restoration initiative following the receipt of funding under the government’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The funding will support the planting of 5,088 trees at Radley Large Wood, in a project designed to restock woodland areas affected by Chalara ash dieback.
The three-year agreement, which runs from January 2025 to December 2027, focuses on restocking and preserving woodland biodiversity. As part of the Tree Health Restoration programme, this initiative emphasizes the College’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Key Highlights of the Project:
- Tree Planting: Over 5,000 trees will be planted across multiple compartments of Radley Large Wood, including oak, sweet chestnut, hornbeam, and other native species.
- Species Diversity: The species mix has been carefully selected to ensure ecological resilience and long-term woodland health.
- Community Impact: This project enhances local wildlife habitats and strengthens the College’s efforts in combating climate change.
“St Hilda’s College is delighted to be part of this important initiative to restore and protect our natural heritage,” said Chris Wood, Bursar. "This project reflects our values and commitment to sustainability, which extend far beyond this historic wood. We recently ratified our first-ever sustainability strategy, which we hope will pave the way for St Hilda’s to reach its goals of Net Zero emissions, net biodiversity gain, and a holistic attitude toward sustainability for all members of the College."
The woodland restoration work aligns with the Countryside Stewardship Scheme’s goal of promoting sustainable land management practices. The project’s funding covers essential activities such as planting, maintenance, and the protection of young trees to ensure their survival and growth.