Woolaston Poors Land & Woolaston Woodlands Recreation Trust

WOOLASTON POORS LAND & WOOLASTON WOODLANDS RECREATION TRUST

These two charities own land in Woolaston which was given to the poor during the Enclosure Act of 1815. By the beginning of the 20th century the Charities fell into dormancy and the land was managed by the Parish Council. This situation continued until the mid 1990’s when the Charity Commission requested an annual return much to the surprise of the Parish Council.

During the period of dormancy the Parish Council had come to believe that the land belonged to the village.

It took several years of research and negotiations between the Council and the Charity Commission before a new scheme was issued in 2003.

The Charities are now registered with new objectives

Woolaston Poors Land

This charity owns the plot of land which consists of the allotments and the adjacent grass keep on Woolaston Common.

The object of the trust is; “The relief of persons resident in the area of benefit (Woolaston) who are in need, hardship or distress”.

The charity may make grants of money, pay for services or make grants to bodies providing services. The objects are closely related to that of the 1815 Act.

The Trust has five trustees, two nominated by the Parish Council and two co-opted; the Rector of Woolaston is an ex-officio member. The term of office is four years.

Applications to hire allotments should be directed to:

To be advised.

Those seeking grants should apply to the Chair of Trustees see below.

Woolaston Woodlands Recreation Trust

This charity owns two plots of land, Woolaston Common Wood and Parkhill Common Wood.

The object of the Charity is; “To conserve and maintain the land as an open space for the purpose of exercise and recreation for the benefit of the inhabitants of Woolaston”.

The woods are for the benefit of all residents and the Trustees would like to see more people enjoying them.

The objects are not directly related to the 1815 Act which was for potato growing, grazing of animals and housing for the poor.

Parkhill Common Wood has a footpath crossing it from Bailey Lane to Parkhill Common Rd.

This wood also has a good display of flora whilst the coverage of large trees provides year round interest.

Woolaston Common Wood is crossed by several footpaths though residents can wander at will.

The easiest access is through the lane at the top of Sandtumps or the footpath opposite the post box on Woolaston Common.

The wood is particularly lovely during early spring from March until May when primroses, wood anemone and a carpet of blue bells adorn the land.

During early Summer the bracken rapidly covers the land making it difficult to get around.