Family Millennium Woodland

The Metfield Family Millennium Woodland was conceived by then Parish Councillor Peter Jeffries. Local farmer Terry Godbold donated the land for the project in 1999. It had been the site of the fuel dump for the former airfield used by the USAAF in the Second World War.

Peter Jeffries organised a few local people to tidy up the site. Residents were asked if they would like to donate a tree of their choice to form the wood and eighty people responded. Since then other trees have been donated by villagers.

Ready in time for Metfield’s millennium celebrations, it was opened by Mrs Judy Lugo, a lifelong resident then living with her husband Michael at The Common.

All the trees continue to thrive despite the rough ground that they were planted in. This is in no small part down to the careful and dedicated management of the site undertaken by Janet Rusted and Peter Twiss. Each week, one or other or both may be seen hard at work with grass- and hedge-cutting and tree management.

Two hedgerows have been planted to contain the site and to compliment the existing wooded edges. Orchids have started to appear sporadically in the wood having come over from the neighbouring Winks Meadow.

There are many different species of tree growing there. A visit to the wood, which is situated off Christmas Lane, can be made by car or on foot and it’s easy to park on the concrete standings of the former airfield. This is an ideal spot for a picnic, with two seats situated within the wood, donated by the managers. A delightful place to unwind, explore, get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy nature’s bounty.

Autumn 2021 in the Family Millennium Woodland