Published on 16th January 2014

view of Cheltenham town from Leckhampton Hill

Cheltenham Borough Council would like to thank the Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common (FOLK) for giving over 1,000 hours of their own time.

FOLK help maintain one of Cheltenham’s cherished landscape and recreational areas - Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common, which is a Site of Scientific and Special Interest (SSSI).

FOLK has a strong team of volunteers who give up between three to four hours, three times a month, to help out on various management projects at Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common.

During the last year, volunteers have helped clear scrub and trees to open up grass areas, maintained existing rights of way and pathways, provided assistance with the Dexter cattle, and generally helped keep the existing grassland clear of litter.

Wayne Sedgwick, senior community ranger for Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “We are very fortunate to have such a large group of volunteers. With their help we are really able to get on with making improvements as well as with on going maintenance. Their help is invaluable and without it would be difficult to maintain the status quo between the scrub re-growth and the grassland that we are attempting to restore."

Mike Donnelly, FOLK work party co-ordinator, added: “We have had a very rewarding year, with an increase in volunteer hours on last year and have completed a number of planned scrub clearance projects.”

Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainability, commented: “Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common is a real asset to Cheltenham. It’s wonderful to see so many volunteers committing so much time to maintain it. I’d like to personally thank FOLK for all the hard work they do.”

If you would like some fresh air, healthy exercise and be part of a team of like-minded individuals whilst helping to maintain part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, please contact Wayne Sedgwick on 01242 774511 or email [email protected], or Mike Donnelly, the FOLK work party co-ordinator, on 01242 238790.

For press enquiries contact: Laura Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]

Photo opportunity: The next working group party will meet at Daisybank Road car park (GL53 9QQ) at 9.30am on Tuesday 21 January. Please contact Laura Carter if you wish to attend.