Thank you to everyone who supported our appeal for help to repair storm damage at Drews Pond Wood.

We are most grateful to the Trust for Devizes and Devizes Community Area Board who helped with funds, and to Southbroom Infants School who undertook a sponsored walk with the whole school taking part – amazing! Also thanks to Wiltshire Council who helped with initial safety work to fallen trees.

It has been the amount of donations from individuals that has been very humbling, and which has allowed us to raise enough to do the work.

It is heartening to know that local people support the work of our volunteers, and value the beautiful area of Drews Pond Wood. There are too many people to mention, but please accept our heartfelt thanks.

We have already surfaced Drews Pond Lane to allow vehicular access necessary for repair of the stream path.

The next stage of work is in a very sensitive area, especially as spring is advancing at the moment.

It is our aim to get the trail reopened by the end of May, and we ask that walkers be patient and respect the signs to keep out as they are there to ensure safety. Some elements of work will have to be done after the spring flowers have gone over, so it will be a while before the task is completed.

In 24 years we have never had so much damage or had to close the trail, so we hope that you can bear with us.

Stuart & Lorna Hislop, Co-ordinators, Drews Pond Wood Project.