Woodoaks Farm's Black Barn project has seen the fitting of new doors, courtesy of a £20k grant from Grundon Waste Management.

The Black Barn, at Woodoaks Farm, near Maple Cross, is a 16th-century Grade II listed barn.

The installation of the new doors means it can now host a variety of events and activities.

Grundon not only provided the grant but also sent a team of volunteers to experience farm life and assist Woodoaks Farm’s volunteers and helpers from Chiltern Rangers CIC.

The team were tasked with clearing a dell area in Ladywalk Woods in preparation for future educational visits and possible forest school classes.

Kirsti Santer, Grundon’s head of marketing and communications, said: "The Black Barn now looks amazing and, with the big doors in place, it gives the barn a whole new lease of life for activities and events.

"We had such a brilliant day volunteering and felt as though we really made a difference. “

"All the volunteers were so passionate about their work and gave us lots of tips as we got to grips with the coppicing and clearing the woodland areas, we thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to be part of the ongoing Woodoaks story."

Their work saw the creation of dead hedges, coppiced Hazelwood, removal of dangerous or dying trees, litter clearing, and the increase of light to allow flora and fauna to flourish.

Woodoaks Farm, which was donated to the Soil Association Land Trust by the Findlay family in 2020, focuses on increasing sustainable farming by growing local food, improving wildlife, and helping people rethink their perception of food and nature.

Future plans include repurposing existing farm buildings to create fully accessible catering, education, and event spaces.

Rose Lewis, the Soil Association’s programme manager for Woodoaks, said: "We are very grateful to the support from Grundon, which has enabled us to continue the transformation of Woodoaks Farm into a community asset for everyone to enjoy, alongside protecting its buildings and landscapes for future generations."

The £20,000 grant, managed by environmental charity Groundwork South, was provided through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF).

Groundwork South, working across the South of England to create stronger, healthier communities and responsible businesses, expressed their delight at supporting Grundon Waste Management to fund the projects at Woodoaks.

This grant brings the company's total donations to Woodoaks Farm to £60,000.

Previous donations were used on double fencing to protect newly planted hedgerows on the 300-acre farm.