On 13.6.2000, 40 local people and woodland professionals worked together for the day to brainstorm what the wood should be like and how local people should be involved in making it happen. This was the result of their discussions.

To give you a taste of what people said they wanted the top ideas from the day were summarised into a vision for the wood. It wasn't necessarily able to make all these ideas happen - it was a dream that could be added to and changed:

"In the vision Viridor Wood was seen as a natural wood with lots of different trees, looking like it's been there forever. There would be berries to pick in the summer and conkers in the autumn, open glades and wild areas. Viridor Wood should be a wood for everyone - with a car park, toilets, paths for buggies and wheelchairs and a place to get a cup of tea. It should be a wood with lots to do - with trails and maps, an outdoor classroom, a play area and fun activities. It should be a safe wood - cared for and well looked after with a warden service.

In Viridor Wood there should be places to read a book... paddle in a stream... sit on a bench for a quiet moment ... push the kids on a swing. There should be a place to get an ice cream... feed the ducks... take an energetic walk... explore the wild area. There should be a chance to help clear a path... spot a rare bird and gaze at the bluebells. It should be a wood where people love to be".

A detailed list of the ideas from the day:

Viridor Wood is seen as a 'natural" wood.

• A good mix of trees - different height, different colours, different species.
• Trees not planted in straight rows.
• Visually stimulating in all seasons: with colour in winter, spring and autumn.
• Lots of wildlife - insects, birds, squirrels, small mammals.
• Wild flowers (bluebells, snowdrops.)
• Shrubbery.
• Things to collect - berries, conkers, cones, acorns
• Druid circle of British native trees (36).
• A park area.
• Quiet and peaceful areas, wild areas, open spaces and grassy glades.
• Water: streams, ponds, lakes.

• Toilets.
• Refreshments.
• disabled facilities.
• Decent but concealed car park.
• Lots of benches.
• Signs and maps.
• Dog litter bins.

• Organised activities for children.
• Sensory and nature trails.
• An educational facility.
• Different activities for different users.
• Art work (hidden and surprises!)
• A safe play area for children - with a woodland theme.
• A picnic area.

• Safe walks - well-lit walks for winter evenings.
• A warden service.
• A payphone onsite
• The litter collected.
• Paths and trees cared for.

• A network of paths for everyone: disabled & pram paths: well drained and well maintained; some steep and scrambley, some for easy strolling.
• Paths to walk, ride and cycle on.

• That woodland professionals listen to and respond to what local people want.
• That it's a natural woodland - not a monoculture with straight rows of frees.
• That the wood is well maintained and a safe place to be - some kind of ranger service is seen as very important.
• That existing fishing areas and wildlife habitats are not disturbed.

December 2003. Subsequent to the initial meetings with local residents, work began in October 2001 laying three miles of footpaths on both sides of the A58 at Bryn Gates. This was followed by the first planting of trees in February 2002, carried out by BTCV, the Forestry Commission, and local residents. In March 2003 a new car park was completed and the main planting of trees, hedges and wildflowers began. Richard Caink, a Gateshead chainsaw sculptor, created wood sculptures erected at the highest point of the wood. In July 2003 local MP Ian McCartney planted the millionth tree.

Viridor Wood is now a popular place for walkers, with access under the main west coast railway line to Dover Lock, and plans for access to the Three Sisters Recreation Area. The area forms part of a regional park, with the intention of providing a clear countryside belt from Pennington Flash to Haigh Hall to be enjoyed by all.

February 2004. Access between Viridor Wood and the Three Sisters Recreation Area has now been agreed and a new footpath constructed. A further extensive planting of trees has taken place to the east between the main West Coast railway line and Abram.

June 2004. The footpaths have been gritted and picnic benches installed. A monthly programme of events is being advertised by Red Rose Forest.