HSBC Commercial Bank in Bath has provided a loan of £27,500 to enable the Primrose Hill Community Woodland Trust to complete the purchase of its 24-acre site, giving it greater control over future projects.
The Trust was set up in 1996 to develop woodland for community use within walking distance of Bath city centre. Situated off Lansdown Road, the woodland site was opened in 2000 and now attracts more than 1,000 visitors a week.
The land, converted from pasture and farmland into woodland, is now home to an abundance of wildlife and wild flowers, with 45 different varieties of trees and shrubs.
HSBC local business manager Colin Garraway said: “We have worked with this charity for over 12 years so we are pleased to have been able to help them achieve such an important milestone. Thousands of people of all ages enjoy the woodland each year and will now be able to continue to do so.”
The lease for the land was due for renewal in 2014 so the purchase gives the charity security for the future.
Primrose Hill Community Woodland Trust Secretary Sue Toland said: “We are in a beautiful location which offers great views of Bath and the surrounding areas and we attract visitors from across the community. We can’t thank HSBC enough for the support they have given to the Trust over the years, and especially for this project.”
