Woodland Project
Background
In 1996 The Birchgrove Group sponsored the planting of 1200 trees at the
Woodland Trust's
woodland creation site at Stratton St. Margaret, near Swindon, Wiltshire.
This grove of trees will
create a living and lasting tribute to the lives of people with haemophilia
who were infected with
HIV via contaminated clotting factors. lt was intended by Birchgrove that
this woodland should
become a peaceful place for people to visit and remember those who had their
lives so profoundly
affected by HIV.
Stratton Wood forms part of the group of woodlands freely open to the public and collectively known as the Great Western Community Forest.
This grove of trees is not only a memorial to those who have sadly died, but also shows the resilience and strength of those who are still affected and living with HIV/AIDS.
The Stone
A locally sourced stone marks the site of the wood. It was recovered from an underground glacial riverbed and is inscribed with the words:
"Birchgrove - This grove celebrates the lives of the 1200 people with Haemophilia infected with HIV"
The stone and its installation were funded by individual sponsors
including Birchgrove reader Stuart, who completed a sponsored cycle ride from
Lands End to John O'Groats. Stuart said after his epic journey, "I'm
proud to have done the ride to raise money for the Birchgrove Woodland - and
I'd do it all again if I had to. To see the stone in place at the woodland
will always make me think of my ride."
Getting There
The Birchgrove Woodland is on the north-eastern edge of Swindon in Wiltshire. The entrance to the woodland is not clearly visible and is accessed though an entrance in a hedge.
By car:
From the M4 come off at junction 15 and north on the A419 Swindon bypass.
Continue straight over the first roundabout and proceed along the A419 until
you come to the A361 turn-off for Highworth (also signs for Honda). Take this
road and continue for about half a mile. Stratton Wood is on the right just
past the entrance to the Kingsdown Mobile Home park. There is a car park with
space for 25 cars and two disabled spaces.
Public transport:
Swindon bus station is a 2 minute walk from the train station. Catch the Stagecoach
74 bus to Kingsdown bus stop, which is opposite the entrance to the wood.
This is a limited service so check for service updates:
Wiltshire C.C. Travel Line - 08457 090 899
Stagecoach - 01793 522 243 or email buses@wiltshire.gov.uk
There are also taxis available from the train station. Journey time is around 7 minutes.
Access
From the car park to the edge of the woods is 180 metres. The stone in the
centre of the grove is 330 metres from the car park. There are two wooden
benches on the perimeter of the plot.
There is a hardcore path that skirts the perimeter of the Birchgrove plot
which is suitable for wheelchairs. However the ground around the stone and
throughout the grove is rough grassland. Ensure your batteries are fully charged
or you have someone to help you out of ruts.
Accommodation
These websites can provide information on where to stay and how to book:
Smooth Hound's Hotel
and Guest House Directory
South West Tourism
For more information on the Birchgrove Woodland read the special edition newsletter published in January 2004 to mark the opening day.