Salts Wood sits on the edge of Boughton Monchelsea in Kent. The Forestry Commission case study describes it as 'a 33-acre woodland creation project, made up of 22,000 native trees'.

Hard-surfaced paths loop the site so people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs can get around; it's presented as 'a place for the whole community to enjoy', alongside local wildlife.

Andy Humphryes, vice chair of Boughton Monchelsea Parish Council, fronts the piece and talks through how the site has been planted in an accompanying video. It’s a plain-spoken example of local stewardship that readers across the North will recognise from their own parish work.

What stands out is the brief: plant native trees at scale, keep access simple and step-free, and design for everyday use rather than occasional ceremony. For councils weighing up similar moves in Cumbria, Northumberland or Greater Manchester, this shows you don’t need a big-city budget to get a wood people will actually use.

The gains are everyday rather than flashy: dog walkers off the road, a new loop for short runs, and school visits that can be done on foot. Small woods like this also link up habitats and give families a calm, traffic-free path in all weathers.

Practicalities matter. Paths and drains need upkeep; benches and bins don’t empty themselves; gates should suit mobility scooters. Keeping ownership with the parish keeps decisions close to the people who use the place - a model that travels well across northern towns and villages.

The Forestry Commission published the Salts Wood case study on 28 November 2025 within its woodland creation series. It’s one of those quietly useful examples that helps clerks and councillors turn intentions into a map and a day on the spades.