The Vision

The Old Ford area has long played an important role in the village, however the area had become overgrown and neglected over many years. As landowners,  the Colwinston Community Council, in 2020,  began taking active steps to re-establish the area into village life. This began with The Council restoring the well and clapper bridge. This was followed by the restoration of the meadow area and recreation of the pond. In 2020  The Council resolved  to acquire the adjacent woodland. After a long long process to clarify ownership, the title to Coed Colwinston was eventually transferred in 2024.

The area is comprised  6 zones which are referred in order to plan activities for their upkeep and future development.

The Michaelmas Well is one of three wells which provided the village with water until 1935 when the main water supply was brought to the village. There are 24 steps to the bottom of the well.

A pond fed by springs has been excavated to provide more habitats for wildlife and hopefully some watercress. Over twenty species of wildflowers have been planted in areas around Colwinston Brook pond and alongside the newly-laid hedge. The area now attracts a wide range of pollinators, other insects and invertebrates which has also attracted a wide range of birds and other predators. A colourful buzzing of activity can now be enjoyed by villagers and other visitors though Spring and Sunmmer seasons.

There was a ford across the stream a short distance from the well. Until the early 1900’s when the old ford was covered for traffic the clapper bridge was the only dry path across the stream for pedestrians. The bridge is an 18th century structure. A pond fed by springs has been excavated to provide more habitats for wildlife and it is hoped watercress.

The newly excavated pond  is fed by a spring located in the woodland providing more habitats for wildlife and hopefully some watercress. 

Our next big challenge is the woodland area beyond the pond and wildflower areas. It has not been managed for many years and is overgrown and dominated by diseased Ash and Sycamore Trees. The plan is to thin the trees, remove the dangerous Ash trees and replant with several different types of trees. Bird, bat and dormice boxes will be installed.