Millennium Copse

The Millennium Copse is the strip of wooded land alongside the by-pass, between Chilcote Close and Rowley Road.

In 1999 the action group put forward a proposal to Torbay Council to adopt the strip of land alongside the St Marychurch by-pass to mark the celebration of the Millennium.  Due to fly tipping and neglect, it had become an eyesore.

The proposal was; to enhance the area and protect it from future development.  The Millennium Copse (or Green) a community inspired wildlife and conservation project began in January 2000.  Roger Mann helped to get the whole thing going, working alongside with knowledge and humour.  Over thirty bags of rubbish removed, large quantities of earth moved and a massive commemoration stone transported to the site and placed in a prominent position.  Timber fencing and kissing gates were added on the outer perimeters of the copse.  On completion of the basic groundwork, local boy scouts and volunteers planted one hundred native trees and shrubs.  Oak, Ash, Field Maple, Wayfarer, Spindle, Hawthorne, Common Privet, Wild Rose, Holly and Gorse, under planted with wildflowers, daffodils and crocus donated by Suttons Seeds Torbay.  A commemorative Oak tree in memory of Roger was planted at the Copse in 2006, with a small plaque is positioned in front of the tree.

A network of pathways using wood chippings donated by Hi-Line Tree Surgeons meander through the trees making the Copse a more attractive and accessible place to visit and rest awhile.

Bird nesting boxes and bug houses attract birds and insects.  Hedges have been layed to give hedge nesting birds a safe haven and winrows bring more diversification to the Copse.  Long tailed Field mice or Wood mice, frogs, toads, newts and slow worms are seen, along with badgers, foxes, owls and bats.  Coppicing the Hazel and the removal of the excessive Alexanders, that are overpowering the wild flowers, is ongoing and the wild flowers are beginning to reappear.