Old Park Wood and Gravelly Wood in Caterham have been sold by agents John Clegg & Co but at this stage it is not known who the purchaser is.

The War Coppice Residents Group launched an appeal to save the woods when they were put up for sale, to prevent the woods being sold for timber foresting.

Over £80,000 had been pledged by local residents keen to keep the woods for the enjoyment of the local community.

Tom Bennington, Chairman of the War Coppice Residents Association said:  “This is very disappointing but hopefully they have not been sold to a forestry company. If we had had more time we would have had a good chance of raising the money because we got off to a great start.”

Follow the Old Park Woods Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/145883055603652/ for updates.