Caterham School headmaster Julian Thomas with the school
grounds including Old Park Woods in the background.

On Friday 3rd January Caterham School completed the purchase of Old Park Woods and Gavelly Hill Woods, saving them from the threat of potential decimation by timber foresters.

The woods adjoin the school’s boundary, taking the overall size of the school campus to over 200 acres. Headmaster Julian Thomas said: “This is a truly significant moment in the school’s 202 year history.

As a local resident, I am extremely pleased that we will be able to secure and preserve this beautiful woodland for the future. We have already entered into discussions with the Forestry Commission about how best to take care of the woodland and make the best use of it.

We are very privileged to have had this opportunity to secure the woodlands - it was a once in a lifetime, or even many lifetimes, opportunity!” The school already has a high ropes course, climbing tower and outdoor classroom in the school grounds.

The acquisition of the woods will allow the school to further develop their programme of outdoor activities that include orienteering, bushcraft and camping.

Mr Thomas said: “We are passionate about the importance of highlighting to the children all the joys of being outside. The woodland will form part of our ‘outdoors’ project.” When the woods were put up for sale last summer the War Coppice Residents’ Group launched a campaign to save the woods for the community.

The site is a local beauty spot popular with walkers, although technically they have been trespassing on private land.Chairman of the War Coppice Residents’ Group, Tom Bennington, said: “I think this is great news for the school and great news for the community.

We are very pleased the school have the woods rather than a timber foresting company and I hope the school will keep the woods forever and maintain their character.” Mr Thomas said: “The school intends to allow public access assuming that there are no legal impediments to doing so and we will be able to give definitive guidance on this very soon.

“Our discussions with the Forestry Commission about public access are in the early stages but are looking very positive. With their help we will learn the best way to manage the woods, keep them beautiful and ensure they are safe. I want people to know we have their concerns very much in mind.”