Volunteers have joined forces to restore parts of the Lynnwood Pine Forest, clearing usable sections of the park and preparing the space for future community activities.

The clean-up initiative, supported by local organisations and volunteers, forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain the forest and ensure the public space remains safe and accessible for residents.

According to community member Annie Clarke, the progress made so far is the result of teamwork and dedication from volunteers who spent time clearing the area.

“The usable sections of the Lynnwood Pine Forest have been cleared,” said Clarke.

“A huge thank you to our incredible team who worked tirelessly, and a special shout out to Helen Alpino for bringing her team of guys to help today – we really appreciate the support.”

Clarke also expressed gratitude to local safety structures that continue to assist with maintaining the area.

She also thanked Alpha Security Forum and the RSE (Ridgefield Security Estate) for their continued help to make the park a safer space for everyone.

Clarke said the forest is one of the area’s most beautiful natural spaces, and they hope to encourage greater community involvement by hosting events that bring neighbours together.

Plans are already being discussed for a variety of activities, including Pilates sessions, book and coffee mornings, meet-your-neighbour picnics, dog socialisation days, boot camps, first aid training, bushcraft workshops and market days.

She added that the vision is to turn the forest into a vibrant community space while ensuring that it remains well-maintained.

“We’ll keep maintaining the forest so the whole community can enjoy it. If you’d like to help, you’re welcome to contribute by volunteering your time, your gardener’s time or by helping cover the ongoing upkeep of the park. Every bit helps,” she said.

Alpha Security Forum’s Aris Ruyter explained that activities held in the area will contribute directly to maintaining and improving the park through the Community Upliftment Projects initiative.

“In principle, funds generated from activities in a specific area will always first support upliftment projects in that area,” said Ruyter.

“So anything hosted at the Pine Forest would primarily benefit the surrounding community and help maintain and improve that space.”

Ruyter added that the initiative also aims to strengthen collaboration across the wider ward.

“The Community Upliftment Projects initiative is designed to support the broader ward as a whole. The idea is to kick-start positive initiatives across different neighbourhoods, working together with residents, estates and other community organisations.”

He said the initiative highlights the power of community-driven projects in improving public spaces and strengthening neighbourhood connections.

They hope the revitalised forest will become a welcoming space where residents can gather, connect and enjoy the outdoors together while contributing to the long-term upkeep of the area.

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