A PRECIOUS woodland may be preserved for future generations' enjoyment – thanks to Caterham School.
A 110-acre site at Old Park Woods, near the spectacular viewpoint at Gravelly Hill, has been on sale for £500,000 "for timber-harvesting opportunities".
Nearby residents have successfully fought off a series of proposed developments there dating back 30 years.
But a statement issued by Tom Charlesworth last week, on behalf of the school's trustees, said: "Our offer to purchase Old Park Woods has been accepted by the vendors, subject to contract.
"We look forward to discussing with residents how we can best accommodate their access to the woods in the future after the school has completed the purchase."
The school intends to stage the likes of outdoor learning, orienteering and nature trails at the site.
Tom Bennington, who formed the Old Park Woods for Caterham Facebook group to press for public access to the site to be maintained, said it was a good result for the school and said he would be delighted to discuss future access arrangements."
Caterham district councillor Jill Caudle hailed it as "great news", adding: "I look forward to being able to re-explore the area I roamed in so often as a child."
