A groundbreaking project to create a woodland oasis in the centre of a Babergh town - used as a retreat for people affected by cancer - is being officially launched next week.
Eden-Rose Coppice, situated between the Quay Theatre and Waitrose in Sudbury, is the first project of its kind in the UK where woodlands will be used as a sanctuary for people living with cancer or terminal illnesses.
As well as offering privacy in stressful times, the Eden-Rose Coppice Trust is aiming to develop a safe, natural, creative retreat within managed woodlands for patients – and their families - who have experienced cancer and other life-changing illness.
It also aims to promote and encourage wildlife, develop educational opportunities and further woodland conservation within residential areas.
Babergh District Council has been involved with the project from its initial concept and safeguarded the future use of the two-and-a-half acre site from developer Taylor Wimpey through planning obligations.
And Eden-Rose is so unique in its vision that national cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support is working in partnership to promote its use.
The ‘Eden-Rose’ concept is being suggested as a blueprint for other local authorities across the country in a bid to roll out this idea nationwide.
Rob Brooks, found of Eden-Rose Coppice Trust, said: “The idea is simple. We can all see the destruction of natural habitat by the necessary creation of housing - the preservation of wildlife and wild species within these areas is important.
“Now add the fact that one in three of us are affected by cancer and we have a unique opportunity for us all to make a difference on many levels.
“We are delighted that our project in Sudbury will be seen as a marker by which a national concept will be launched.
“People who have been affected by cancer, and other illnessess, have already been using the wood even at this early stage and to see the difference it has made to their well-being – even in the short-term - is remarkable.”
Cllr Jennie Jenkins, Chairman of Babergh District Council, said: “I am delighted Babergh is part of such a unique and special project like Eden-Rose.
“The way in which it will be used – as well as the way in which the future of the woodland was secured – is testament to a lot of hard work on all sides.
“As well as helping people affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses, we hope that it will pave the way for other local authorities to try and recreate the similar spaces within their areas.”
And Peggy Meredith, Macmillan Development Manager, Anglia, added: “As treatments improve, more and more people are living with cancer every day.
“Cancer patients, their families and friends need practical, emotional and financial support, as well as medical help.
“An attractive view, or a light and bright environment can have a positive effect on how someone with cancer feels, so we hope that Eden-Rose Coppice will provide a huge amount of pleasure, a relaxing space and a welcome refuge for anyone who visits.“
At the moment the woodland is still being prepared, ready to accept members of the public from 2009. Volunteers have been busy clearing the land of rubbish and planting specialist trees, shrubs and plants. It is hoped the wood will be a flourishing oasis by the summer.
And Mr Brooks is urging members of the public to help Eden-Rose deliver its vision either by volunteering, donating equipment – or even by fundraising activities.
Donations can be made online at www.withnature.org. For more information on how volunteers can help, please email info@withnature.org, phone (01787) 225524 or 07811111788 (Mob) or write to Eden-Rose Coppice Trust, The Riverbank, Ballingdon Grove, Middleton Road, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7LJ. ENDS
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