Fury over 'horrendous' fencing round Knutsford's cherished Toft Wood

The local community had teamed up to try and buy Windmill Wood, known Toft Wood, when it went under the hammer in the summer.

An ‘incredible’ £32,000 was pledged after a ‘Save Windmill Wood’ campaign was launched.

Michele Hammond and her dog Pops have enjoyed walking round Toft Wood for years (Image: Michele Hammond)

However, residents were unable to reach the Fisher German guide price of £232,000 in time.

The 35-acre woodland was sold at auction in August for £242,000.

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Residents say they feel 'hemmed in' by the new high steel fencing (Image: Michele Hammond)

Adam Keppel-Green, Knutsford Town Council clerk and organiser of Save Windmill Wood, said: “Windmill Wood is a greatly loved area which has been enjoyed by the local community for decades.

Toft Wood has been enjoyed by the local community for decades (Image: Michele Hammond)

“It is incredible that in just under four weeks, this community pledged £32,000 towards the idea of buying the woodland.

The local community pledged £32k after a 'Save Windmill Wood' campaign was launched (Image: Michele Hammond)

“It is naturally disappointing we were unable to raise the funds.

“It really demonstrated the value of the woodland to the local community.”

Residents were unable to reach the auction guide price of £232k in time (Image: Michele Hammond)

Windmill Wood was first established by the Toft estate in the mid-19th century and has been owned and looked after by one family for nearly 40 years.

The 35-acre woodland was sold at auction for £242,000 (Image: Michele Hammond)

People who have walked round the woods for decades say they now feel ‘claustrophobic’ as high steel fencing has been installed by the new owners.

The two public rights of way that pass through the woodland, designated a Local Wildlife Site in the greenbelt, have been enclosed by a metal perimeter fence.

Knutsford mum-of-three Michele Hammond said: “I have been coming in these woods since I was 17. I will be 50 next year so that is 33 years.

Michele Hammond has been walking in the woods for 33 years (Image: Michele Hammond)

“These woods are really special.

“I love the great outdoors and have always enjoyed walking there but now I feel hemmed in.

“The style of this fencing does not evoke a feeling of the countryside.

“What would William Wordsworth or Beatrix Potter say if the Lake District was suddenly adorned with construction airport-style fencing?”

The fencing which now cordons off the public paths has left her feeling insecure.

Michele, a former vice chairman of Friends of the Moor, said: “It is so narrow, it feels very claustrophobic and industrial.

Residents say they feel 'imprisoned' by the fencing (Image: Michele Hammond)

“The fence is high and horrendous. We’ve been left with just a narrow strip to walk along.

“I don’t feel safe now as a woman on her own. I feel imprisoned. If I was in a tricky situation, I can’t escape.

“Whereas before, I could run 100 different ways.”

Windmill Wood was first established by the Toft estate in the mid-19th century (Image: Michele Hammond)

Michele, a member of the Open Spaces Society, is now researching the history of the ownership of the woods and appealing for information from the local community.

“I had horses during my childhood so that is when I fell in love with the outdoors and tree hugging,” she said.

Michele Hammond fell in love with the outdoors as a child (Image: Michele Hammond)

“I would like future generations, scouts and guides to be able to use these woods as they have done for well over 100 years.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking that this fence has been erected.

“We’re upset because we’ve been left with such a narrow strip to walk along. But what about all the wildlife?

“Birds can fly but foxes and other animals won’t be able to get through the fence?”