BARTON Farm Country Park in Bradford on Avon has been named as one of the 50 best picnic spots in the UK in a recent survey.

Last month, the survey in The Independent said: "There is quietness, setting sun (if you time it right) and green surroundings." Leo Wirtz, senior countryside ranger for Wiltshire County Council, which owns and manages the park, said: "It is extremely pleasing that all of the hard work that has taken place, and continues to take place, in the park has been recognised in this way.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the local groups that have helped us greatly improve the park."

One of the projects currently taking place has seen Mr Wirtz and his team working alongside the Richmond Fellowship, a mental health charity.

Over the past two years the fellowship has created a large willow labyrinth and wildlife pond along with a cultivated area of willow coppice for use in traditional crafts like hurdle making.

In another project, the county council has been working with Fitzmaurice Primary School in Bradford to develop a weekly environment club in the grounds of the school.

One area of focus has been the Fitzmaurice Primary School pond where willow grown at Barton Farm will be used to create a willow wall with viewpoints for the children to stand behind and observe the wildlife.

Another project is a collaboration with Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon on a community tree-planting scheme where it is hoped to plant in excess of 600 trees in the country park.

Mr Wirtz added: "The project is only in the planning stages and is looking for funding while trying to maximise the community involvement.

"The more people are involved either in practical hands-on tasks or through contributions, the more successful the project will be long term and the bigger the local support will be for the country park and the work we carry out there."

Planting is due to start in November and should finish in February, with three phases of activity. It is hoped that in about eight years people will be experiencing the feeling of the new woodland in the country park.

Throughout this time the area will require the continued involvement of the community to clear back the annual growth of weeds, thin out the trees, remove guards and do some pruning where necessary.