Park near Rutland to receive £100,000 redevelopment money

The Spinney woodland playground in Little Bytham has successfully received funding for redevelopment.

The park will get £99,988 from the FCC Communities Foundation and a further £60,000 from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

On their website, the FCC Communities Foundation describes themselves as "driving community projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund."

According to the Bythams Woodland Trust charity- who own and manage the site- they will install a new 5m space net, 25m zip-wire, new swing sets, and upgrade the so-called ‘wibbly-wobbly bridge’ with a new look-out castle tower.

Dr Patrick Candler, chairman of the trust, said, “This project will provide a real boost to the people – children and adults – who come to visit from all over the area.

“We have been providing great play opportunities for people in a wonderful, magical woodland setting but, after 20 years, the equipment needs to be replaced and it’s fantastic that FCC Communities Foundation and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed locally by South Kesteven District Council, have awarded us this money."

The hopes is that the redevelopment will be completed by December 2023, as the park celebrates its 20th birthday this year.

Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation spokesperson, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the new play facilities at The Spinney and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for children and young families.”

The council still has over half a million pounds available to for groups that meet the Government’s criteria for distribution of funds.

Details of how to apply can be found via this link.