NORTH Somerset Council has been rewarded for its woodland management. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) presented the authority with a certificate for its work at Abbots Pool, Abbots Leigh, Eastwood in Portishead, Strawberry Hill Woods in Clevedon a

NORTH Somerset Council has been rewarded for its woodland management.The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) presented the authority with a certificate for its work at Abbots Pool, Abbots Leigh, Eastwood in Portishead, Strawberry Hill Woods in Clevedon and Nowhere Woods in Nailsea.At Abbots Pool the authority worked in conjunction with the FSC to upgrade and resurface the bridleway and renovate the water feature.A £7,000 grant from the Forestry Commission paid for work to install new steps and safety barrier and repair a footpath at Eastwood in Portishead.North Somerset Council executive member for environment, Councillor Deborah Yamanaka said: "Having an independent assessment of the way we manage our woodlands from a respected body such as FSC is very important."It also means the council becomes eligible for further grants from the Forestry Commission. We recognise how valuable these woods areas are as a local amenity and aim to conserve the woodland for the enjoyment of residents for decades to come.