New village shop has ‘green’ credentials

June 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Villagers secured a £25,000 grant from the New Forest National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund in 2009 to help towards the ‘green’ aspects of its the construction. The grant helped provide energy saving measures such as an air-source heat pump and heat recovery ventilation unit to utilise the warm air generated by appliances and increase efficiency in temperature control.

Andrea Finn of Woodgreen Community Shop Association Limited, said: ‘One of our aims in constructing a new village shop and post office was to design something that fitted in with, and benefitted the environment. As far as possible we have used local companies, sustainable materials and included energy saving technology. We are pleased with what we have been able to achieve with money from the Sustainable Development Fund.

‘It has been a long journey and I am proud of what the Woodgreen Community Shop Association Committee has achieved the support of Woodgreen, Breamore, Godshill and Hale villagers. We are also grateful to organisations such as the New Forest National Park Authority in helping us access grant funds. The new building has cost around £340,000; we raised £110,000 from village events and the rest from grants and a co-operative and community finance loan. It has been a long journey, but the benefit this will have to local communities is priceless.’

Andy Brennan, Sustainable Development Officer at the Authority, said: ‘The Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund is designed to help and support local communities with projects that will deliver environmental, economic and community benefits to the New Forest.

‘We are pleased to have helped support the work of the Woodgreen Community Shop Association, they are a fantastic example of a community working together to retain the vitality of local villages, and they have given a lot of consideration about how to make the building environmentally friendly. They are also supporting local producers and hope to stock at least 20 per cent of food from local sources.’

The National Park Authority also granted planning permission for the new premises.

The Woodgreen Community Shop will be having its grand opening with an opening ceremony on Saturday 14 May at 11:30am, followed by live music, stalls and displays. There will be a hog roast at 6pm, with a Barbeque, beer tent and band at the Horse and Groom Pub. For more information visit www.woodgreencommunityshop.org.

Notes to Editor:
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:

■Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect
■Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy
We also have a duty to:

■Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper
The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Media Contact:
Karen Evans, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans@newforestnpa.gov.uk

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The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.