Fears that the three-hectare wood immortalised in poet Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie could be lost have been allayed after a public appeal raised £35,000.
Trantershill Wood had been put up for sale by Lee’s family in January after his daughter Jessy discovered that trees were being chopped down without the family’s approval.
Realising they were unable to protect the Cotswolds wood, the family made a cut-price offer to the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
The subsequent appeal for funds received more than 1,000 donations within six weeks.
“We have been truly overwhelmed by the support,” said Roger Mortlock, the trust’s chief executive. “It’s great to know that in the middle of a recession people still value this county’s stunning countryside.”
The ancient wood boasts beech, yew, wych elm and elder trees and is home to rare orchids.
Laurie Lee died in 1997 at 82.
Laurie Lee wood saved by public appeal
