The Thicket
February 2026 Update
The Thicket Woodland Improvement Group (TWIG) was formed last November after an excellent turnout at St Mary’s Chapel, Houghton & Wyton village, to help protect and restore this small ancient woodland and its Bronze Age path connecting the village to St Ives.
Our first working party of volunteers will be out there supporting Ranger Sam in the early Spring so we will be recruiting at the same time.
Anyone interested should contact co-ordinator lorraine.stork@btinternet.com
TWIG is supported by the Civic Society of St Ives and H&W parish council so for more general enquiries please contact Chair@stivescivic.org.uk or clerk@houghtonwytonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Creating a Friends of the Thicket Group & Green Week (June 7-14, 2025)
Members of the Civic Society, town residents, and walkers on the historic Thicket Path have consistently voiced concerns regarding the current condition of The Thicket. There is a perception that natural regeneration is not keeping pace with the regular tree felling conducted by HDC. Additionally, it is believed that the substantial amounts of felled or fallen trunks, branches, and undergrowth hinder regrowth.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact of new housing developments on The Thicket, and the increasing number of cyclists deterring pedestrians and runners from using this ancient footpath.
The Parish Council of Houghton & Wyton (the Thicket is located within their Parish) supports the Civic Society plan to establish a Friends volunteer group to help sustain The Thicket for the future, and HDC agreed there was a role for volunteers to assist with:
i) Clearing the land of invasive weeds and uncleared undergrowth.
ii) Planting appropriate woodland bulbs.
The HDC Countryside Team will provide a copy of the Assessment and the most recent Management Plan, along with details and photographs of the invasive species to be removed.
St Ives Civic Society is supporting Green Week – 6-14 June 2026
The historic Thicket needs our help! Become a Friend of the Thicket Path, help us fundraise for it, weed it and plant it to ensure it has a healthy future.
We welcome your support, contact chair@stivescivic.org.uk