A Suffolk village has taken ownership of almost 20 acres of woodland in the latest transfer of land to the community.

Ufford Parish Council is aiming to safeguard the spot for future generations after taking over responsibility of its upkeep from Suffolk Coastal.

Made up largely of mature woodland, the area is considered a valuable village resource, used regularly by walkers and dog owners.

Parish council chairman, John Skinner said: “This is a large stretch of unspoilt, traditional English woodland, with lots of footpaths and beautiful established trees.

“Importantly, it also plays a role in connecting the various parts of Ufford. This is a spread out village, with new housing at Parklands in the south, the recreation ground in the north and Upper and Lower Ufford to the west and east. This woodland is right in the middle, so can be easily accessed by a lot of local people.

“There has been considerable development in this area, and applications for further development, so we have secured this woodland for the village to make sure it can’t be built on. We are safeguarding it for future generations.”

The woodland is covered by a tree preservation order and lies in a special landscape area, protecting it from detrimental development. Plans are also in place to create a management plan with environmental education charity, the Green Light Trust, to maintain and develop the land.

Robert Whiting, head of resources for the council, which is helping the village apply for funding to make improvements, said: “It is essential that areas like this are looked after properly by those best placed to care for them.”

“Experience has shown that facilities which we devolve to local groups within the community tend to flourish.”