The History of the Friends of Knolls Wood
Knolls Wood has a featured history dating back to the middle of the nineteenth century. Our timeline below shows the key dates in this long and fascinating story. You can also download a more detailed account of the history of Knolls Wood.
The Friends of Knolls Wood began in the 1970s. Development of residential roads had previously encroached on “The Plantation” (once a privately-owned special woodland) and the creation of Redwood Glade in Knolls Wood reduced the size of what had been the ornamental woodland garden of “The Knolls” – originally the Bassett family home. Residents banded together to protect the Wood as a public amenity and from further residential development. Since the 1980s, supporting the regional council (which now owns Knolls Wood) to realise its Plans.
Friends paid a membership fee then which, with donations and fundraising, covered the costs of campaigning, running the organisation and buying tools to manage the woodland. They enjoyed no special access rights. However, their successful campaigning has kept the Wood open to public access while also retaining its character. Now designated an Area of Great Landscape Value, Knolls Wood is protected for its range of exotic and ornamental tree specimens - notable for its giant redwoods and avenue of monkey puzzle trees.
The Friends formed a committee responsible for administration, fundraising, managing the association and directing its activities.
Today, in addition to the principal aim of protecting Knolls Wood and for people to be able to enjoy its plants, trees and wildlife, the Friends want by their conservation and education efforts to promote the mental and physical health benefits of this woodland haven, together with issues of biodiversity and protecting against loss of nature more widely and the impact of climate and nature crises on our planet.
The first of the Bassett family arrive in town - Peter, 28, a draper from Northamptonshire.
Peter's eldest child, John Dollin Bassett, born on 14th April.
Open fields were enclosed to be sold.
John Dollin Bassett buys 85 acres of Leighton Heath and starts planting ornamental trees, naming the area 'The Plantation'.
Francis Bassett has The Knolls residence built, where his son Frederick lives with his family. An avenue of Monkey Puzzle trees is completed lining the carriageway to the front of the house.
The Knolls was named in a sale catalogue with 33 acres of 'pleasure grounds and woodland'.
Redwood Glade and more houses built, reducing the wood coverage.
The Knolls Wood Protection Society is formed by the surrounding community.
The Management Plan found the wood to be neglected, needing a lot of work from the society volunteers.
The woodland is taken into public ownership by the local council and saved from further development. The Society is renamed as the Knolls Wood Association.
The Knolls, no longer a private residence, becomes a care home.
Mid-decade, the Greensand Trust is appointed by the council to oversee the wood management, supporting the society.
Bylaws created in respect of the wood.
The Knollswood.com website is launched.
The Knolls Wood Association earns the Greenspace Award from the local council.
22 trees are planted by 12 volunteers. The Knolls Wood Association is renamed as the Friends of Knolls Wood.
Facebook page created. The Friends commission a further Naturalist’s survey and report on the Wood and wildlife, including a list of everything found, to inform future decision-making
Instagram page created
Funding secured from Central Bedfordshire Council for extensive tree planting in 2022 and 2023 coinciding with the Queen's Green Canopy Project for her Platinum Jubilee.
The Friends celebrate 45 years of commitment and conservation work launching a small merchandise shop online. The Friends of Knolls Wood is reconstituted and new Articles of Association adopted
New brand identity and Friends of Knolls Wood website launched