I first started to visit the wood soon after moving to Ullswater Crescent with my wife Cathy and daughter Louise. I had passed by the wood a few times on my walks in the area and admired the stands of native saplings.

The aesthetic of this pleasant area was diminished by litter including pieces of shredded tree cuffs. I began to take away litter and one day walking in Radipole Wood with my family removed a cuff from a young tree that seemed to have outgrown it. This was the beginning with my romance with the wood. Over the next weeks and months a plan grew in my mind regarding its care. My family and I plus ferret then regularly spent time collecting litter and removing cuffs from the growing trees. We worked our way across the site in this manner.

In March 2003 I contacted Weymouth Civic Society outlining a proposal for the management of this local amenity, including restoration of the ancient hedge, siting of dog waste bins, and repair of the fence running along Radipole Lane pathway. John Reeby of the Society got in touch soon after and initiated meetings.