The future of a treasured area of ancient woodland looks to have been secured, following a campaign to save it.

Leybourne residents Bill Banks and Paul Boxall launched the petition to save Leybourne Woods in March, calling on the parish council to buy the 21 acres of woodland between Birling Road and the A228 Leybourne and West Malling bypass.

Mr Boxall subsequently secured the most votes of any candidate in the Leybourne Parish Council election last month, which saw nine members elected under a ‘Vote for Change’ banner, and the council has since confirmed the decision to buy the woodland.

A statement from the council said it was “thrilled to announce it has secured the purchase of Leybourne Woods, at a cost of £150,000, subject to contract and confirmation of funds,” adding: “This is a significant milestone for the new parish council, who were elected on a “Vote for Change” mandate.

“This purchase ensures the preservation of this vital natural space for current and future generations. Work will now begin on exploring grant and crowd funding options and the reallocation of funds within the parish council.”

It is understood the council already has enough funds needed to complete the purchase, but will still look to secure grant funding.

The new Chair of the Parish Council, Kevin Wagstaff, expressed his delight and pride in the swift and resolute actions taken by the council.

He stated: “We understand the deep concern and emotional attachment residents have for Leybourne Woods, and it is our hope that this news will alleviate their worries and stress.”

Cllrs Bill Banks and Paul Boxall, who were also elected to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, expressed their appreciation for the “overwhelming support and recognition that Leybourne Woods was important to people of all ages,” adding that the purchase preserved an increasingly rare piece of ancient woodland and its beautiful bluebell meadows.

Cllr Boxall added: “Bill Banks and I are thrilled that the New Parish Council has heeded the residents' concerns, expressed through our petition. It will be wonderful to see the local community now owning the woods, which hold immense significance to them.”