The section of Portal Woodlands that is for sale is located in Martlesham Heath and amounts to approximately 10 acres of land. Please see the attached map for more information.
An ACV forms part of the Community Right to Bid (CRTB). It is the first stage is nominating assets that further the interests of the local community. Where land is put up for sale, a CRTB can be enacted, giving the community a moratorium period of six months to potentially purchase the land.
While an ACV does not guarantee success, it does provide time for funds and awareness to be raised.
The moratorium period ends on 14th October 2026.
Unfortunately, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, we are unable to disclose the total figure, as doing so could compromise our bid if a third party became aware of the amount offered.
The Parish Council will finance the purchase through community pledges and public borrowing.
Yes, we welcome pledges from anyone who wishes to support our bid.
Yes, we also accept pledges from businesses who wish to offer support.
The Parish Council did consider setting up a crowdfunding campaign for Portal Woodlands; however, having sought legal advise, its preferred method of fundraising is through pledges.
Members of the community are welcome to undertake their own fundraising activities and then make a pledge towards the purchase. We would recommend keeping a record of any donations received so that funds can be returned if the bid to purchase the land is unsuccessful.
If Martlesham Parish Council are successful in their bid to purchase the Woodland, the land will become Parish Council owned with the intention that the land will remain a publicly accessible open space for the long term benefit of the community.
If the Parish Council’s bid to purchase the land is unsuccessful, all pledges will be returned.
Before the Parish Council can apply for borrowing, it must first consult with its community. Residents of Martlesham were given the opportunity to have their say on whether they supported the Parish Council in taking out a loan to purchase the woodland. This consultation was for Martlesham Residents only and ended at midday on the 5th August 2026.
There are several ways residents can support the Council’s efforts:
• Display a Council sticker or poster where appropriate.
• Consider making a Pledge to Martlesham Parish Council to help secure and preserve Portal Woodlands as a valued community open space for future generations.
