The idea for Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood grew from a desire to honour the enduring legacy of the Grinham family and their deep connection to Horncliffe. Upon their passing Frederick and Pirette Grinham’s family made a generous donation to the village which helped to fund a number of community projects.
One of the aims of this project is to pay tribute to the Grinham family’s lasting contribution to Horncliffe’s heritage and community life. Trustee James Herriot explained that the project also aims to preserve the memory of villagers- many of them teenagers – who were called-up to serve during the Second World War. A series of handcrafted benches will be placed along the riverside path,, each one dedicated to an individual who served, with memorials sharing personal stories and experiences from the war.
The project also seeks to commemorate the post-war lives of many of those same individuals, who returned to make their living salmon fishing using cobles and nets – once a vital part of the local economy.
James Herriot, Trustee of the project, reflected:
“As someone whose formative years were spent in the village, and having grown up alongside Horncliffe’s Stalwart generation, I was totally unaware so many had served their Country during the Second World War. I naively thought they had been too young and have subsequently come to believe this was simply not a subject to be discussed with the likes of us youngsters… hence, we should preserve and celebrate the memories.”
In development since around 2017, the project launched in time to mark the 80th anniversary of the Second World War. The aim is to complete the works by the end of 2025.
Stretching over 50 acres the riverside woodland will span from Horncliffe to the Union Chain Bridge. The project will include upgraded footpaths, new seating, and improved habitat for wildlife. The two-mile route will also form part of ‘Destination Tweed,’ an ambitious trail project linking the source of the River Tweed to its mouth at Berwick.
The new riverside woodland is situated downstream of Horncliffe and an important element of the two miles of riverside path involved in the Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood initiative and which it is hoped may at some point be included in ‘Destination Tweeds’ ambitious project to create a trail from the source of the River Tweed to its mouth at Berwick.
The phases of the project
Now complete, the first phase of the project involved planting 8,000 trees along the riverside below Horncliffe. This new woodland commemorates Pierrette and Frederick Grinham – longstanding champions of the community – as well as their French relatives, whose generous donation to the village helped shape many local initiatives.
A key aim of the Benchmark project is to enhance woodland and wildlife in the area, and this large-scale planting plays a vital role in meeting that goal. Over time, the woodland will become a thriving habitat, strengthening biodiversity along the Tweed.
The newly planted area sits alongside a two-mile riverside path running from the iconic Union Chain Bridge to St Thomas’s Island above Horncliffe – already a haven for local wildlife. The addition of Grinham’s Wood enriches this stretch even further.
The new woodlands were made possible thanks to grant support from the Forestry Commission and Tweed Forum, as well as the generous backing of the landowner.
With funding secured from the ‘Destination Tweed’ Community Fund and the Berwick-upon-Tweed Preservation Trust, phase 2 of the Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood project is now underway.
This phase involves the installation of 10 benches with sandstone plinths, each dedicated to a Horncliffe family who served their Country during the Second World War. Each bench will share stories of their wartime service – preserving memories that might otherwise be lost to time.
This phase involves the installation of 10 commemorative benches with sandstone plinths, each dedicated to a member of the Horncliffe community who served during the Second World War. Each bench will share the personal story and wartime service of an individual – preserving memories that might otherwise be lost to time.
The benches will be placed along the riverside path which stretches from Union Chain Bridge to St Thomas’s Island, members of the project hope these benches will offer visitors spaces to pause, reflect, and connect with the past.
With 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, it was seen as a fitting moment to honour those who helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today. Fundraising and volunteer efforts are now focused on ensuring all 10 benches and accompanying plinths are in place before the end of this year.
A central theme of Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood is to honour the everyday lives and livelihoods that shaped Horncliffe’s identity. For centuries, salmon fishing via coble and net was a major source of employment on the River Tweed. Today, just one fishing station remains at the river mouth – a quiet echo of a once-thriving way of life.
Phase 3 focuses on preserving this legacy by repurposing a derelict fishing shiel located in conjunction with Grinham’s Wood. The plan is to stabilise the remains of the structure and create a viewing platform within it, offering a place to reflect and connect with the village’s past.
An information panel will also be installed, explaining how the fishing station once operated and sharing insights into a trade that, not so long ago, played a vital role in the local economy. Thanks to the generous support of the Catherine Cookson Foundation, as well as the Barbour Foundation, the majority of the funding for this phase has now been secured. Fundraising continues to bring the full vision to life.
In addition to the Fishing Shiel Memorial, phase 4 focuses on restoring a traditional Tweed fishing coble to highlight the rich heritage of salmon fishing in Horncliffe. The coble was generously donated by a local business and project members plan to carefully restore the boat to its former glory with the help of volunteers and community supporters. Once restored, the coble will be displayed alongside the renovated fishing shiel, creating a vivid tribute to the historic way of life that shaped the village and its river culture.
The final phase of the project, Stalwarts Copse, involves planting a smaller woodland area upstream from the village. Like Grinham’s Wood, this new copse aims to enhance the environment and create valuable wildlife habitat.
Located near the memorial benches high on the riverbank, Stalwarts Copse will also contribute to the stunning views across the Tweed. This new woodland will honour all members of the community who served during the Second World War.
‘Cheviot Trees,’ who were involved with the planting at Grinham’s Wood, have generously agreed to supply trees and planting materials for this phase. The planting will be carried out by volunteers and friends of the project, continuing the community spirit at its heart.
The launch of The Friends of Grinham’s Wood earlier this year at Horncliffe Village Hall demonstrated the strong local support for the initiative. Over 60 members have already signed up, raising more than £1,000 to help sustain the project’s momentum.
James Herriot added:
“Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood involves: Paths & Benches, Woodland & Wildlife, History & Commemoration, Art & Photography, and Health & Wellbeing. We have been delighted with the response and much appreciate this, but as always very much welcome others who would like to become involved.”
To date, all costs related to the development and setup of Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood have been generously covered by the trustees, volunteers, sponsors, and friends of the Project. Their combined efforts made the completion of Phase 1 possible.
Funding for Phase 2 is fully secured, and 50% of the funds required for Phase 3 have already been raised. Additionally, the donation of the fishing coble and sponsorship of trees and materials for Stalwarts Copse have further strengthened the project’s resources.
The project aims to be fully completed by the end of 2025, marking a meaningful milestone for the community and the legacy it honours.
James Herriot concluded:
“Benchmark at Grinham’s Wood encompasses the mile of riverbank from the Union Chainbridge to Horncliffe and the mile beyond to St Thomas’ Island… The Trustees believe this, and the Stalwarts’ memories should be remembered, and those visiting BAGW can benefit from learning about this.”
For more information on the project or how to get involved, you can visit the website here, and join the growing community dedicated to preserving this special corner of the Tweed.
