Sir, Many thanks for publishing the story of Woodstock's success in the Thames and Chilterns in Bloom Association (September 8).

In fact we did even better than you reported, gaining a Silver Gilt award as joint small town winners with Olney in Bucks. I guess space always restricts what a newspaper can print, but perhaps through these pages I can tell your readers of the additional regional award that Woodstock received as the Best Conservation and Environmental Project.

In the heart of our busy town we have a haven for wildlife in our carefully stewarded watermeadows. We have recently bought part of the old disused railway branch line and have developed it into a nature conservation area with bird boxes and carefully managed vegetation.

We have also encouraged the use of grey (waste) water on our floral displays during this difficult drought year.

All of this means that not only is Woodstock a delightful and attractive place for our international visitors, but it also provides areas of tranquility and unspoilt countryside within a sustainable framework for everyone to enjoy.

Colin Carritt, Mayor of Woodstock