A WOODLAND that faced the threat of being turned into a paintball park by a developer has been given added protection.

Hackfall Wood, between Masham and Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, was captured by landscape artist Turner and visited by Wordsworth but was almost turned into a theme and paintball park.

The scheme caused such a public outcry that the idea was dropped.

Since then, the Hackfall Trust, working alongside the Woodland Trust, have protected the woodland.

The newly published Harrogate Borough Council landscape character assessment has given more protection.

Recently a £600,000 scheme to improve footpaths and access was introduced by the Hackfall Trust, chaired by former Harrogate MP and Defence Minister James Ramsden, who lives at nearby Mickley.

The report said it was important to maintain the character of the area by promoting woodland management, conserving architecture, and protecting important wildlife areas.

The 112-acre woodland was laid out by William Aislabie in 1767. He also created the water gardens at Studley Royal, next to Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, which were dotted with grottoes and follies.

One of the structures, a folly known as Mowbray Point, is being renovated by the Landmark Trust at a cost of £500,000.

Once complete, it will be let as upmarket holiday accommodation, with one of the most stunning views across North Yorkshire.

The building was most likely built to the design of internationally famous architect Robert Adam.

Adam, who designed London's Adelphi Theatre and Whitehall's Admiralty headquarters, is also thought to have visited the folly and its neighbours at Hackfall Woods.

Historians believe Aislabie based the restored folly on a painting by Adam and later joined him on a visit to see work in progress.