Ahead of planting and woodland management beginning in earnest, Woodland Heritage volunteers removed hundreds of tree guards and stakes, and undertook general conservation work around the entrance to James Wood in June.
Near Willet in Somerset, James Wood is being created from a generous bequest from James Stratton. The woodland will provide fine timber, education, carbon capture, flood resilience and increase biodiversity. The 86 acre site is the charity’s first landholding.
Wonderful Woodland Heritage volunteers alongside hundreds of tree guards ready for recycling!
Volunteers Mark, Maureen, Rick and Carolyne Kappy and Katie joined Justin, Olly and Imogen from Williams and Cleal Furniture School as well as trustee Alex Mowat and chief executive John Orchard. The group banded together to make a difference in the muggy weather, which turned to rain without dampening the spirits of the team.
The morning was spent removing tree guards from some of the existing, unmanaged woodland. There were several examples of trees choked by tree guards, unthinned and unpruned, damaged by pests. Simply, examples of trees that have not been given a chance at becoming productive for timber since planting approximately 15 years ago. The volunteers made the first start to change that!
The impact of the tree guards were clear to see.
After a restorative cup of tea, the group turned its attention to the entrance to James Wood. Cutting back growth surrounding the entrance, barn and gate to the woodland will help create improved access for the process of management.
Before, after. A barn!
Since then, some roadside trees which needed felling for safety have been milled and donated to the furniture school for upcoming student projects and a new gate has been installed to the entranceway, providing security and a welcoming hello!
You can find out about the next volunteer day, usually held on the second Saturday of the month, by getting in touch.