Our first of two visits this winter to Thurlby Wood. We have been helping with the management of this privately-owned wood for about twelve years now.​ ​

Colin, the owner, is working to return an overgrown part of the wood to coppiced hazel with oaks as the mature trees. This is a traditional combination that also allows light in to the woodland floor, to encourage bluebells and other spring flowers.

Colin had already coppiced an area of overgrown hazel trees so ten of us spent the day sawing them up and stacking the timber in habitat piles around the wood. They will soon be colonised by bugs and other wildlife. ​

Simon had brought along some oak seedlings, and they were planted out to grow on, ready to fill the gaps left by silver birch trees that are reaching the ends of their lives.

​Many thanks to Colin for the task and the contribution to our funds. We look forward to returning in January 2019 – there is still lots of work for us to do!
 
Jude