FHC Friends NEWS

The Access Track

We built a new access track along the route marked on the Land registry Maps. A small truck or large pick-up can be driven or reversed as far as a drainage ditch. The plan is to extend the track right into the woods when some of the trees blown down in January 2014 have been cleared.

Thanks to Paul Cresswell for his help in upgrading the track. Mention our name if you decide to contact him about groundworks!Paul Cresswell May 2013

 

 

 

Hugh and James, our regular volunteers working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award helped to move the kerbstones into position and built the hazel screen at the top of the track. The screen has already proved its worth when Bruce was reversing around the corner – as a guide to stop him putting the car into the ditch 10 meters below!

Hugh and James May2013

 

They also help with moving cords (lengths of timber) into piles for seasoning, sorting out the stream which has lots of fallen trees in it, and with uprooting invasive species.

 

 

Micky and Caroline spent a sunny afternoon learning about bilhooks and beer (not to be mixed!) and helped to weave the hazel screen beyond the gate.Micky Caroline May2013 a

 

 

 

 

Hazel provided by Ian Baldwin – woodsman extrodinaire, who provides hazel products by appointment.

Micky and Caroline have installed a wood burner at home, and are delighted with its 85% efficiency. The logs last a lot longer now, and there is much less chance of sparks flying out onto the carpet.

Processing Hazel into stakes, weavers, faggots and pea sticks
Processing Hazel into stakes, weavers, faggots and pea sticks

Wildlife and Biodiversity. As part of our management plan, we have a commitment to improving biodiversity in the woods. We are starting with an area by the stream, where there are lots of habitats for small mammals, bumblebees and all sorts of water loving species. If only these floods would ease off a bit!  Louise Green (an intern with Surrey Wildlife Trust) spends one day a week with us, helping to revive biodiversity along the stream.

We have been making faggots – bundles of twigs to be staked in position along the watercourse to protect the muddy banks from erosion.

 

If you want to come and volunteer with us, please use the contact form to get in touch.

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