Here’s the reason why many of love our woodland, no matter what time of year it is, a magical experience is always there to be had.  Thanks to Greyman for sending us these  photos.  If you’ve got any you would like to share send them to me by email and I’ll put up a gallery.…

Here’s a  chance to add to the growing evidence that  woodland ownership, being in a woodland, talking to the trees, communing with nature….. is GOOD for us!

Andy Noble of Naturescraft is offering some excellent deals on his bushcraft courses this year. “For the whole of 2012, and not just for a limited period, we have reduced all our 2 and 3 day courses for this year to just £100.” He ran a special SWOG introductory day back in September 2010 which…

The UK’s woodlands have been threatened in recent years by a range of exotic pests and diseases.  Here’s an excellent article from Dr John Morgan, head of the Forestry Commission’s Plant Health Service, including a handy  chart to help you identify them and what to do if you find them. Download the full article here.

Happy New Year to everyone! Maybe the  excesses of the festive period are waring off by now and minds are turning to your woodlands and all those winter jobs.  You might be  coppicing, cutting firewood, clearing glades and rides, laying a hedge?  There are plenty of  jobs to keep us  busy this time of year,…

There is something very satisfying  about planting trees.  I’m not talking about  the 21st century ‘instant gratification’ sort of satisfaction. More the knowledge that  you are making a difference to  the landscape; how it will  look in years to come  and the kind of ecosystem the trees will support and be part of.  I find…

Earlier this year, SWOG went down to the Westonbirt show to meet members in that part of the country and promote the group and small woodland ownership in general.  Afterwards we were kindly hosted by Nigel and Elaine from Lapwing wood and their neighbour Mike.

Thanks to Mike and Tracy who report on a really worthwhile emergency first aid course they have just been on.  Something that everyone doing potentially dangerous things in the woods really ought to consider. I’m reliably informed that no limbs or body parts where actually removed from any of the participants!

Rodney and Heather  have supplied us with a fascinating report on their newly found fondness for dormice and the steps they are taking  to encourage them to flourish in their wood.

Kevin Lerwill of the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership has sent us an interesting article about a recent overnight camp in a wood near Rusper. Their aim is to conserve and enhance the Sussex landscape, its wildlife and habitats and inspire people to care about their natural environment to help safeguard the county for future generations. Gatwick…

SWOG were kindly offered a share of the Woodlands.co.uk tent at the Westonbirt woodfair which took place over the bank holiday weekend.

A stand of exceptionally straight oak trees known as King’s Wood has been crowned the best managed broadleaf woodland in South Wales.