Phil Hopkinson at Malvern Coppicing has written to us with news of some coppicing courses coming up for those in the area who want to learn new woodland skills.

SWOG was once again invited down to Westonbirt to share the Woodlands.co.uk show tent.  It was generally well attended, despite the weather which turned out to be a warm and sunny Sunday, sandwiched by two days of rather less clement weather.

Clive Davis from the Forestry Commission has sent us an interesting article about ancient woodands in Wales. Pictured at Cwm George and Casehill woodland during the launch of the Ancient Woodland Inventory are, left to right, Bill MacDonald (FC Wales), Environment Minister John Griffiths, his private secretary, Shona O’Shea, Trefor Owen (FC Wales), Morgan Parry…

Alistair Yeomans from the Sylva Foundation has written to us with news of the British Woodlands 2012 Survey.  It doesn’t take too long so please take a moment to fill it out.  The results will be collated and discussed at a conference at Oxford University to which all respondents will be invited.

Here’s the latest news from our friends at Native Hands.  including details of some interesting workshops happening this summer.

Make a date in your diaries, the Surrey Hills Woodfair is a great end of season event. Full details on the flyer here.

Thanks to Mick from Brixham in Devon for this photo.  He tells me there’s something lurking in the undergrowth, but I’ve not been able to see it! Anyone else?

The new look forum went live today.  Anyone who is already a registered user should be able to reset their password.  Just log in as normal and follow the instructions carefully, you will need to remember which email address you regsitered with originally.  We are all looking forward to using this new board, but please…

  Kate Bloor has written to us with news of an important new resource which is engaged in researching and publicising tick borne diseases.   Especially important to people who spend a lot of time out side and therefore may come into contact with ticks.

The spring edition of the West Weald Partnership Newletter is out now.

Offcuts is the newsletter of the Oxfordshire Woodland Group, a small charity which aims to promote sympathetic management of small woodlands in the area. It makes a good read if you’ve finished the SWOG newsletter, download it from here.

  Here’s a news update from the Royal Cornwall Show, there’s alot going on so if you live nearby or are visiting the area in June, it would be well worth clearing some space in your diary.