New Woodland Owners: Help Wanted Please

[Max]

Hi,

We are in the process of purchasing our first woodland near Doncaster which is only about 16 years hold. It is nearly 20 acres of mixed broadleaf, has a pond and a large clearing. We have visited twice, the last time being yesterday and we are now getting the jitters. As we walked round we realised that we know so little about woodland and really don’t have a clue as how to best manage it in order to preserve and improve on what is already there.

Is it possible that there is a kind person out there who would be prepared to walk the wood with us and explain the basics. We are trying to read as many books as possible and look for courses but there is no substitute for experience. Any other suggestions would be most welcome.

Thank you,

Max and Lynn

[Twybill]

Hello Max and Lynn, good to hear from someone in the North for a change!

It sounds like you have got the basic potential of a good wood. Main thing is don't panic and for the first year just wander round it and get to know it from all angles. There's no rush to start cutting anything and it is getting a bit late now with birds starting nesting.

Keep the open glade and don't be tempted to fill it up with more trees; it sounds like you have enough already.

Next winter you might like to thin some trees out by coppicing (or try starting pollards on the young oaks). It depends how closely planted everything is.

Give us a description of species and heights and distances apart but it really all depends what you want to achieve. If you are retired, maybe it is for the pleasure and wildlife and you will find endless fascination.

[tracy]

Hi Max

Great to hear from you and good advice so far! You could host an open day - and lots of us nosy woodland owners will visit and talk you to death about all sorts of things! then you can pick and chose the bits of information you like ;-)

Your local FC officer might visit, and there are loads of other 'experts' to contact, like Butterfly conservation. But, most of all, relax, watch and enjoy. You don't want to do anything too soon. See what you have first, it sounds lovely!

[Max]

Hello Twybill,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.I think that the advice to do nothing for the first year is sound. Must admit we had wondered whether we should plant in the clearing as it is approximately 1 acre.Possibly a wild flower meadow would be nice.

We are indeed retired and wish, as you say, to use the wood for pleasure and to encourage wildlife.

Once the wood is ours I will post a description of the different species, heights and distances. I think that we will be posting on a regular basis and that we are going be on a very steep learning curve.

What is nice to know is that there are so many like minded people out there that are willing to offer their advice based on experience

[Max]

Hi Tracy,

Thank you for your reply and advice. What a great suggestion, would never have thought of having an open day. Do you think anyone would turn up?

Contacting the butterfly conservation people also sounds like a good idea. The idea of doing nothing for a while and just observing sounds ideal.

[tracy]

Hi Max

Depends how many people live near enough to you - I will email you something and we can make a plan!

Tracy