Where to start reading..

[Saw-sick Steve]

'Woodland Conservation and Management' and 'The Conservation of Lowland Broadleaf Woodland' by George F Peterken , both highly recommended . Oliver Rackham is also worth reading, though personally I feel he's a bit 'region-centric' - fine if you're talking about East Anglia, but whats applicable for a Beech / Hornbeam wood in Cambridgeshire may be of limited value if managing a Welsh upland Sessile Oak wood. Still well worth seeking out though.

[Darren]

Might be a good idea to get a local woodman to come and have a look. All woods are unique and the management plan will reflect this. Where roughly is the woods maybe someone from here can help?

[Saw-sick Steve]

Oops forgot oliver rackams books i have them all but i find them very hard going and read them a bit at a time

 

Try the large print version then...

[Kat1e]

Thanks Steve. About Rackham- this woodland doesn't have Hornbeam and only very little Beech, should I still try his books? Sorry, I should have been more specific! Mixed woodland, some conifers but mainly deciduous, large proportion of oak also lots of silver birch, some hazel, willow, ash amongst quite a few others types of tree plus bushes of various types. Clay soil, some areas of wet woodland.

[Kat1e]

Darren- how do I go about locating a local woodman?! (Yes, I am a total numpty! ) Midlands area.

[Darren]

Darren- how do I go about locating a local woodman?! (Yes, I am a total numpty! ) Midlands area.

 

Just had a look on the Small woodland Owner Group forum. Maybe this guy could help? Coppicing in ancient woodlands around Malvern, malvern hills Worcestershire, ancient craft Or maybe know someone who can

[Kat1e]

Thank you! You are all so helpful- I really appreciate it!

[Kat1e]

Have looked at his website- he isn't too far away and also runs introduction to coppicing courses- I have my eye on one in January!

[treediver]

3 books worth a read..

For a very good practical guide has to be the "BTCV woodlands" handbook it covers a great deal in every aspect of woodland management.

For coppice, the FC's "The silviculture and management of coppice woodlands" does what it says on the tin , and also the FC's "Creating new native woodlands" for an overview on woodland categories and appropriate species dependant on location.

[Saw-sick Steve]

Thanks Steve. About Rackham- this woodland doesn't have Hornbeam and only very little Beech, should I still try his books? Sorry, I should have been more specific! Mixed woodland, some conifers but mainly deciduous, large proportion of oak also lots of silver birch, some hazel, willow, ash amongst quite a few others types of tree plus bushes of various types. Clay soil, some areas of wet woodland.

 

Yeh, sorry, I thoroughly recommend Rackhams' work, I was speaking from experience of dealing with Conservation Managers and Land Agents trying to apply his findings too literally in inappropriate circumstances

For a general overview and ideas and advice specific for your area, you could do a lot worse than contact your local Wildlife Trust. The Woodland Trust is also worth contacting. Both these organisations will have up to date info. on grants, and will be able to provide management advice for free!

Hope this helps.