Could do with some advice

[Scottie]

The woodland belonged to someone who recently died and now the family don't know what to do with it. I managed to speak to the nephew of the deceased on Sunday night and we will be meeting at the end of September. I mentioned to him all the ideas that I had for the woodland and the advice that I was getting from you all and he sounded impressed. So will just have to wait until we meet to find out exactly what is happening. I will still contact the FC and get their advice on it.

 

There is also a house on the grounds and the rumour is that it is being sold for development once the market picks up.

 

I will keep you informed of whats going on. Thanks again to everyone.

[Henk]

Talk to your local woodlands officer (Leeds council). I help manage a number of woodlands for same in my neck of the woods so to speak (mostly urban yet ancient woodland). I do a lot of coppice work and spend time explaining to users why I am doing it, involving them in it (volunteers) and listening to the local WWT and city ecologist. Yep I even fell by hand using an old Elwell 6lb bearded axe, as the husky 357 upsets the locals.

 

Go for sustainable/biodiversity and see if you can involve a deranged green woodworker who might like to: make charcoal, use coppice products for hurdles, weaving etc, demonstrate wood turning and similar. There are more grants available if you involve the community (e.g. forest schools), but then the number of opinions you will have to listen to will increase exponentially.

 

Think labour of love, not 'nice little earner'

[Albedo]

Theres some interesting stuff on Arb Info Exch about sycamores. There appears to be no evidence for when they were introduced, and are now considered to be 'naturalised'

or some such thing. Follow the thread on 'eradicate or exterminate' which leads to an interesting article on the subject.

 

If you have mature specimens they are in my and many others view, magnificnt trees and it seems a shame to base them because of a rigorous sticking to the native's thing. Understand the self seeding and regen issues but just a thought for the pot.

[Pete Mctree]

Good point Paul. However it has been a while since i have seen the proliferation of self-seeed sycamores i remember over a decade ago. Anyone else notice this?

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Yes could help, have a BSc in Woodland Management. What size is the wood? What is the priority for it i.e. wildlife, pulp thinninngs, etc etc.

Be in touch.