Working neglected woodland

[woodyguy]

Overgrown hazel needs to be cut to the ground. leaving high means poorly shaped regrowth.

[Two Acres]

Very true, my initial planting "prescription" consisted of about 50% ash but this got completely derailed by the introduction of the ash ban just as I was about to order my stock. The forestry service man was very good however and knowing that I was ready to go he told me to work away, use as many native species as possible, but given that they had no new guidelines in place yet, it would be hard for him to tell me what they wanted.

 

So my species list is/was, English/Pedunculate Oak, Alder, Hazel, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Rowan, Norway Maple, Scots Pine, Sessile Oak, Red Oak, Lime, Whitebeam, Wild Cherry, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Horse Chestnut, Holly, Guelder Rose. Last year I purchased some Sweet Chestnut and added Bird Cherry, Plum (Victoria and Damson) and Ash that had self seeded about the farm. This year I plan to plant a few pear trees and have also planted out a few sackfulls of daffodil bulbs and have some wild strawberries to go in. Next year I plan to start grafting on to the crab apple trees and plant a few of whatever else comes in to my head between now and then.

 

Sounds like you had a lucky escape there Wrsni:biggrin:

 

I like the sound of your species list. The wet part of my wood is largely poplar and I have to say I'd personally prefer Alder, I like it. I'd als like some sweet chestnut, love roast chestnuts

[Two Acres]

Overgrown hazel needs to be cut to the ground. leaving high means poorly shaped regrowth.

 

Thats sorted then, cheers Woodyguy

[Ambisawrous]

Overgrown hazel needs to be cut to the ground. leaving high means poorly shaped regrowth.

 

Thats good to know, and when does it need to be done by? Hopefully have get some photos of my patch at the weekend.

[timbernut]

You should make sure coppiced stools are well protected from deer etc browsing re growth ( and there's plenty water deer muntjac round yor way). Also you can increase hazel stool density by layering/plashing smaller rods (will post pic if I can find one) or a good way of producing new stock is to cover cot stool with loose soil after a few months re growth remove soil, carefully, and then snip off some of the shoots below the wee roots that have form in the soil and replant, if you do this before Lammas growth (round about August) you should get another few shoots will get enough time to harden up before frosts bite😄

[Sussex Groundie]

Having had a look at the pictures of your wood it looks very natural rather than neglected. similar woods are for sale on many of the "Woodlsnds" Sites.

 

I started 2yrs ago working on this wood, plantation of Scots Pine, Silver Birch, Horse Chestnut, some Oaks, some Coppice and many fallen Leylandii from storms of 1987, it was supposed to be a "managed wood" I almost cried when I saw what had been done, more like cut n chuck, 2 yrs on and I like to think I am making progress

[Two Acres]

Thats good to know, and when does it need to be done by? Hopefully have get some photos of my patch at the weekend.

 

Some pics would be good Ambisawrous

[Two Acres]

Having had a look at the pictures of your wood it looks very natural rather than neglected. similar woods are for sale on many of the "Woodlsnds" Sites.

 

I started 2yrs ago working on this wood, plantation of Scots Pine, Silver Birch, Horse Chestnut, some Oaks, some Coppice and many fallen Leylandii from storms of 1987, it was supposed to be a "managed wood" I almost cried when I saw what had been done, more like cut n chuck, 2 yrs on and I like to think I am making progress

 

Thanks for the pics of your soon Sussex Groundie,

 

That looks like a big job to get sorted - I'm interested to know how many acres you have and how many hours its taken to make progress? Any more pics of how it looks now?

 

Interesting that you think 'my' wood looks 'natural'. Originally it was to meadows with only tress on the boundaries so everything else has been planted, I guess thats why I consider it 'neglected' but I'm beginning to think that its been doing pretty well on its own for the last fifteen years.

 

As a side issue, as you say similar woods are for sale, I'm wondering what my wood could be worth? It won't be sold its just out of interest - I've had to stop my Dad from just giving it away He thinks its worthless.

[JLA Arborists]

I look at these occasional, I think there a little overpriced aimed more at the city folk looking for a weekend retreat/playground

Also a lot of big wood blocks. Looks like they bought a wood and split into smaller bits

http://www.woodlands.co.uk

http://www.woods4sale.co.uk

[Two Acres]

I look at these occasional, I think there a little overpriced aimed more at the city folk looking for a weekend retreat/playground

Also a lot of big wood blocks. Looks like they bought a wood and split into smaller bits

Woodlands.co.uk

UK woodland & woods for sale: specialising in the sales of small woodlands in England, Scotland and Wales for recreation, wildlife conservation and investment.

 

Interesting game - buy a big block of woodland, split it up into smaller parcels of land then sell on at a big profit. Probably lots of wealthy city types happy to spend a fair bit to own there own piece of countryside.