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We got a start on coppicing in the 2025-26 coupe. Most of us had met up only recently for training - we were joined by some of our other regular volunteers, who include both coppicing novices and people who have coppiced extensively at Woodlands Farm and at Scabry.

Jack Wood - Wildflower Rescue Friday, 31st October 2025 On Friday, our hardy Woodland Conservation Volunteers gathered in the morning drizzle ready for our session, not wanting to miss an opportunity to get into the woodlands and make a difference.  This time we were moving on from the large wildflower area near Jackwood Garden to a smaller area at the opening to Lower Path in Jack Wood from Oxleas Meadow ,which we began restoring over a year ago.     Getting to work clearing

Saturday, 25th October, 2025 Severndroog Castle & Eltham Common Wood Saturday’s litter pick took place in, arguably, one of the most beautiful areas of woodland this team works in - and what a lovely morning it was for it too!  The sun shone brightly, a very light breeze rustled the dry autumn leaves remaining on the trees, and not a drop of rain fell until after we had finished our session.  How lucky were we? What a contrast from the previous weekend’s gale force gusts! As

About half of the coppicing team spent the morning of Saturday 25th in Oxleas Wood improving our knowledge and skills in coppicing.

21 October 2025   Shepherdleas Wood – Bluebell Slopes The weather was perfect for our session today, especially following the heavy showers on Monday.  Good Autumn temperatures along with some sunshine led to a very pleasant working environment for our small group of four volunteers.   Again, we returned to the new glade which was established last year in the north-west corner of the wood.  This glade takes advantage of the increased light resulting from an opening in the can

Jackwood House Garden was entered into London in Bloom's community garden award. Did we do well?

On Sunday 19th October, seven volunteers returned to Jackwood House Garden. Three focused on weeding the beds, enjoying the scent of the salvia, the colour of the bistort, and the delicate blooms of the anemone. Others continued pruning wisteria and Old Man’s Beard along the terrace, gradually uncovering the fountain that’s almost hidden beneath the creepers.

It's been a few years since we’ve done much coppicing in Oxleas wood, and far far longer since there’s been a consistent rotation of coppicing across the wood. We believe that coppicing will improve the biodiversity of the area, but we’d like to check and be sure. We’ve done a little survey work on the coupe, and what we can find there in late September.

Bramble clearing and pond maintenance by SHWWP

On Friday, seven volunteers spent five hours tidying Castle Wood Rose Garden before moving on to Jackwood House Terrace, adding another ten hours of work.

We had to cancel our first coppicing session because of storm Amy. Learn why we did this.

By break time, the group had already successfully opened the area to light - the difference in the wildflower area is fantastic.

September was a month of progress for the Friends of Oxleas — growing membership, new volunteers, and fresh projects taking root. Plans for the woods’ 30th anniversary, the launch of a coppicing group, and upcoming flood-prevention works all featured in our autumn meetings.

Two very different Sunday walks—one a lively exploration of trees and fungi, the other a tranquil Forest Bathing session—both revealed the many ways our woodlands can inspire and restore.

On Saturday 20th September, six volunteers enjoyed fine weather while tackling seasonal garden care. In Castle Wood rose garden, we deadheaded, weeded, and swept the steps. Over at Jackwood Terrace, we gave the wisteria its summer trim, cutting back about a third of the new growth to keep it healthy and encourage stronger flowering next spring.

On 19th Sept, 12 volunteers cleared brambles, bracken & invasive species, boosting space for native wildflowers to thrive. We also extended our dead hedges—great for wildlife habitat!

In between the showers on Friday afternoon, five of our intrepid volunteers met at Jackwood House Garden to tidy up a little.

Friday, 29th August 2025 Jack Wood The heavens opened and the rain poured - a very wet start to Friday’s Woodland Conservation Session. ...