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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. ...

Saturday, 30th August 2025 Edges of Oxleas and Shepherdleas Woods It was time to revisit the Woodland Edges alongside the Welling and...

19th August 2025 Shepherdleas Wood - Bluebell Slopes Six dedicated volunteers, 3 hours each spent working, means 18 more hours devoted to...

Saturday, 16th August 2025 Jackwood Wildlife Friendly Garden Most plants are coping with the very hot, dry weather. This morning, six of...

Friday, 15 August 2025 Hotel Field Another scorching hot day in London so it was no trouble at all deciding to return for a fourth time...

Saturday 9th August 2025 Oxleas Wood Twelve volunteers joined our Oxleas Wood session on Saturday to carry out more activities in the...

1st August 2025 Meadows - Hotel Field Friday’s Woodland Conservation Session saw us return to Hotel Field to continue our meadow...

27 July 2025 Eltham Common Wood Litter-picking in this beautiful area is always enjoyable and productive.  The woodland itself, with its...

Removing invasive and competitive trees from the area introduces light to the woodland.