Woodland Conservation - (Friday)

Friday, 3rd October 2025

Jack Wood - Bluebell Area

Ongoing work to improve light levels and restore biodiversity across the woodlands.

What a watery start Friday was for our Woodland Conservation Group! Yet again, our volunteers were not deterred and the drizzle stopped not long after we began our activities.  However, the combination of rain caught in the tree canopy and the regular breeze, rustling the leaves and branches, ensured a pretty regular shower of water on our heads.

Removing Brambles to Discover the Picket Fence

Returning to the wildflower area, bounded by the opening to Middle Path and the Green Chain Walk, for the third year - and now exposing the dilapidated picket fence on two more sides was an eye-opener to how large, and beautiful, this area must have been in its glory days.  That was all the encouragement one group needed to battle their way through the brambles, easily pulling them up as they proceeded because of the moisture held in the top layer of soil. 

Improving the Dark, Gloomy Areas

While a large area of the woodland floor is now open to the dappled light passing through the tree canopy, other areas remain dark and dry where holly has been left to rampage over many years.  Again, a team got quickly to work, identifying trees which could be removed to allow light penetration, helping to regenerate the bluebells and daffodils buried beneath, and encouraging new woodland plants and grasses to flourish.  They will provide food and shelter for butterflies and other invertebrates.  These areas on the edges of both the wider pathways and on the woodland edges are, perhaps, those where we are likely to find the greatest diversity, so we need to encourage the spread if we are to help restore the woodlands to health.

What a Change in Light Levels

Last but by no means least, the third group tackled the two enormous cherry laurel shrubs/trees and what a job that was!  Not only were the shrubs covered in brambles, but they were also entangled with a pile of dead wood.  Unfortunately, this wood had to be moved, to allow access to the trunks and branches - but only a short distance and this is only temporary. It will be returned once the dead-hedging is completed.  By breaktime, the group had achieved success and the difference in light levels within the fenced area is fantastic. 

More Sessions to Come - Everyone is welcome!

It was a lovely session with lots of chatter and friendship and, before we knew it, it was time to leave – though there is still so much to do in the area and we will be back for more sessions. If you would like to join our friendly group, get in touch with me, Christine, at oxleas.volunteers@gmail.com.