Woodland Conservation - Friday

Jack Wood

6th June 2026

The weather had other plans for us this week.

After spending our previous session in Hotel Field raking up the grass left after mowing, we had intended to return and continue the work. However, the heavy downpours throughout the week left the cut grass soggy, heavy, and difficult to move. Fortunately, there is never a shortage of conservation tasks in the woodlands for our dedicated volunteers, so we adapted our plans and headed back into Jack Wood instead.

Working along the woodland paths, where conditions were less wet and slippery, volunteers took on a variety of tasks aimed at improving habitats and protecting some of the woodland's most valuable areas.

Protecting the Wildflower Area with a Binder Fence

One group returned to the entrance of Lower Path from Oxleas Meadow where wildflowers and woodland grasses provide a welcome into Jack Wood.

Earlier in the year, we had hoped to protect this area with a traditional post-and-binder fence. However, when work needed to be carried out before the bluebells emerged, the necessary binders were not available. As a temporary solution, volunteers constructed a low dead hedge, much of which has naturally broken down over time.

A good start - learning new skills.

Admiring their work.

With the binders finally available, the team was able to return and complete the fencing.

The new structure provides a more durable

and attractive boundary, helping to protect

this special area while enhancing the

woodland entrance for visitors.

Removing Invasive Trees from the Scallop beside Middle Path

A team of three, armed with a tree-puller and two mattocks, made their way down the first set of steps from the Oxleas Meadow entrance to Middle Path. Their destination was the scallop on the left-hand side—a curved, open area alongside the path that is sheltered by larger surrounding trees.

These scallops create warmer, sunnier conditions than the surrounding woodland and provide valuable habitat for butterflies, moths, bees, and other insects that depend on warmth and nectar-rich plants.

The volunteers removed invasive and highly competitive species, including cherry laurel and sycamore saplings, which can quickly dominate the area if left unmanaged. By reducing this competition, the team helped create the conditions needed for ground flora and mid-layer vegetation to thrive.

As always, the removed material was added to the dead hedge at the rear of the scallop. In addition to providing habitat and a corridor for wildlife, the hedge helps discourage the creation of unofficial paths through this important area.

Repairing the Dead Hedge Around the Bluebell and Daffodil Area

Preparing materials for the hedge.

Another group focused on maintaining the dead hedge that protects the bluebell and daffodil area, which is visible from three different woodland paths.

Starting to fill the gap.

Although the hedge had been topped up previously, a number of sections had deteriorated over time. Volunteers filled the gaps with holly, strengthening the barrier and helping to prevent access that could lead to trampling and fragmentation of this sensitive habitat.

Tackling the Spread of Bracken

A larger team set off along the woodland paths, beginning on Lower Path before making their way up to Middle Path near the final bridge before Castle Wood Meadow. Their mission was to search for bracken growing along the verges.

Once found, as in these patches shown above, they had to pull it out by the roots—a task made much easier by the damp ground following the week's rainfall. While bracken is an attractive native fern, it is spreading rapidly throughout parts of Jack Wood and is becoming increasingly dominant in some areas. Active management is needed to prevent it from reducing biodiversity, particularly where it is encroaching on bluebells, patches of wood anemone, and young oak seedlings.

As bracken expands, it can monopolise light, water, and growing space, making it difficult for other plants to flourish. This is particularly evident in one area where numerous oak seedlings struggle to grow beyond a few centimetres in height. Without intervention, this could reduce the number of young trees available to replace the mature canopy in the future.

Another Productive Session

Despite the change of plans, it was another enjoyable and productive morning in the woods. Eighteen volunteers gave their time and energy to a range of tasks that will benefit both wildlife and visitors alike.

With each volunteer contributing three hours, the group added a total of 54 volunteer hours to the ongoing care and management of Jack Wood.

A well-earned break and a chance for a chat.

Thank you to all our volunteers for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to improving and protecting the woodland for everyone to enjoy. 🌿