Woodland Conservation Group - Tuesdays

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Shepherdleas Wood

What a wonderful turnout for this session – 15 volunteers - a record for this group, established less than two years ago.  As usual when numbers are large, we worked in several different teams a short distance apart. 

The largest group continued removing brambles along the verge beside the red path.  These were pulled from areas where ancient woodland indicator flowers such as wood anemone (and bluebells) were identified and mapped when they were in full bloom.  This will enable them to flourish as they will receive more light and water.  The added bonus is they will also be visible to the many walkers using the main path.

Over the last year or so, numerous ‘desire paths’ have been created through these areas causing repeated trampling (and cycling) over the wildflowers; this damages the bulbs for many years.  A second group made some more changes to the main ‘desire’ path crossing the area, trimming shrubs and creating holly barriers to divert people back onto the main route.  Fingers crossed, some of these paths will now disappear.

A photo of some of our volunteers enjoying a well-earned rest, while getting to know other volunteers.

A third group began some work in a new area, still on the red path, but this time at the far end close to Eltham Park North.  Firstly, a large holly shrub at the entrance to the park that was creating a blind corner was reduced in height to approximately 1.5 metres, giving walkers good visibility as they move from one area to another.  The first photo shows it reduced by a third, but still more had to come off! Also, a small patch of Snowberry, establishing itself on the verge (third photo), was removed, together with as much of the root system as possible.  We will monitor the area for regrowth and remove it.

Saplings, like holly and sycamore were also removed from just inside the woodland, along the meadow edge. This has improved the light levels and those walking along the path can see hints of the approaching meadow through the trees.  Waste was, as always, left to break down in the woodland and, in the meantime, is being used as dead-hedging, helping to deter walkers from the numerous ‘desire’ paths as well as providing habitat for woodland wildlife.

Thank you volunteers for being so generous with your time.