Woodland Conservation Group (Fridays)
Oxleas Wood
Friday, 4th September 2026
What a difference in the weather these last few days. On Friday morning, our volunteers awoke to gusts of up to 35 mph, followed closely by lashing rain. Our leaders quickly got into action, messaging each other to ensure that the session could take place and suggesting alternative locations if it was considered unsafe to proceed in the planned work area.
During the night, one volunteer, whose home backs onto the woods, had heard a large branch fall from a tree and another one, either smaller or further away, as the messages were circulating. Following the recent drought and extremely high temperatures, the trees in the woodlands may already be under considerable stress. Dry conditions can affect a tree’s ability to take up water and maintain normal growth, while dead or weakened branches can become a particular concern during periods of strong wind.
Our two session leaders visited the site early in the morning to check for any loose or potentially hazardous branches and to assess the wind conditions in the area volunteers were due to work. After assessing the work area for potential safety issues, and checking the weather forecast, which showed that the gusts were expected to ease and that the rain would pass, it was agreed that the group could proceed. However, the leaders would carry out regular evaluations throughout the session.
Thankfully, the weather forecast was accurate and, after the rain raced through, just ahead of the session, all was calm.
Everyone soon got down to work, moving in a southerly direction to clear the woodland floor of bramble, honeysuckle and holly until we finally converged on the last remaining bramble patch. We came across an old blackbird’s nest in a relatively small holly which was encased in a lot of old honeysuckle. Having checked that the nest was both empty and old, and unlikely to be used again, we continued clearing.
Another fun and very productive session preparing for the coppicing season!
