Woodland Conservation Group (Fridays)
Stoney Alley
6th November 2026
A grey day, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the 19 volunteers who turned out to continue the work we had started on the upper section of Stoney Alley.
Once again, we split into two main groups, each tackling a different area.
Group 1 quickly settled back into work, removing the numerous self-seeded sycamores from the slopes on either side of the path. Although attractive trees, sycamores grow quickly and can become dominant, shading out the woodland floor and limiting the variety of plants able to grow beneath them.
Having completed this task, the group returned to the perimeter of the holly woodland, where they split into two teams and worked at opposite ends of the area. They continued thinning the dense wall of holly which has taken over much of the woodland, casting deep shade and restricting ground-level vegetation.
Using the cut material, they also rebuilt a loose dead hedge along the ridge. This should help discourage walkers from creating new short-cuts between Stoney Alley and the Green Chain Walk, protecting the woodland from further disturbance.
Working amongst the trees, the teams discovered a wonderful variety of fungi.
Shaggy Parasol Fungi
Pictured growing alongside fallen trees provides a lovely reminder of the importance of leaving dead wood where it falls.
Dead wood provides an essential habitat and food source for a whole range of woodland wildlife, including fungi and invertebrates.
Shaggy Parasol Fungi from beneath
Group 2 chose to work on the narrow northern slope, where our clearance work over recent years has resulted in an increasingly good display of bluebells. Having already reduced the number of informal paths criss-crossing the area by installing a very low binder fence, the next task was to remove the old, woody bramble growth. This will give dormant bluebell bulbs and other woodland plants more opportunity to recover and flourish.
With seven pairs of hands to the job, and the ground slightly softer following recent heavy showers, the team had cleared the target area by break time!
Breaks not only give volunteers a chance to rest and have some refreshments, but they are also an opportunity to get to know new people, and to discuss the work we are carrying out.
Afterwards, the brambling team moved further down the path to the end of the formal garden, where they continued cutting back the wall of bramble that had encroached onto the grass verges. There is now a clear border of around two metres between the remaining bramble and the path, giving the grass an opportunity to recover.
Another productive session, with plenty achieved across several areas of Stoney Alley. Even on a grey day, there was much to appreciate – not least the fungi discoveries and the continued progress we are making in restoring these areas of woodland.
