Woodland Conservation Group (Tuesdays)

Tree Laying in Shepherdleas Wood

Tuesday, 24th February 2026

What a beautiful day, Tuesday turned out to be. The temperatures were higher, the sun was shining and there was a definite feel of spring in the air - with trees budding, birds chirping and wildflowers emerging. We had seven volunteers, two of whom were new to the session - and very much welcome, of course. Introductions were made, instructions given on activities and a demonstrations of techniques was provided for new volunteers. Teamwork was the order of the day.

Tree-laying demonstration for new volunteers.

Bird nesting season is beginning - a critical, legally protected, and high-sensitivity period for woodland conservation. From March to August, birds will be prospecting - finding locations to build nests, then breeding and raising their young; they are highly vulnerable to habitat disturbance so our Woodland Conservation sessions will focus more on the edges of the woods, the paths and the meadows. Preserving nesting success is a crucial part of our aim, to maintain and improve biodiversity. Today, activities focussed on the East/West section of the Green Chain Walk.

Having spotted the several bluebell leaves peeking through the leaf mulch last month, our work focussed on dissuading people from crossing the most sensitive areas, where they would trample emerging bluebells and disturb prospecting birds. In some areas, we reduced the height of the holly shrubs alongside the path, both to let more light and air reach the path, and also to let more light reach the woodland floor around them. These should grow, in time, into denser hedges that will better protect the adjacent habitat from trampling.

Holly waste was used here to protect a vulnerable area.

As the sap rises in the trees, it provides the perfect opportunity to undertake some tree-laying. Living ash and hazel saplings were part-sawn through, leaving a very narrow strip of wood which allows the sap to rise, keeping the tree alive as it is bent at right-angles close to the ground. Once there, it creates a natural, long-term barrier. It is then augmented with twigs, removed from the tree and planted along its length, many of which will put down roots and themselves grow into small saplings. Together, over time, this will create a bushy, natural hedge alongside paths and vulnerable areas.

Three trees were laid in three different areas for three different reasons. Image one shows an area which has been widened by a desire path. Very little is growing in the area and it needs a chance to restore. The second image shows an area with lots of emerging bluebells, and a desire path going right through the middle. The ground has been compacted by trampling so no bluebells are growing. It can take up to five years for trampled bluebells to recover. The final image shows an eroded area on the edge of the path where, again, a tree has been laid to allow the area a chance to recover. Hopefully, in time, we will see a reduction in trampling and the re-emergence of ground vegetation.

The sun, enjoyable activities and companionship - what could be better for the volunteers! If you would like to join this small, friendly, Tuesday group in Shepherdleas Wood, please contact: oxleas.volunteers@gmail.com to register your details.