Woodland Conservation (Tuesdays)

Shepherdleas Wood

24th March 2026

Today, the sunshine had disappeared and the temperatures had dropped but, nevertheless, it was great weather for working in the woods.  Nine volunteers joined us in Shepherdleas to continue our activities improving the pathside verges.

As usual, we began by removing, or reducing in height, invasive and competitive shrubs which were casting shade on the verges and preventing vegetation from growing which are needed for butterflies and pollinators.

The holly on the left is blocking light reaching the verges.

Cut materials stayed within the woodlands and were used to build small dead hedges to block some of the smaller desire paths criss-crossing this precious habitat.  Walkers, and dogs, using these paths not only cause the soil to compact, preventing vegetation growing there, but they also break up the area into smaller compartments (fragmentation) preventing some birds and other wildlife from inhabiting the area.

The dead hedge should protect the woodland floor from further compaction, helping the vegetation recover after trampling.

Yet another opportunity was taken this session to lay a living tree which, in time, will create a much-needed hedge; not only will it create an attractive path-side barrier but it will also become habitat for numerous creatures.

Two other activities for the session involved: the usual removal of litter found amongst the shrubbery, including some vehicle rubbish; plus the transportation of binders from Oxleas Wood coppicing area to our storage area in Jack wood, in readiness for some future fence-building.

What a pleasure it was for the team to see the creamy white wood anemone in full bloom across some of the areas where we had previously worked, as well as scatterings of brilliant yellow celandine.  There were even some early flowering native bluebells, especially on the higher ground!      

Yet another productive session in Shepherdleas Wood!

Thanks all!