VIKING FOREST PROJECT
To our children’s, children’s, children
Golden Wood and wildflower meadow
By the time you read this, Oakwood Utility Arborists on behalf of UK Power Networks, should have made a start in coppicing some of the willow and hazel which are growing underneath the power lines in Golden Wood.
This will ensure the integrity of electricity supply. Ever since our community woodland was planted back in 2004, it was decided that this low lying and very wet area would be planted with species that are well suited to a coppicing regime.
Coppicing is the cutting back to ground level of the plant’s main stem. This results in a multi-stemmed tree which in the case of willows and poplars can put on annual growth of some two to three metres and results in a wonderful habitat for nesting and feeding. In fact, for the first time this year I found some large colonies of the Giant Willow Aphid which looked pretty tasty to me!
Hardwood trees which are treated in this way can have their lives extended by many centuries and likewise, the lives of both willow and near relative, poplar, can be prolonged by many decades.
Coppicing has other benefits for surrounding woodland plants and the Nettle-leaved Bellflower and Ragged Robin, which are just starting to spread along our southern boundary, will have their fortunes further improved by this action. This, coupled with our regular winter cutting and raking sessions will enhance the area from a wildlife perspective and with this in mind our next sessions will be;
Sunday 13th December
Sunday 10th January
Starting at 10.00am and finishing whenever you like, please come, bring a friend and partake of a sausage in a roll. Together, we can make a difference.
Ian Peters 787460