Archive for July, 2008

Dr Patrick Roper- consultant ecologist is leading us on a 4 day course at WoodNet, outlined below. Cost approx £260 for all 4 days – to be confirmed. This course is nearly full, so please let me know if you are interested,(training@woodnet.org.uk)  so I can book a second series with Patrick as needed.  If we have enough people who prefer week days we could look into doing another series on Fridays

Thanks, Tracy

see below for course outline

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As mentioned in the EVENTS section of the forum, I  have uploaded the information on SEEDA’s free business workshops which may interest some of you

seeda-free-courses.pdf:

If you are anything like me, the thought of hundreds of moths flapping around you, fills you with dread!

This week we had a moth survey done in our wood, arranged by Steve Wheatley of the Rother Butterfly Consevation group. It was one of the most fascinating evenings we have spent in the wood so far. The team of 6 could name every one of the hundreds of moths flapping about.

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On the SWOG day in July we heard a talk from Nigel Symes RSPB woodland advisor. Here is a short summary of his talk.

Nigel Symes, RSPB Woodland Advisor and author, told us about the disturbing loss of species of birds known as “woodland specialists” – i.e. they only live in woodland. These included the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Hawfinch, Redstart, Willow Warbler, Woodcock, Lesser Redpoll, Willow Tit and Tree Pipit. These species have all declined significantly, some drastically, since about the late 80s or early 90s. As far as the RSPB can tell, the main reason for their decline is the progressive cessation of woodland management since the 1940s, with a time delay before the effects became apparent. Read more …

Fantastic day today – thanks to everyone who came and made the day such a success.

Thanks especially to Alan, David and Nigel who brough such informative and interesting talks and pictures.

I will be doing a write up of the day, and would love you to contribute! Things you learnt section started on the forum for you to add to.

More to come when I am not so sleepy!

Tracy

Red band needle blight (RBNB) is an economically important disease affecting a number of coniferous trees, in particular pines. RBNB causes premature needle defoliation which results in the loss of timber yield and, in severe cases, tree mortality. Read more …

A Forest Research Seminar on Oak and the Pests and Diseases attacking it

Recently, oak has been in the limelight with alarming media coverage about Sudden Oak Death and the Oak Processionary Moth. But how accurate are these reports and what does the future hold for our oaks?  This focused seminar will highlight some of the disorders suffered by oak and describe some of the emerging pests and diseases that are being seen on woodland and urban oak trees.  The day will include a “hands on” session in the woods to look at the general health of oak and discuss the pests and diseases that can attack it.

The seminar on the pests and diseases of oak will be on Tuesday 30^th September, 10am – 3pm, at the Dean Management Training Centre (postcode GL16 7JY), near Coleford in the Forest of Dean. The event is run by Forest Research and the Forestry Commission.

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Small Woods Association

Sustainability Centre Members Weekend

Nr East Meon, Hampshire.

6.00pm Friday 1 August to 2.00pm Sunday 3 August 2008.

With an exciting programme of speakers and local walks this weekend will provide an opportunity for members in the south of the country to get together to share ideas and problems about their woodlands. SWA has booked the Wetherdown Hostel at the Sustainability Centre, for a residential weekend. The cost will be £60 for members, £80 for non members.  All meals are included, except for Friday night when we will visit the local pub, which has a good range of food available.

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As we’ve been coppicing our wood I’ve been wanting to make charcoal for some time, but wasn’t ready to go and buy a large kiln, as I didn’t know whether I’d really make use of it. Having read about small kilns made using oil drums I managed to get hold of a couple of drums from a farmer friend.

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Hi Everyone

The administrator of the Bentley Weald Woodfair has kindly offered a discount for  SWOG members to the woodfair- Sept 12 – 14th.

We will shortly be sending you an invitation to the woodfair which you will need to show at the gate to get your discount. If you would like to be sure that I have an up to date postal address for you, you could email me your postal address and I will check my records.

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