www.carpenterswood.org.uk
friends of
Carpenters Wood
(Chorleywood, UK)
Updated 10 May 2013
Carpenters Wood is located within the "Chiltern Hills Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty".
In Chorleywood West on the Herts/Bucks border, 32km (20m) NW of London,
it is a designated wildlife site - 56 acres of ancient, semi-natural Beech
with Oak, Ash, Larch, Birch, Sycamore and Hornbeam.
2013 Bluebells
WOODLAND WALK
SUNNY SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2013
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Assembling at the snicket. 3. Why woodland flora are different. 5. Questions from Chairperson Barbara. 7. The ancient Hornbeam perimeter. |
2. Preamble from Expert Alex of C.M.S. 4. World's best Bluebells almost in bud. 6. Four-legged Friend of Carpenters Wood. 8. Two homes of our resident Badgers.
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* WORK SESSIONS *
(Usually first Thursday and third Saturday, monthly)
(Meet at 10.00 at Whitelands snicket, unless advised otherwise)
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Thursdays |
Saturdays |
| Jan 10 2013 | Jan 19 |
| Feb 07 | Feb 16 |
| Mar 07 | Mar 16 |
| Apr 04 (+ Committee Mtg) |
Apr 20 |
| May 09 | May 18 |
| June 6 | Jun 15 |
"Come and join us - all welcome"
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Simon Hewitt & Tim Sawyer (on left) Royal Forestry Society inspectors for the "Excellence in Forestry 2011" competition (4th April 2011) |
Email messages to members from
* * * Chair of the
Friends, Barbara Green: * * *
29
/03/13Dear All,
I wanted to let you all know of some improvements to the woodland which are being proposed by CMS - Access Audit 29-03-13.pdf. If you have any queries, objections, or comments I would be grateful if you could email them to Alex direct but copy me in so I know what your concerns are.
Many thanks,
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
As discussed attached our review of the current entrance and access for the woods, please could forward it on to the group to take a look.
If you have any queries about the proposals you can contact me and/or there will be time after the guided walk on the 20th to discuss things.
Once the improvements have been finalised, we'll start to look for funding for the works, and there is plenty that the group and our Wednesday volunteers can get involved in.
Kind Regards
Alex Laurie
Please note my email address has changed to: alex.laurie@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Projects Officer - Countryside Management Service (CMS)
The Old Dairy
, Bedford Road, Hitchin SG5 3RR. Tel - 01462 459395. Comnet - 46820. postal point - CHN107 www.facebook.com/hertscms www.twitter.com/hertscms****Disclaimer****
The information in this message should be regarded as confidential and is intended for the addressee only unless explicitly stated. If you have received this message in error it must be deleted and the sender notified. The views expressed in this message are personal and not necessarily those of Hertfordshire County Council unless explicitly stated. Please be aware that emails sent to or received from Hertfordshire County Council may be intercepted and read by the council. Interception will only occur to
ensure compliance with council policies or procedures or regulatory obligations, to prevent or deter crime, or for the purposes of essential maintenance or support of the email system.12/02/13
Dear Friends,
We are due to meet again this coming Saturday, so I hope the weather is OK. Maybe we could clear some of the Laurel which has started to grow along the margins of Carpenters Path and Bluebell Walk, then we can plan to have a bonfire sometime in the Spring!
Looking forward to seeing you, as usual, at Whitelands Ave. entrance at 10.00am.
Best wishes,
Barbara
Some of the activity on Thursday 7th February
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Photos again by Robin Hurley
14/01/13
Dear Friends,
Volunteers have been working hard over Christmas and the New Year to clear one of the perimeter paths which follows the line of the gardens in Carpenters Wood Drive and joins up with the Field Footpath which goes up to the Farm Track entrance. This path has been overgrown and impassable for some time, but we have now opened it up. We hope that this adds an extra 'circuit' for walkers and also keeps traffic through the bluebells to a minimum. Robin has just sent me these photos which he took as we opened the final section on Thursday 10th January.
Best wishes,
Barbara
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Photos by Robin Hurley
Friends of Carpenters Wood
Committee Meeting
Thursday 13 September 2012 1.30 pm
at 28 Carpenters Wood Drive
Present: Barbara Green – Chair, Stephen Ramsay – Treasurer, Lesley Edwards – Secretary,
Frank Mahon-Daly, Pam Ferrar, Dorothy Freedman, Tony Edwards, Fiona Underhill (CMS)
1. Apologies for Absence: Donald MacLean, David Walker, Michael Hyde, Andrew York
2. Minutes of Last Meeting: Agreed.
3. Matters Arising:
·
EquipmentBG has purchased one new 21inch Saw and a selection of new blades for saws, a short Grass Hook, a long Brushing Hook, a steel Timber Wedge, a couple of sharpening tools and a selection of protective gloves and glasses. SR purchased a Mattock. BG still to purchase a couple of small loppers. As we have more members in our group we need to have sufficient equipment. Action BG
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Notice BoardThe boards need revitalising. The key is held by DW who has taken over responsibility for these. Timetable has expired and we need to update this. Action TE in DW’s absence.
·
Russell School InvolvementBG has not progressed this item. Any walks or activities would have to take place out of school hours because of school curriculum restrictions and all participants would need to be CRB checked.
4. Treasurer’s Report
There remains a healthy balance in the account mainly due to the Parish Quiz Evenings which have generated £600 in total, with another Quiz due this November. New expenditure on tools was £249.87. Thanks given to SR for keeping the accounts in order. (Cups of tea and glasses of wine much appreciated also!)
5. Progress of Volunteers Group
A good six months with few missed sessions and this year’s sessions carried on throughout the summer months which we all felt was beneficial. Because of the heavy rainfall earlier this summer the footpaths have become very overgrown but we have managed to keep the main paths clear.
BG was pleased to report that we had two new volunteers since March – Andrew York and Michael Hyde - and we welcome their contribution to the Group.
BG feels we have achieved a lot this year although SR feels our back-up from TRDC is not as forthcoming as it should be. BG feels that a lot of effort and energy has been put into Oxhey Woods recently and because Alex and CMS have been concentrating on this FoCW have been neglected. We do need support with planning and help with larger projects which require the use of power tools. FU (CMS) offered to draw up a timetable of practical sessions based on the 5 Year Plan which would help us to know what we were aiming to achieve each year. FU also said it was possible for CMS to add to our workforce for larger projects if we give them notice. This would ensure that tasks set out for the volunteer group in the 5 Year Plan are achieved appropriately. Action FU
We have three volunteers who have completed a First Aid Course. BG, FM and SR would like to renew their certificates. FU said it may be possible to provide a course locally for us if there are sufficient numbers (there may be other groups in Chorleywood who also need First Aid training). Action FU
FU asked if there was any publicity or help with events, walks etc. that we want to organise. FU could arrange for this to be included on their website.
6. 5 Year Plan
·
BG had previously e-mailed TRDC and CMS with a list of tasks the Group felt needed to be included in the 5 Year Plan.·
SR felt the plan was not specific enough in relation to what was expected from volunteers as opposed to TRDC or CMS.FU commented in relation to this:-
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Glade clearance – It was felt that this should be carried out on a rotational basis. It would be impossible for the Group to keep all of the glades clear all of the time.·
Ride management (one side at a time) carried out over two years. SR felt that this was not achievable and would be too much for the Group to manage in ten sessions. FU said that volunteers could be brought in to work alongside us.·
SR mentioned that the thinning of silver birch had encouraged the brambles to grow into this area because they have the room and light to do so and he was not sure if the ecological impact had been taken into account. FU said that it is part of a cycle but she did see the point.·
TE suggested that Glade 4 be kept perpetually cleared for possible school party visits.·
Whitelands Avenue entrance: This has been discussed on previous occasions; the pathway here is steep and is very slippery in wet and icy weather. On a recent walk with Alex (CMS) it was suggested that log steps or similar might be the answer but this was a job that needed expert guidance. BG said that to improve the main entrance would have a major impact on accessibility. It was suggested this could be a joint venture with the Friends group assisting. The Group would like this included in the Plan. Action FU·
Ride management: Wooden barriers are necessary to prevent horse riders from straying on to footpaths. BG has received an e-mail complaint from a walker regarding cyclists using the footpaths; they do have the bridleways to cycle on. The erection of barriers would at least slow cyclists down. Other comments have been received about the need for horse barriers to be repaired or replaced. We need to decide where these barriers are best placed. The issue “use of footpaths” has been brought up time and again. BG stated that the erection of horse barriers was more of a priority than additional wooden benches and should be given financial priority in the 5 Year Plan. Action FU·
New footpath and bridleway signage is also needed in the Woodland as many of the signs are absent or not fit for purpose.·
The thinning of Holly and Laurel is ongoing. There is still a quantity of Laurel to be cleared along Carpenters Wood footpath towards field edge. Laurel and Holly has been treated over the last year but this will also need to continue.·
Larch removal: Hillas has been thinned but a lot of “scrub” still remains on the floor. The Group are keen to clear an area of this to see if we can help speed regeneration. BG said that there should be more thinning of Larch – especially in Carpenters Wood where it is dense and dark. FU said that they were aware of this but further Larch removal had to be cost-neutral. This means that, unless a contractor can be found who is prepared to fell the Larch at no cost to the Council, further felling is unlikely to happen. As to the Larch log pile at the Farm Gate/Hillas entrance, little seems to be happening at present but a local resident has expressed an interest in using some of it for a small scale project. This is under discussion. BG asked that the Group are kept informed as to progress with this.·
Hornbeam hedges: These need to be expertly dealt with as the Group is not qualified to deal with this project. DW has asked for training in coppicing and hedge layering. CMS agreed to progress this work as part of the 5 Year Plan.·
A local resident had commented that the Bye Laws should be displayed in the wood.·
SR asked FU if there were any tools that we could have on loan from CMS. FU said that we were welcome to borrow tools; it was a question of collection and return.·
BG said that we were generally happy with the 5 Year Plan, it just needed a little fine tuning. The Group will do as much as it can but if we can have machines on loan it will make our work a lot easier and less labour intensive.·
BG raised the point of detailed mapping of the woodland including archaeological features. FU agreed to provide us with large copies of the woodland map so that we can start to name various paths etc. FU to e-mail SR with the map. Action FUDiscussion ensued regarding the possible change of day for our mid-week sessions. It was agreed to stay with first Thursdays for the next year. The new diary was outlined and dates are now available on the website and on the notice-boards.
Lib Dems are holding a Quiz Evening on Saturday 13th October and BG asked if the Friends would like to make up a table.
The Parish Council Charity Quiz Night is on Saturday 24th November and we would like to make up a table of 8 members/partners. We receive £350 from attending this event.
8. Any Other Business None.
9. Date of Next Meeting 4th April, 2013 at t.b.a.
Meeting ended at 4 pm.
Dear Friends,
Many thanks to all of you who turned up for our walk in the woods with Alex from CMS (Countryside Management Services).
It was the most perfect morning for a walk and the discussion was wide-ranging and very helpful. The main points for the 5 Year Plan which I gleaned from the walk are summarised as follows:
Whitelands Avenue entrance - possible new entrance feature, removal of unnecessary posts,
possible redesign of barrier onto pavement, re-siting of bins and fly-tipping sign,
consideration to be given to creating natural 'steps' to improve access.
2. Laurel - follow-up treatment needed.
3. Holly - large trees to be marked for removal by CMS/TRDC
4. Selective Thinning of Broadleaved trees - further discussion needed depending upon feasibility/cost.
5. Path Clearance - paths to be cleared on alternate sides yearly. Some open clearings to be created along the paths to enable more vistas into the woodland.
6. Farm Gate Entrance - possible new entrance feature, better signage needed to make clear where the bridleways are, possible re-siting of bins and notice boards.
7. Hornbeam restoration - specialist input from CMS is needed to reduce the size of ancient Hornbeam to preserve them for the future.
8. Hillas Larch - further selective thinning is required, patch clearing may be helpful to improve regeneration.
9. Barrel Arch - removal of unwanted posts, clearer signage for bridleways.
10. Signage - the present footpath and bridleway signage is out-dated and unclear and needs to be replaced with regulation signage.
This is not an exhaustive list, other items may appear on the 5 Year Plan.
Our next session will be on 13th September at 10.00am and will be followed at 1.30pm by our Committee Meeting when the 5 Year Plan will be finalised.
Below is a photo of the walk.
There will be a Committee Meeting following the work session on September 13th - for information please email me.
Best wishes,
Barbara
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Dear Friends,
Just a reminder about the Guided Walk on Saturday. Please meet at the Whitelands Avenue entrance into the Woodland * at 10.00am. This is your opportunity to meet CMS personnel and to have your say about the new Management Plan which is currently being drawn up - see below. Bring along anyone who might be interested in the future of our local Woodland.
Look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
Best wishes,
Barbara
Chairman, Friends of Carpenters Wood
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Dear Friends,
I have just received the Draft Plan for Carpenters Wood. Have a look at it and please feel free to pass any suggestions you have to Alex Laurie at CMS.
There is a Walkabout to discuss the Plan on Saturday, 18th August at 10.00am in the Woodland. However, you can let Alex know your views at any time.
Regards,
Barbara
From: Alex Laurie <Alex.Laurie@hertscc.gov.uk>
Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 14:09
Subject: Carpenters Wood Management Plan 2012-17
Dear Stakeholder,
Attached is a draft copy of the next Carpenters Wood management plan 2012 - 2017, which is currently being produced by Countryside Management Service (CMS) in partnership with Three Rivers District Council (TRDC).
We are conducting a six week period of consultation starting on Tuesday 31st July until Friday 14th September 2012, during which time we would welcome comments on future management of Carpenters Wood.
On Saturday 18th August there will be a guided walk of Carpenters Wood, starting at 10am, meet at the entrance to the wood on Whitelands Avenue. The walk will be an opportunity to find out more about the plan and put forward ideas on future management of the wood.
If you would like to submit ideas on future management or have any queries regarding the plan, please don’t hesitate to contact Alex Laurie at CMS, alex.laurie@hertscc.gov.uk or at CMS, The Old Dairy, Bedford Road, Ickleford, Hitchin. 01462 459 395.
Kind Regards,
Alex Laurie
Projects Officer - Countryside Management Service (CMS)
The Old Dairy, Bedford Road, Hitchin SG5 3RR
Tel - 01462 459395 Comnet - 46820 postal point - CHN107
www.hertslink.org/cms www.facebook.com/hertscms www.twitter.com/hertscms
Dear Friends,
Sorry I missed Saturday's woodland session but hope it all went well. I am forwarding some training opportunities from CMS below. If you are interested, please contact Alex on his email alex.laurie@hertscc.gov.uk
We are also looking to run a walk in the summer to talk through the options for the 5 Year Plan in the woodland 'on site' as it were. I will let you know the date shortly.
Regards,
Barbara
From: Alex Laurie <Alex.Laurie@hertscc.gov.uk>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 May 2012, 16:17
Subject: CMS training update
Hi all,
There are still places available on the forthcoming training events (see below), also take a look at walks & more for other events taking place over the next few months.
http://www.hertsdirect.org/ufs/ufsmain?ebz=1_1337785514544&ADMIN=N&formid=ENV_WAM
Woodland Management training, Thursday 14th June
The training will run from 10am until about 4pm at Broxbourne Woods NNR, nr Hertford. After a presentation during the morning, the afternoon will be spent in Broxbourne Woods looking at a range of management works that have been taking place on this site over a number of years. Part of the session will take place outdoors, please bring warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. Participants should also bring a packed lunch. Places are limited so please email Ciaran Mullan at: ciaran.mullan@hertscc.gov.uk if you wish to attend.
Family Butterfly walk, Tuesday 24th July
Starts 1:30pm until 3:30pm. Meet at the main car park at the junction of Oxhey Drive and Prestwick Road. Learn about some of the impressive species of butterfly and other wildlife that flourishes in this important woodland site. We will follow the course of some of the main rides through the wood, whilst you will learn how the site is being managed to increase biodiversity.
Identifying and Recording Veteran Trees, Thursday 16th August
This is an all day event from 10am to 3pm, starting at South Oxhey Library and with a visit to Oxhey Woods LNR in the afternoon. Places on this event are limited, to book a space please go to: www.hertsdirect.org/walksandmore
From there, click on 'view the events online' click on the event, scroll to the bottom of the page, click on the 'book a place' tab, fill in your details and submit.
An introduction to Bats and their Identification, Saturday 25th August
Training will take place at a venue in the vicinity of South Oxhey (details to be TBC) and will run from 1pm-5pm -The event will provide an introduction to bats and related issues with tuition on how to identify bats in the field. There will also be an opportunity for further practice with bat detectors at an evening event planned for Rickmansworth Aquadrome start time 8pm.
Kind Regards
Alex Laurie
Projects Officer - Countryside Management Service (CMS)
Countryside Management Service (CMS)
www.hertslink.org/cms www.facebook.com/hertscms
Dear Friends,
I am forwarding a list of issues raised at our committee meetings which will inform the new 5 year plan for the woodland. This list will be forwarded shortly to Three Rivers and to the Countryside Management Service for consideration in drawing up the new plan. If there are any other issues you would like to add, please let me know in the next week or so, so that they can be included in the list.
best wishes,
Barbara Green
Chairman of FOCW
10/03/12
Dear Friends,
Herewith minutes of our meeting on 1st March. It was a very useful meeting, as you will see from the discussions. I will be forwarding a list of Actions to be considered for the new 5 Year Plan in due course. I will also post these on our notice boards in the woods. Our next session is Saturday 24th March.
Best Wishes,
Barbara
On 11th/12th May 2011 a work-party of the Friends prepared the four corners of the central
crossroads of the village and planted new shrubs, receiving praise and thanks from shoppers.
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Photos by Tony Edwards
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REPORT AND PICTURES OF THE SPECIAL 3rd JUNE 2010 EVENT
* * * BARBARA'S BULLETINS
* * *
Other email messages (for reference by Friends) from Chair of the
Friends, Barbara Green
Work parties usually meet at 10am on the first
Thursday and the third Saturday of each month
Friends of Carpenters Wood
Issues Raised at Committee meetings of FOCW
New 5 Year Plan, 2012 - 2017We are now at the end of the present 5 Year Plan and talks will be initiated with TRDC and CMS in Spring/Summer 2012 for the next Plan to be put in place. A number of things were mentioned as follows,
Wooden Barriers for footpaths to prevent horse riders from using public footpaths was something FOCW wanted to be included in the plan.
More thinning of Larch to be included. Discussion about Larch brash removal was also needed.
The hedging alongside the Larch plantation in Hillas Wood, running parallel to the farm track, to be replaced with new planting or fencing.
Possible stepping at Whitelands entrance which is slippery in winter. Informal stepping such as logs could be appropriate.
Spraying of Holly and Laurel stumps – ongoing.
Continue with Holly and Laurel removal. Any trees too large for volunteers to fell to be marked by Friends with spray paint so they can be identified by TRDC/CMS for removal by them.
The question of regeneration by re-planting needs to be raised, particularly in those areas where large trees are removed
Bramble removal from central area of the woodland to allow regeneration.
20/09/11
Dear Friends,
Attached (below) are the minutes of our last Committee meeting on 1st September 2011. I hope these are clear but if you have any queries, or suggestions, please email me.
best wishes,
Barbara
====================
Friends of Carpenters Wood
Committee Meeting
Thursday 1st September 2011
1.30 pm at
84 Whitelands Avenue, Chorleywood
Present: Barbara Green – Chair, Barbara Christie, Fiona Lean, David Walker, Lesley Edwards (Secretary).
Stephen Ramsay, Donald MacLean, Pam Ferrar, Tony Edwards
We welcomed David Walker as a new volunteer.
Agreed.
BG undertook discussions with TRDC and subsequently with the resident concerned (page 2, item 4 of last minutes). The outcome of this meeting was amicable and nothing further has been reported.
BG and FL met up with the contractor whom Alex (CMS) had contracted to spray the Holly and Laurel stumps as they were sprouting rapidly. He was shown the area concerned and as far as BG is aware this has been done. BG will contact Alex to check on the position. Action BG
This has been removed and taken away.
This path can be very wet and muddy. BC said that TE had suggested using the chippings from tree felling in the woods to try and resolve the problem. FL said that if there were an accident as a result of this we could be liable. If chippings are available they could be used but the steep slope of the bank would prevent any more radical improvements being made. The general opinion was that there wasn’t much we could do about this problem.
Unfortunately this was a non event for FoCW due to lack of volunteers to run the stall. It was agreed by all that fundraising is not our priority but to raise awareness of the existence of the group and to recruit new volunteers.
BC reported the fact that tree houses/dens had been erected in the wood and this was against the bye-laws. However, most agreed that we should not discourage youngsters from enjoying the woods provided this did not put themselves or the woodland in danger.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Due to SR’s absence no report was tabled, but due to lack of expenditure since last meeting it was thought to be about the same as last reported.
5. Report on progress of volunteer group
BG said that it was probably our worst year ever for cancelled meetings due to inclement weather conditions. Not much progress was made during the winter snow and late spring/early summer rains; four attempts were made to treat the new notice boards, which have now been done. A large amount of invasive Holly and Laurel has been removed over the last year and thinning of the Birch plantation is ongoing It was a good year in that TRDC fulfilled their promises to thin the Ash and the Larch and both these jobs were carried out well. The resulting Larch log piles at Hillas are still there - apparently due to a dispute with the removal company. BG walked around the wood with Julie Hughes and Alex in July to discuss future plans (outlined below). Membership has stayed pretty constant with two new members joining this September.
6 Review of 5 Year Plan
So far as the 5-Year Plan was concerned, BG said that we were up to date with this. We are at the end of the present 5-Year Plan now and talks will be initiated with TRDC and CMS in January 2012 for the next Plan, and discussed at our March meeting. BC asked who was responsible for the plan. BG said that TRDC were responsible – Alex (CMS) would draw up the plan in collaboration with TRDC and FOCW. A number of things were mentioned as follows:
BG said that we have achieved a great deal in four years and, importantly, have stirred TRDC into doing their bit!
BC wants a letter sent to TRDC (Julie Hughes) complaining of the disgraceful mess and quality of workmanship in the wood at the back of her garden. BG suggested that BC write to them. Action BC
7. Notice Boards:
No Byelaws on notice boards as yet. BG suggested that as these bye laws were lengthy perhaps a précis would be more appropriate. BC asked BG to approach Sally Evans to prepare these. DW said that this could in fact make them lengthier and would anyone read them anyway? BG suggested that BC try to précis them herself, preferably one page long. Action BC
8. Events
Parish Council Quiz Evening 26th November. T & L E to arrange a table.
Lib Dem Quiz 15th October. Question of table for FoCW. Any volunteers? BG is organising the event
9. AOB
BG thanked Donald (in his absence) for his continued help with the Website.
Next meeting
Meeting closed at 3.45 pm.
(FOLLOWING ARE SOME PREVIOUS MESSAGES FOR REFERENCE)
10/03/11
Dear Friends,
For the Minutes of the latest meeting of the Friends of Carpenters Wood
click here.
(may run Adobe reader).
With regards,
Barbara
09/12/10
Dear Friends,
Just thought I would send you a photo of the Late Night Evening - attached (thanks Stephen)!
As you may know, we are
scheduled for major thinning works in the two Larch plantations in Hillas and
Carpenters Woods in January. Three Rivers have commissioned a logging
company to do the work, and they are currently undertaking the same work in
Bishops Wood, which is the woodland area opposite the Green Man pub, between the
A404 and White Hill in Rickmansworth, if you are interested to see it for
yourself.
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I visited Bishops Wood with Daniel Monk and officers from Three Rivers today to get some idea of what impact this will have in our woodland. The machinery is substantial and obviously, as a result, the woodland does look a bit of a mess and the tracks and bridleways do get churned up during the operation. Because of this TRDC will be undertaking a leaflet drop about our thinning in Carpenters Wood to let local residents know what is happening, and I have offered the services of the Friends Group to deliver some of these.
However, experience from similar works in other woodlands in the District show fairly rapid recovery of the area once the work is completed. You can view some photos of the work in Bishops Wood on the TRDC website to get some idea of what is involved, click on Bishops Wood on the front page.
This thinning work is long overdue and is essential to help return our woodland to its natural state, allowing the indigenous broadleaf trees to grow up in place of the Larch.
Next week we will also be having a look at the Ash plantation near the barrel arch which has been due for thinning for some years now. It is hoped that work can also go ahead on this area soon, but I will let you know how the meeting goes next week.
We have one more volunteer session before Xmas, which is Saturday 18th December - I hope the weather allows us to get out!
If I don't see you, have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
with best wishes,
Barbara
07/09/10
Dear Friends,
Attached are the minutes from our Committee Meeting which took place on Thursday afternoon, after our first volunteer session of the Autumn. Our numbers seem to have dwindled over the summer, so only three (and a half with Tony and his poorly shoulder!) turned up on Thursday. It was a glorious morning and we tackled a small patch of holly and made a noticeable impact, which was gratifying. Tony used the strimmer along some of the paths which are beginning to get overgrown. Please take time to read the minutes if you can, as a number of important points were raised. I will be keeping you informed of any developments particularly in relation to TRDC involvement.
Please come back to us, all our usual volunteers! And any new ones out there. We need you!
With kind regards,
Barbara
Explanation of the Group
Friends of Carpenters Wood
are a friendly and enthusiastic group of people, who give time when we can to help maintain and enhance the Woods for the enjoyment of all. Living, as many of us do, within easy reach of the Woods, we have learnt to value the benefits this special area provides – a beautiful, tranquil place to walk and sit, a place for children to play freely, and a marvellous haven for wildlife of all sorts.
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So how did ‘The Friends’ come about and where do we fit in?
Carpenters Wood, which is an ancient wood, at least 400 years old, is owned by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) who, with the help of the Countryside Management Service (CMS), manage and maintain it for the community.
Over recent years local residents became aware that some of the routine maintenance tasks were not really happening as frequently as they might, with the result that the Wood was beginning to suffer. Litter was beginning to accumulate, invasive plants like holly and laurel were taking over large swathes of the Wood, and pathways were becoming overgrown.
A flyer, raising the idea of a Friends Group, was produced and delivered to most of the houses closest to the Woods, and a subsequent meeting saw over 40 people attend! From this initial meeting, and with the help of CMS, our first volunteer sessions were set up. Tools were provided by CMS and one of their expert woodland officers, Martin O’Connor, came along to each of our sessions to guide, inform and train us in the necessary skills.
Training courses are available through CMS and a number of us now have been given essential First Aid training. Later this year two of the regular guys will be receiving specific training on brush-cutter equipment – we are not allowed to use any power tools such as chain saws – only CMS or TRDC specially trained staff are allowed to use these. With the help of a Grant, which we bid for and won at the Local Area Forum, we will soon be buying our own tools.
And this is what we have been doing!
Our Friends Group started its first volunteer sessions in July 2008, and we have met twice a month since. We meet every first Thursday and every third Saturday in the month – alternating from weekdays to weekends gives both those who work full-time and those of us who are ‘retired’ a chance to participate. Volunteers come when they can, and we generally have between 6 -12 of us at each session.
Over the last 9 months we have tackled some fairly major work in the Wood. Most of the Autumn was taken up by holly removal. A number of the footpaths had become overgrown with holly which, not only obscured many of the glorious views across surrounding fields and meadows, but also made the pathways dark and gloomy, and a bit ‘spooky’ for solitary walkers. Also the density of the holly meant that the footpaths were in permanent shade and therefore remained wet and muddy throughout most of the year. Removal of this holly along many of the footpaths, which is part of the CMS/TRDC management strategy for the Wood, has transformed these woodland walks. The sunshine now filters down through the lovely Beech trees and the views are wonderful!
More recently we have been marshalling our efforts into thinning out an area of Birch trees which have grown tall and spindly and very close together. This will, hopefully, encourage the Beech saplings planted in the area to grow, and will allow some regeneration of the woodland floor. Maybe even bluebells will start to appear there! In the Spring there is a carpet of glorious bluebells throughout Whitelands Wood, it would be good if these could be encouraged in other parts of the Wood. Maybe we will try some bluebell seed collecting and sowing and see if we can help them along!
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Photos: Donald MacLean |
For several sessions in early September we concentrated on creating a clearing off the main bridleway which we subsequently named ‘Beech Glade’. This area, which is surrounded by huge and magnificent beech trees, was waist high with bracken and was completely inaccessible. Now there is a small, sunny clearing, with a tree-trunk bench (which took much effort from Martin and his chainsaw!), where walkers can pause and enjoy the moment. This is also a brilliant place for picnicking – in fact we intend to hold our next Committee Meeting in Beech Glade in September!
That brings me to Committee Meetings!
Because the main aim of our Friends Group was to get out into the Woods and do ‘hands-on’ stuff, we did not want to get too bogged down with lots of committee meetings. However, we realised that we needed to be guided by CMS and TRDC and that our contribution needed to fit with the 5 Year Management Plan which TRDC set out for the woodland. So, we only have two Committee meetings a year, one in March and one in September.
However, we have drawn up a proper Constitution and have appointed a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. This level of formality is necessary since, if we want to apply for Grants from TRDC or any other source, we need to supply evidence of a proper Committee structure, with minuted meetings, audited accounts and a written Constitution.
Our Latest Achievements.
Just recently we have been concentrating on creating this Web site, and producing an information leaflet for distribution locally. The aim of both of these things is to spread the word about our lovely Woods to other local people, as well as to those who are not so local, but may be interested in what we are doing.
We are also in the process of organising guided walks through the Wood. The first of these aimed at showing off the bluebells, should be organised soon (watch this space!) and we have other ideas for evening Bat walks and Autumn toadstool walks as well.
Contact Us!
If you would like to join us as a Friend, please email me at barbara.green@threerivers.gov.uk. We would be delighted to have you along – we are a friendly bunch of amateurs, so no special skills are necessary!
In order to raise money to cover some of our costs, for replacement tools, courses, administration, etc. we are asking for a small voluntary donation of £5 per annum from those of you who would like to support our work but are unable to get involved with our volunteer sessions. If you would like to contribute to our friends group this way you can download a standing order mandate (below). All the money received will be used to benefit the Woodland – no trips to the Caribbean planned!
Watch this page for regular updates on work carried out and up-coming events.
Councillor Barbara Green
Chairman, Friends of Carpenters Wood
Illustrated report on the ecology
by Martin O'Connor AIEEM of the
Countryside Management Service
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New Friend!
It's not unusual to see (or hear the strange bark of) Muntjac Deer in Carpenters
Wood
but on May 16th 2009 Tony Edwards came upon a young Roe Deer near the Farm Road
entry.
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Listen to the sounds of Carpenters Wood
Typical Working Parties
of Friends of Carpenters Wood
(With expert help)
7th May 2009
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May pictures by Donald MacLean
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MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
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Chilterns Newsletter
June 2009
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Related web sites
Friends of Chorleywood Common
18 woodlands
in Three Rivers District
Information on Chorleywood
Chilterns Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty
Constitution
of
The Friends of Carpenters Wood
The Name
The name of the group is The Friends of Carpenters Wood.
Location
Carpenters Wood comprises three woodland areas known as Hillas Wood, Whitelands Wood and Carpenters Wood. It is a 22.8 hectare mixed woodland situated within the Parish of Chorleywood in Hertfordshire and is within the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site is owned by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) and is a designated Wildlife Site.
Objectives
To enhance and improve Carpenters Wood, and to conserve it for future generations.
To involve local people in the enjoyment and maintenance of the Woodland.
To promote public awareness of the Woodland by means of publicity, volunteer groups, local events, and liaison with interested organisations.
To assist, advise and support TRDC in drawing up management plans for the Woodland.
To apply for grants from relevant organisations to fund the above.
Membership
Membership shall be open to anyone interested in taking an active part in the work and aims of the group.
The affairs of the group will be controlled by a Committee elected on an annual basis from and by the members of the group.
The group will meet at least twice a year to discuss its activities, and all members will be entitled to attend.
The group will work in partnership with appropriate officers of TRDC and Countryside Management Services (CMS).
The group will operate an equal opportunities policy.
Finance
Any funds shall be held by an elected Treasurer, submitted for independent inspection and approved at the AGM.
All funds shall be paid into an account in the name of The Friends of Carpenters Wood.
Any cheques drawn on the account, or financial obligations entered into, will need the signature of the Treasurer and one other Committee Member.
The Treasurer will keep a record of all transactions and will present an Annual Report.
If the group ceases to exist, any monies in the account shall go to a registered charity.
Insurance
The group shall have Personal Accident Insurance for its volunteers, and
Public Liability Insurance. All members of the group shall, through their
actions, ensure the health and safety of others.
Alterations to the Constitution
Alterations to the Constitution shall only be made with the consent of a
majority of the members of the group.
Email Us
(info@carpenterswood.org.uk)
Webmaster: Donald MacLean
donald@maclean.org
www.the-life-of.me
Site updated 10 May 2013
