As restrictions are lifted and we are able to meet more friends and gradually visit favourite places, it is possible fewer people will visit our forum.
I hope not and that it will continue to be a place where members can air their views about our lectures and events. Offer suggestions and follow -up ideas for us to enjoy.
Meanwhile have a good week-end and if it is the first time you will be seeing loved ones have a great time.
Nikki Edwardes is responsible for the Wood Wardens in Sherrardspark Wood and has contributed this fascinating article.
Sherrardspark Wood is one of England’s foremost Ancient sessile oak and hornbeam woodlands. Its 74 hectares is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve. Less than a mile from Welwyn Garden City town centre, it is a much-loved local amenity, enjoyed by many.
Sherrardspark Wood Wardens Society is a group of volunteers who have worked since 1966 to protect and conserve this vital resource, managing the woodland for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.
A 20-year Plan (2005-2025) was developed by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, the Wood Wardens, Natural England and the Forestry Commission. Its aim is to maintain a diversity of woodland habitats that foster a wide range of locally important species including birds, small mammals and invertebrates. This requires a balance of mature trees and young growth, open and shaded areas, thus encouraging a diversity of species suited to the different soils and ground conditions found across the wood. The Wood Wardens use a combination of traditional coppicing and the planting of new trees to meet this aim. Other activities include the monitoring of various species to inform us as to the effectiveness of our management strategies, footpath maintenance and public education.
The Sherrardspark Wood Wardens are committed to preserving this historic coppiced woodland and improving the diversity of wildlife supported by its plants.
A plan of work in the woods is decided annually to create coppiced woodland habitats suitable for wildlife diversity. Work parties meet twice a week to implement this. Activities vary depending on the time of year and include: hornbeam coppicing; beneficial tree thinning; removing invasive species e.g. rhododendron and bracken; planting new saplings; watering. Traditional methods are employed using hand tools and chainsaws. Good oak, ash, cherry and rowan trees are retained as sources of seed for new trees. After a few years the coppiced areas become dense thickets of vegetation ideal for birds and small mammals. Natural regeneration of trees is preferred but in some areas saplings from UK growers are planted to increase the stocking rate or the diversity of tree species – e.g. in coppiced areas managed for prospective dormouse habitat, planting hazel, a dormouse food source.
Managing the woodland for the public involves work to ensure that footpaths and bridleways are well maintained and signed. They need to be kept in good condition, well drained and clear of encroaching vegetation so that access to and through the wood is safe and to discourage the public from leaving the pathways and potentially harming the nature reserve. Our programme of guided summer walks encourages the local community to appreciate and respect our SSSI.
Some statistics
In 2019, 52 volunteers worked over 3,500 hours in 138 morning shifts, nearly 3,500 hours.
Around 4000 saplings have been planted in the last five years consisting of: 1,000 hornbeam; 1,000 hazel; 800 sessile oaks; 700 hawthorn; 125 field maple; 100 honeysuckle and 75 blackthorn.
Recent projects demonstrate the range of our work.
300 Prime sessile oaks from Sherrardspark acorns, nurtured at home by Wardens, planted by 2028.
Creating ‘scallops’ by selective felling and strimming on the sides of rides increases floral and butterfly diversity.
Constructing a path on a Herts Health Walk route, reducing plant trampling.
Monitoring: muntjac deer, invertebrates, birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flora.
Monitoring effect of coppicing height on plant regrowth.
Supporting Rothamstead Research and Forestry Research on control methods for Acute Oak Decline.
We engage with the community to show what a treasure we have and explain what we do.
8 Guided Walks in 2019 - foraging, fungi, birds, invertebrates, geology, tree identification, flowers, butterflies, moths.
Late evening moth trapping.
Local businesses team-building conservation events: Pay-point, Roche and Tesco.
Activities for Applecroft and Harwood Hill Schools, and home-educated children.
Helping other volunteers: Mardley Heath, Northaw nature reserves; St Peter’s church yard; Isabel Hospice.
Preparing paths, signage for Welwyn Garden City Centenary 2020 Walk.
Tree planting with local cubs.
Two-day bio-blitz for Welwyn Garden City 2020 celebrations - unfortunately postponed by Coronavirus.
Sherrardspark Woods won the Anglia in Bloom Gold Award for Best Woodland and a Gold Certificate.
The Wardens’ dedication to the environment employing a wide range of skills, and their willingness to support the local community, makes them worthy of consideration for a CPRE Hertfordshire award.
Quote from a wood warden: ‘Monday mornings are much easier to face if I have been working in the woods on Sunday morning’
Working with Tesco.
Chris James, Ecology Officer at WHBC, said “This project, master-minded by the Wood Wardens, was a great way of bringing together lots of enthusiasm, energy, skills, planning and organisation to provide a solution to a problem. The utilisation of woodland produce from Sherrardspark Wood made complete sense and the willing and happy co-operation between volunteers and community groups to achieve a successful outcome added the icing to the cake.”