The Woodlands.co.uk Blog
What is the Forestry Commission and How Does It Affect Woodland Owners?
The Forestry Commission is a government department whose main functions are to manage most of the forestry land owned by the government and to regulate the UK’s privately owned forests and woodlands. It also has a significant research branch headquartered at Alice Holt on the Surrey/Hampshire border. The Commission was set up in 1919 after the First World War with the twin aims of developing a reliable source of timber and creating employment in the forestry sector.
Rowanberry Jelly
The hardy rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) is found all over the northern hemisphere. It can grow at elevations of up to 1,000 feet, hence its other name, the mountain ash. Found throughout the UK, it is most common in Scotland. Its berries are very popular with birds and it’s quite common to see rowan saplings growing in inaccessible, rocky crevices where bird droppings have fallen.
Pea Sticks and Beanpoles
A by-product of coppicing and thinning, pea sticks and bean poles are an alternative to imported, bamboo canes in the garden or vegetable plot.
Woodlands TV
We have launched woodlandsTV.co.uk which aims to show the best films and video clips about UK woodlands. Read more…
Deer Management (Deer Control) in Woodlands
Man has created the necessity for deer management by eradicating the natural predators of deer - the wolf, bear and lynx. Escapees from deer parks introduced several non-indigenous varieties into the wild. During the two World Wars, when manpower was limited, deer parks were left in disrepair and escapee deer spread. With the formation of the Forestry Commission, land owners were encouraged to plant trees. The aim was to create a national reserve of timber against future conflicts, but also created an ideal habitat for deer. Improvement in farming practices provided more food.
Some Simple Knots
Round turn and 2 half hitches
A simple knot for tethering, or attaching a mooring line.
Getting Help With Selling the Produce of a Small Woodland
As a small woodland owner you will inevitably produce a certain amount of timber, even if this is not your main aim for the woodland. But one of the problems facing a small woodland owner is that the amount of produce created is relatively little and therefore sometimes tricky to sell.
The Wood Mouse
The wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) is the UK’s most common wild rodent. It lives in woodland, but also fields (it’s also known as the long-tailed field mouse), hedgerows and pretty much anywhere that has cover, is not too exposed (they are not found on uplands as a rule) or too wet.