The Woodlands.co.uk Blog

What is the Forestry Commission and How Does It Affect Woodland Owners?

Angus — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:47:12 +0000

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.

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Rowanberry Jelly

catherine — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:26:39 +0000

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.

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Pea Sticks and Beanpoles

Tom — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:26:24 +0000

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.

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Woodlands TV

Angus — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:19:00 +0000

We have launched woodlandsTV.co.uk which aims to show the best films and video clips about UK woodlands. (more…)

Deer Management (Deer Control) in Woodlands

Jason — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:13:03 +0000

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.

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Some Simple Knots

Tom — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:57:15 +0000

Round turn and 2 half hitches

A simple knot�for tethering, or attaching a mooring line.

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Getting Help With Selling the Produce of a Small Woodland

Tracy — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:11:48 +0000

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.�

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The Wood Mouse

catherine — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:08:42 +0000

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.

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Woodlands and Water

Michael — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:14:40 +0000

Everyone knows the role of trees in alleviating carbon pollution, but less well known is their ability to clean water and control flooding.�

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How Do You Make Charcoal?

Angus — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:01:55 +0000

Many people with small woodlands are attracted by the idea of using their wood for charcoal making.� You can either allow a charcoal burner to use your woodland for a season or you can try making it yourself.�� Several people who have bought woodlands from us have successfully made their own charcoal and they have been selling it at woodfairs and other rural events.��

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