Green Woodwork refers to the practice of working with unseasoned wood. There is a long tradition of such working, which is often done outdoors in a woodland with freshly cut wood and without using power tools of any sort. It is therefore an ideal activity to do in your own or a friend’s woodland. Timber used is usually a by-product of woodland management. Coppiced timber in its green state is easier to cut, shape and turn than is seasoned wood. Read more...

This favourite of all small-talk topics merits attention after the hot April and subsequent very wet months of May, June and July. But I am not going to mention climate change as threatening, indeed potentially catastrophic, as this phenomenon is to all of us and our futures. The weather, particularly very wet weather, affects work in woods and their care and management for the small owner as much as for the large forest estate. Read more...

Our native tree species have adapted to their local climate, atmosphere and soil conditions over many years. They have long life cycles and may take many years to reach maturity and seed bearing age. This leads to an inherently slow genetic response to changing climatic conditions. Because of this vulnerability it is worth considering how woodlands could be better managed for the future impacts of climate change. Firstly, how will the climate change in our area? Predictions for the UK are for a generally milder climate. Summers are expected to be warmer and dryer with more frequent droughts, winters being milder and wetter with less frequent frosts. We need to consider how our woodlands might adapt to these conditions. Read more...

The woodlands blog sometimes suggests ‘things that you can do'’ that can help various national organisations build up a picture of how our wildlife, climate or ecosystems might be changing.   This week you might like to have a look at the buglife website. Read more...