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Simple steps

Simple steps

by Dan, 9 December, 2010, 1 comments

The construction of steps in your woodland can be a quick and simple task which will help you to access areas that are otherwise awkward to get to. Although you may be able to scramble up and down banks in the summer during the winter the same bank may become very slippery and impassable.  Steps can help you get to more remote areas of your wood year round enabling you to take in a good view, look into a beautiful pool or harvest some timber. Read more...
Making Sweet Chestnut Flour

Making Sweet Chestnut Flour

by Andy Noble, 8 December, 2010, 5 comments

The Sweet Chestnut is not a native tree to Britain.  It is thought that the tree originated in Greece but and was planted in the Britain by the Roman, who planted the tree all across their conquered empire.   This is presumably for the use of the nuts that grow on the tree.  The nuts have formed an important food source for centuries where crops couldn’t be grown, and just like wheat the nuts can be ground into flour. Read more...
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) - a good visit for woody people

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) – a good visit for woody people

by Angus, 5 December, 2010, 0 comments

Although it's in Machynlleth, in West Wales, the Centre for Alternative Technology is an interesting visit for anyone concerned about the environment, woodlands and wildlife.  Established in the site of a disused slate quarry, CAT was set up way back in 1974 and it aims to demonstrate how what was very much "alternative technology" in the 1970s can be used in practice and can be implemented by individuals.  Within the centre there are plenty of hazel coppice hurdles (used as screens and fences), there is an office for advice on building sustainable structures, and have a permanent green woodworking demonstration area. Read more...
wooden animals talking

Making wooden animals in your woodland

by Angus, 28 November, 2010, 2 comments

Making wooden animals can be a great project for children and even adults and can be done individually or in a group and you don't need specialised tools.  However you will need some equipment.  To make animals like these shown you will need: Read more...
A weekend at the woodland skills centre

A weekend at the woodland skills centre

by Jenny and John, 12 November, 2010, 2 comments

Our weekend at the woodland skills centre was an immensely satisfying experience. We attended the green woodworking course, spending 2 days making a three legged stool, learning in a process a number of techniques. We began with the raw material, having to split ash logs with a froe, before roughly shaping them with an axe.    Read more...
Why and how should you prune your woodland trees?

Why and how should you prune your woodland trees?

by Angus, 3 November, 2010, 2 comments

There are several good reasons for pruning trees in your woodland.  Here are some: - to clear tracks and paths - to improve the shape of the trees for timber purposes - for safety - to improve appearance Read more...
How do you remove stumps from a woodland path or track?

How do you remove stumps from a woodland path or track?

by Angus, 23 October, 2010, 8 comments

If you have cleared a new track, there are often stumps that you want to remove.  In many situations these can be left to rot away but the process takes many years and if it is a heavily used path these represent a trip hazard and need grinding down.  There are some good commercial services offering stump grinding contracting such as Stuart Gray's (stumpbusters-thamesvalley.co.uk) which will work out reasonably - particularly if you have a full day's work for him.  Other solutions involve hiring a stump grinder or buying one. Read more...
Wildlife Photography and Field craft

Wildlife Photography and Field craft

by Susan Young, 21 October, 2010, 0 comments

Woods can be wildlife havens, especially if there are streams, ponds and wildflower areas, and taking photographs can add even more enjoyment to owning woodland.  Photography has become very popular with the advent of digital cameras and camera phones.  Taking good photographs is more difficult to achieve, and taking good photographs of wildlife is more difficult still.  The problem with wildlife is that it does not usually keep still! Read more...

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