The Woods TodayNews from the Woodland Trust

PLANTINGCAMPAIGNSRESTORATIONCONSERVATION PEOPLE

Summer 2014

Welcome to the summer issue of The Woods Today, the magazine that aims to bring you up to speed with everything that’s happening here at the Woodland Trust. We are a busy, thriving charity, so there’s plenty to get excited about.

Our biggest news is the unveiling of the four sites the Trust has earmarked for our new Centenary Woods, which will stand as a living memorial to the First World War. Millions of trees will be planted in the special woods, one each in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all with wildflower meadows, open glades and fields of remembrance for quiet reflection. Discover your nearest site and find out how you can help on page 8.

Over the last century the decline in the UK’s ancient woodland has been catastrophic. Today we know the priceless value of this rare habitat, yet would-be developers still chip away at what remains. With High Speed 2 looming and changes to planning law opening up loopholes, we say Enough is Enough. Add your voice to our campaign on page 10, and do your bit to halt the losses today.

One person rallying to the cause is our new chief executive Beccy Speight, who joins us after 14 years at the National Trust. Beccy is passionate, has big ideas and really knows her stuff, so we’re immensely excited to have her. Get to know Beccy on page 2 of our 2013 Annual Review, enclosed with this magazine.

Lastly, I’d like to thank you for everything you do to help the UK’s woods and trees. Our work to protect, restore and expand precious woodland would not be possible without your support.

Nicola Nicholls Chair of Trustees

Welcome

A wood to remember

Phot

o: iS

tock

/ Ne

kada

. cov

er im

age:

aNd

rew

wal

mSl

ey /

Natu

rePl

.com

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 3

Plant

Protect

Restore

Engage

Partner

Shop

Schools

Landowners

Communities

Lobbying

Protests

Petitions

MembershipLegacies

Volunteering

Raffle

Wildlife

Companies

Government

Trees

Gifts

Our estate

Tree disease

Citizen science

Ambassa ors

Dedications

Homeware

Nurture

d

s

Contents07 Planting Unveiling the four sites for the Trust’s landmark First World War woods. Plus: meet the arablefarmer who’s turned to cider!

10 CampaigningHow an army of 50,000

Trust supporters took our drive to safeguard ancient woods to Downing Street.

12 Restoration After 1,000 years of history, Old Wood was on the brink of extinction. Read how the Trusthas nursed it back to life.

18 PartnershipsWhen not peddling pottery, Emma Bridgewater is dreaming about trees. Meet the Trust’s newest supporter.

16 Conservation As summer blossoms, the woods are buzzing with wildlife. Here are some favourite species – and news about the Trust’s efforts to preserve them.

14 MembershipTrust member Roger Jefcoateis on a mission to recolonise his corner of England with one of our rarest native trees. That makes him extremely poplar with us...

20 Products and prizesA cornucopia of treats from the Woodland Trust shop – plus your chance to win a weekend break.

illu

Stra

tioN

: PaP

er r

hiNo

The Woods TodayPublished every summerand winter for our supporters and members, The Woods Today is the news digest of the Woodland Trust.

The Woodland TrustKempton Way, Grantham, Lincs NG31 6LL. Call 0800 026 9650; woodstoday@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 54 The Woods Today Summer 2014

Plant

“Planting trees is one of our main aims: our target is to double native woodland cover over the next 50 years.

“Our woodland creation work spans everything from our online shop, where people can buy a single sapling; through Community Tree Packs, supplied in their thousands every year; and on to MOREwoods, our scheme to help landowners plant new woods. Since 2008 MOREwoods has helped plant more than 1,300ha (3,212 acres) of trees. The Trust has its own big creation projects too, of course – just now it’s our First World War Centenary Woods (see overleaf).

“We are also working with the Environment Agency to promote more tree planting along rivers, which reduces flooding and improves the river habitat. Also new is our Trees in Hedgerows drive, which we’ll roll out across the UK this autumn. Farmers and landowners can apply for part-funding to plant new hedges linking woods – a great way to create wildlife corridors between woodland old and new.”

Emma Bird,Woodland Creation team leader

What’s new in...

Planting

Do your bit!Would you like to plant

trees with the Woodland Trust? To contact our MOREwoods team or apply for a Community Tree Pack, call 0845 293 5689 or visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees

Colours of Provence & Beaujolais7 nights full board from £1525Cruise the waterways of France between Lyon and Arles, visiting Mâcon, Vienne, Avignon, Viviers and the Camargue nature reserve. Enjoy the beauty of its cities, towns and villages, with included excursions and drinks on board.

Grand Tour of Namibia17 nights from £3395Experience Namibia’s dramatic scenery and varied wildlife, visiting Windhoek, the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, the dunes of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Palmwag, Etosha National Park and the Mount Etjo area. VJV Special Event.

Grand Hotel on Lake Como7 nights from £795Elegant Lake Como takes its dream-like beauty from flower-filled gardens and lakeside towns set against the backdrop of the southern Alps. Enjoy a week at the 4-star Grand Hotel Menaggio with optional visits to Milan, Bergamo and St. Moritz.

Phil

loc

kwoo

d

wtP

l / P

hil

form

by

AMBING DAYS, bread-making workshops, pig-keeping, pond-

dipping, even yoga. When it comes to farm diversification, David Rose has spread the seeds of change wide, turning his Nottinghamshire arable farm into a fully fledged ‘ecocentre’ with help from the Woodland Trust.

David’s principles are all about sustainable husbandry and community involvement, and planting trees is central to that. His latest wheeze is to stripe his wheat fields with rows of apple trees, in a bid to nourish the soil, encourage wildlife and harvest apples for cider-making. More than 500 trees were planted in a 7ha (17-acre) field last winter, along with elder, sweet chestnut

and walnut, and David says he can’t wait to see the benefits.

“It’s called alley cropping, and the trees are sown around with wildflowers in 3m strips, which should encourage bees and other bug-eating pollinators – we hope this might reduce the need for pesticides. We’ve bought a cider press so our ecocentre visitors can get involved with picking and juicing the crop. We’re even hoping the trees might improve the yield from our wheat.”

The planting has been made possible by the Trust’s Trees For Your Farm scheme, funded by the Accor Hotels group. Around £60,000 is being spent planting 14,500 trees at farms across the country, with cash for 15,000 more pledged for 2015.

The Trust’s Helen Chesshire explains, “About 70% of Britain is farmland, and we want to free up more of that for trees. The benefits to farmers are wide: trees can offer shelter and shade, offer wood fuel, and help to reduce water pollution and climate-proof the land against flooding and erosion.”

Other agroforestry projects in the works include a ‘tree fodder’ scheme in Shropshire, where dairy cows will graze from limes, hornbeams and sycamores.

The apple of his eyePioneering farmer David Rose is growing apples among his arable crops, as part of a new Woodland Trust scheme to encourage more trees on farms

To learn more about Trees For Your Farms, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/ farming. For events at David Rose’s farm, visit eco-centre.org.uk

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 7

L

Core business:David Rose says trees on farms work

Plant

woodlandtrust.org.uk/fwwglenshane

woodlandtrust.org.uk/fwwcymruTo donate to the Langley Vale project,

visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/fwwsurrey

Red squirrels and kingfishers sport beside the River Faughan

The site is on the edgeof suburban Edinburgh

Bluebells, bats and dormice would benefit at Ffos Las

wtP

l / r

ory

fraN

ciS

guth

rie

aeri

al P

hoto

graP

hyw

tPl / SimoN batem

aN

tracy dormaN PhotograPhy

xCITING plANS to create four major new woods to honour the heroes of the Great War are moving forward fast, as the Trust unveils the sites chosen

for the project – one in each country of the UK. Almost half a million trees will be planted in our Centenary Woods across more than 300 hectares (800 acres) of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, creating a vibrant living memorial for those who played a role 100 years ago, both at the front and at home. All four new woods are profiled here, and planting gets underway this autumn, with schools and armed service organisations mucking in.

“We can’t wait to get going,” says pip Borrill, the Trust’s project manager. “We’re still fundraising to buy the Welsh land, and we urgently need people’s help to support all four sites so that we can start planting this autumn.

“Sainsbury’s is pledging £1 million per year as lead sponsor, alongside the Royal British legion and the Cadets, and any time now we’ll be launching the Dedicate a Tree scheme, where people can donate £20, enabling us to dedicate a tree in a Centenary Wood of their choosing.”

Call 0845 293 5858 or visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/fww

The Trust unveils the sites of four new woods to mark the centenary of the First World War

A peaceful oasis

Glenshane, Co Derry“This will create a lasting memorial for the whole of Ireland,” says the Trust’s Patrick Cregg of the Glenshane Centenary Wood. “At least 40,000 Irish people died in the First World War, and we’ll plant a tree for each of them, plus poppy-rich wildflower meadows running down to the river.”

The wood will take root along the scenic banks of the Faughan, south of Londonderry, already a stronghold for red squirrels, otters and kingfishers. It will include a memorial arboretum with 40 larger trees, and create a 10-mile circuit of footpaths for people to explore. Says Patrick: “We’ll also be holding a competition with schools and uniformed organisations to design a sculpture to mark this as a Centenary Wood.”

Pentland, EdinburghScotland’s Centenary Wood is intimately linked with the armed forces: the 40ha (100-acre) site sits beside Edinburgh’s Dreghorn Barracks, and parts are used for military manoeuvres. Says site manager Alan Mitchell: “We’re on the doorstep of the city, and the site laps against the Pentland Hills. Trench systems were dug here to train troops sent to the First World War battlefields, so the connections run deep.”

The Trust will plant at least 50,000 trees, including an avenue of wild service trees which will burn red every autumn, well timed for Remembrance Day. “We plan planting days in November and March,” adds Alan. “We’d love everyone to get involved.”

Langley Vale, SurreyThe flagship site for the Centenary Woods project is tucked inside the M25 just south of Epsom, a surprisingly rich countryside of ancient woods and chalk grassland.

Simon Bateman, who is heading the Trust’s plans at Langley Vale, says the potential is vast: “We’ve got 58ha (144 acres) of existing ancient woods, all criss-crossed with open meadow like an old medieval landscape. We’re already seeing masses of bluebells, which is wonderful, and there is lots of potential for orchids and other chalk-loving species to regenerate – plus the rare butterflies that go with them.”

The Trust plans to plant 200,000 native saplings, including a 1km avenue of tall- growing trees, flecked with wildflowers, and a more manicured memorial to remember those who served in the First World War. Ultimately there will be miles of footpaths and bridleways to enjoy. “Everyone’s invited to join our guided walk here on June 28,” adds Simon, “then there will be public planting events this autumn.”

Ffos Las, CarmarthenA questionmark hangs over plans for the Welsh Centenary Wood, since funds have yet to be found to buy the site, beside the new Ffos Las racecourse near Llanelli.

“It’s the perfect setting, but we urgently need to raise £560,000,” explains the Trust’s Jerry Langford. “We hope supporters will chip in to help, including writing letters of support. It would be such a pity if Wales doesn’t have a wood to honour its war heroes.”

If successful, the project will transform a former colliery site, adding 90,000 native trees to link with the Trust’s existing Ffos Las Wood nearby, planted to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. “We hope to create flower-rich glades and ponds to encourage the native wildlife,” Jerry adds.

woodlandtrust.org.uk/fwwpentland

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 98 The Woods Today Summer 2014

E

Protect

“Campaigning is at the heart of what the Trust does, and just now we’re campaigning our hearts out because woodland is under threat on every front. Some pressures are high-profile, like HS2 and Gatwick Airport (see left). Others get less media interest, but are just as vital.

“For example, it’s three years since the Government dropped its controversial plans to sell off public woodland, but we still don’t know what its long-term future will be. There’s been no sign that the Government is going to deliver on its promise to create a body that would hold the Public Forest Estate in trust for the nation. And there is no reason to delay.

“Meanwhile we are fighting for individual woods all over the UK: we currently have 445 woods under threat on our books. Developers often claim that damage will be ‘offset’ by tree-planting elsewhere – which is a nonsense. Ancient woodland is hundreds of years old and cannot be replaced.

“Campaigning works best when the case is right, but also when we can show that people care. It’s about head and heart.”

Matina Loizou,Campaigns assistant

What’s new in...

Campaigning

You say... “I don’t want my children to grow up having the attitude that anything

can be destroyed because you can just build or grow a new one. I want them to value our ancient woods for what they are – ancient.”Sandy Walther, Newport

1879 2014

illu

Stra

tioN

: PaP

er r

hiNo

/ ©

laN

dmar

k iN

form

atio

N gr

ouP

ltd

aNd

crow

N co

Pyri

ght

2013

.

Make a standIf you are concerned

about a wood under threat, we can help. Email campaigning@woodlandtrust.org.uk, or visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/campaigning

wtP

l / P

hil

form

by

Ancient Woodland

xx km

Buildings and xxx

woodland is being let down by current protection measures which he believes to be adequate.

To qualify as ancient, a site must have been continuously wooded since at least the year 1600 (1750 in Scotland). Ancient woodland is among our most valuable ecosystems, but covers just 2% of the UK and is not fully protected by law. Right now 445 such woods are under threat from development, including some major infrastructure projects:

• phase 1 of the proposed High Speed 2 rail link will damage 27 ancient woods directly and a further 21 woods indirectly, ecological assessment by the Trust has found, while a further 23 that we argue are ancient would also be harmed.

The Second Reading of the HS2 Bill was passed in the Commons

in April, but unless plans change, some woods will be sacrificed to poor planning. For example, one HS2 tunnel will end in the middle of Mantle’s Wood in the Chilterns, destroying more than 6ha (15 acres) of woodland that would not suffer if it were extended by less than one kilometre.

• proposals for a second runway at Gatwick Airport would result in significant ancient woodland loss, the Trust has warned. The Airports Commission is probing whether the UK needs more air capacity, and the three possible options for a Gatwick extension would all destroy ancient woods – the most harmful would see 7.7ha (19 acres) lost, including Rowley Wood, south of the airport. The consultation has seen more than 4,000 objectors raise concerns about the ancient woodland on

site, and the Commission is due to make its decision in 2015.

“Our ancient woods are rightly called nature’s cathedrals,” says Kaye Brennan, a senior campaigner with the Trust, “but they are not properly protected. At our meeting the Secretary of State was given eight ‘asks’ that are mostly no, or low, cost.

“They include completing and extending the existing Ancient Woodland Inventory; closing a planning loophole that allows the development of ancient woodland sites; declaring more woods as protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest; and excluding ancient woodland from biodiversity offsetting schemes.

It’s not too late to support our Enough is Enough campaign: visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/actnow

EARS FOR the future of much-loved ancient woods are being heard

where it matters most – in 10 Downing Street. Thousands of Woodland Trust supporters have added their voice to our ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign, which is pressing the prime Minister to give ancient woodland the protection it deserves.

A sample of your messages is included on these pages, and the outcry led to the Trust meeting the Environment Secretary Owen paterson in May. We left the Minister in no doubt that ancient

More than 50,000 Trust supporters urge David Cameron to safeguard UK’s ancient woodland before it’s too late

PM is told: save our woods!

How our woods disappeared These maps graphically illustrate how the UK’s ancient woodland has been decimated during the 20th century. Since 1879, almost all of the irreplaceable woodland in this 9km2 area of the Sussex Weald at Haywards Heath has been razed for development. Austin Brady, the Trust’s Director of Conservation, says: “In this area it’s not just the loss of ancient woods that’s so devastating, it’s the loss of the heathland areas in between, which once linked up the landscape for wildlife.”

You say... “How can it be that buildings with listed status seem to be offered

greater protection? As our local lungs, these woods should have at least equal status. ”Mike Waller, Luton

You say... “Politicians have got to understand they can’t keep concreting over

our precious countryside.”Roland Jenner, Stockport

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 1110 The Woods Today Summer 2014

F

“This is a hugely exciting time for us in woodland restoration. Almost half of Britain’s ancient woods are buried beneath planted conifers, and it’s 10 years since research showed that gradually thinning them, rather than clear-felling, is the best way to regenerate the native broadleaf habitat. The Trust is now working to restore more than 150 of the woods in our own estate. Recently we’ve acquired Fingle Woods, a vast and beautiful site on Dartmoor, where we’re now busily assessing the remnant species of native flora and fauna, so that restoration can begin.

“The big news this summer, though, is the roll-out of our £2.9 million scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to recruit private landowners who are keen to convert their conifer woods to broadleaf. Over the next four years we hope to get 1,200 landowners and 23,000ha (57,000 acres) of woods signed up, in 10 target regions from Exmoor to the Cairngorms. It’s our best chance to extend the spread of our precious ancient woodland.”

Louise Hackett,Woodland Restoration team

What’s new in...

Restoration

Restore

Can you help?If you own conifer

woodland that might be ripe for restoration, or would simply like to find out more, contact the team via woodlandtrust.org.uk/restoration

Wood avens

Yellowarchangel

Trailblazer: the Trust’swork at Old Wood is now

a model for woodland restoration nationwide

Greaterstitchwort

Woodspeedwell

Phot

ogra

Phy:

rac

hel

lee

wtP

l / P

hil

form

by

T HAS SURVIVED attacks by medieval knights, Georgian shipbuilders, paintball warriors

and even a First World War Zeppelin. But despite the ravages of 1,000 years of history, Old Wood is fighting back to health thanks to the Woodland Trust.

The sprawling wood, five miles west of lincoln, dates back at least as far as the Domesday Book (see below), when it was listed as a deer park with a boundary 3.5 leagues long – that’s about 6 miles. And over the ensuing centuries, as most of England’s precious native woodland was stripped away for farming and timber, Old Wood’s venerable mix of oak, ash, lime and maple clung on against all odds – only to be felled after World War II and replanted with commercial conifers. Once a stronghold for nightingales, it soon became a sterile place, devoid of wildlife.

Then, 16 years ago, came a new lease of life: the wood was bought by the Trust with a view to clearing the shady Scots pines and Douglas firs and reviving the broadleaf habitat. The work has been a huge success – and an inspiration for the Trust’s nationwide efforts to restore ancient woods and the rich community of wildflowers, butterflies, birds and

mammals that depends upon them.“It’s so heartening to see,” says peter

lowe, our original site manager at Old Wood. “Take a walk through the wood today, and it is full of colour and beauty again. In summer you’ll see orchids, wild strawberries and white admiral butterflies. There are badgers, deer, and you’ll often hear the hoot of an owl at nightfall.”

The 93ha (230-acre) wood, near the village of Skellingthorpe, is much loved by walkers, cyclists and horseriders. Its rejuvenation is a model for how historic woods can be come back from the brink.

As peter explains: “Ancient woodland is our most biodiverse land habitat, supporting 232 rare and vulnerable species, but only 2% survives, and well over a third of that has been displaced with conifer plantations. But we know the soil still holds the seeds and spores of the original native species, and our experience at Old Wood proves that by gradually thinning the conifers, the broadleaf wood reawakens – remarkably swiftly, too.

“It’s a strategy we’re now repeating at more than 150 of our own woods, and from this year we’ll be recruiting private landowners too (see right). It’s an exciting new dawn for the UK’s ancient woodland.”

The wood that wouldn’t die

One wood, one thousand years of historyFirst recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086, Old Wood is also mentioned in 14th-century court rolls, which tell how “six knights from Retford” broke down its fences to hunt deer.

In the Civil War it was seized by Parliamentarians, and a century later it was

bought by Christ’s Hospital, which surveyed its timber for potential shipbuilding.

Still the wood survived – only for more than half to be felled to create ‘homes for heroes’ for the veterans of the First World War. That conflict also saw the wood scarred by a Zeppelin

bomb crater following a botched German raid.

In the 1950s the Forestry Commission sprayed the wood with herbicides to clear the broadleaf trees. Later it was used for paintballing, before the Trust took over in 1998 with a vision to restore it.

After 1,000 years of abuse and pillage, Lincolnshire’s Old Wood is bursting with life again – and a shining example of how ancient woodland can be restored

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 1312 The Woods Today Summer 2014

I

“Every single Trust supporter makes a lasting difference to the future of UK woodland – we wouldn’t exist without you and nor would many of the woods we own. All of our 1,200 woods are free to enjoy, so it’s only through supporters’ generosity that we’re able to care for them.

“We currently have 225,000 members, which is 5% up on a year ago. By joining you support us with crucial funds, but it’s about much more than that. When we’re talking on behalf of 225,000 people, those who can influence the future of our native woodland sit up and listen.

“None of our projects would be possible without volunteers. We have about 2,000 people doing everything from media work to woodland creation, and last year 188,000 people helped us by planting trees and recording data. Many volunteers find it opens the door to a lifetime involvement in conservation.

“Or why not join our thrice-yearly raffle? In 2013 we raised about £900,000 and it enabled us to plant nearly 360,000 trees. For a raffle pack, please call 0800 296 9650.”

Phil Shipway, Membership manager

What’s new in...

Membership

Engage

Legacies pay for a quarter of everything the Trust does, and 78p in every pound is spent directly on conserving woods and trees. It’s easy to set up, too. You can fill in a (non-binding) form at woodlandtrust.org.uk/donate/gift-in-will

derek PelliNg

Join us!Find out how to join

the Woodland Trust at woodlandtrust.org.uk/donate/become-a-member. For more details on volunteering, visitwoodlandtrust.org.uk/volunteer

wtP

l / P

hil

form

by

HE lAST TIME Roger Jefcoate was planting a tree with princess Anne,

the earth was so hard he had to use a crowbar. “I think that hole wasn’t deep enough, Roger,” remarked the princess Royal.

Roger has planted trees at Gatcombe park with prince Charles and at Sandringham with the Queen, but you’re much more likely to find him working under cover. He roams the countryside looking for places

that would suit a black poplar tree. He doesn’t ask permission, he just goes ahead and plants.

As a scientist and engineer, Roger developed possum, the first remote control to help disabled people with their mobility. His life as a phantom tree planter began later – about 30 years ago, when he and wife Jean were listening to radio in their Buckinghamshire kitchen, and heard conservation expert Edgar Milne-Redhead talking about black poplar trees.

“I wonder if that’s one we can see on the skyline?” said Jean. It was.

The couple wrote to Edgar. “He was quite excited,” says Roger. “He said: ‘Yours is the only black poplar on record in your 10km square of England.’ So we went out and found several more.”

The couple had uncovered an unknown stronghold for a species that was once common in Britain, but had declined to a total of just 1,000 trees. Edgar gave Roger the idea of phantom planting.

He told him: “Never mind purity, get them in the ground – get out there and do it!”

“I’m an enthusiastic amateur,” Roger adds. “If I see a hedge gap which is asking to be filled, I fill it. I’ve got a special stainless steel gadget I use for planting. It’s nice driving around and thinking ‘Yes, I planted that one!’ There’s a black poplar in the middle of a roundabout in Milton Keynes and whenever we pass it I say to Jean: “That’s your tree, my love.”

Roger and Jean have also left money to the Woodland Trust in their wills. “It’s hugely valuable. We haven’t got kids and we don’t want the Chancellor to get every penny. In a sense, our children are these wonderful trees.”

Roger Jefcoate has spent 30 years secretly planting

his favourite black poplars on verges, hills and roundabouts.

Permission? Who needs it...

The phantom tree planter

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 1514 The Woods Today Summer 2014

T

Poplar front:Roger Jefcoateis on a one-mancrusade to revivehis favourite tree

“The great thing about woods is their mosaic of habitats – trees, heath, meadows and more. Also the diversity of layers, from ground layer through shrubs to the canopy top. Some species need more light, others the darker woodland core. It’s vital to manage to support diversity, and that is the Trust’s aim.

“Our main conservation goal is to build resilient landscapes that can survive future change. As well as protecting, restoring and expanding woodland, we’re interested in trees outside woods: in pasture and parkland, in hedges and on farms, and as ways to connect nature through the landscape.

“We’re using the Ancient Tree Inventory to identify hotspots for ancient trees and explore ways to ensure their continuity, including recruiting future ancients to support the special wildlife that inhabits them. And in the Lake District we’re working on a landscape scale to encourage more trees and scrub in the uplands.”

Kay Haw, Conservation team

What’s new in...

Conservation

NurtureNh

Pa/P

hoto

Shot

Phot

oSho

t

laureNt geSliN / NaturePl.com

chriS gomerSall / 2020viSioN / NaturePl.com

Muck in The Trust is always

seeking volunteers to help record seasonal wildlife – it helps us understand the effects of climate change on nature. You can do it on walks or even in your garden: search for ‘Nature’s Calendar’ at woodlandtrust.org.uk

robe

rt t

hom

PSoN

/ Na

ture

Pl.c

omSim

oN colmer

PhotoShot

wtP

l / P

hil

form

by

Red squirrels Squirrel mums can have two litters of young each year. Kittens born early this year are now weaned and exploring their woodland world. At Backmuir Wood, near Dundee, the Trust helps reds through the tough winter by supplemental feeding with nuts and sunflower hearts.

Marsh orchidsThese grow along sunlit woodland paths: you can’t miss their vivid pink flower spikes in June and July. At Dyffryn Woods, near Neath, we sensitively mow the verges to help orchids compete for space and light.

Newts Newts mostly leave their breeding ponds in late spring, but some stay put. Prime time to see them is at dusk: take a torch and scan submerged plants. At Hackfall, near Masham in North Yorkshire, the Trust helps by regularly clearing their pond to create open water.

Silver-washed fritillaries These are among many woodland butterflies on the wing in the summer months. Look out for a large butterfly with a gliding and swooping flight. At Bovey Valley Woods, in Devon, the Trust is restoring the ancient woodland to create more light in the understorey, which they need. Work is also ongoing to spread common dog violet, which is eaten by fritillary caterpillars.

Holly blue butterflies Holly blues are little jewels, with silver-blue wings that dazzle in the sun. Adults emerge in early spring, before the other blue butterflies. At Glasswater Wood, in Crossgar, County Down, the Trust is adding holly trees to the species mix to encourage their caterpillars. In spring they eat the holly’s flower buds and leaves, moving on to ivy in late summer.

Emperor dragonflies These are giants of the insect world, growing up to 8cm long. Constantly patrolling the waterside, emperors will even eat their prey in flight. Both sexes have a green upper body, but males have a sky-blue tail; in females they are blue-green. At Cow Hollow Wood, in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, the Trust has made the banks of a drain shallower to encourage reeds, which dragonflies and damselflies love.

Summertime specialFrom basking butterflies to skittering squirrels, there is wildlife aplenty to look for in the woods this summer. Here are some of the star species – and the vital work the Trust is doing to conserve them

NightingalesThese are small and easy to overlook, as they tend to stick to dense undergrowth. But once heard their voice is never forgotten.Brede High Woods, in East Sussex, is managed to create the young coppice woodland that nightingales prefer.

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 1716 The Woods Today Summer 2014

“The Trust’s partnership work is mutually beneficial. We help our partners to meet their green and corporate responsibility goals, while they play a critical role in our work, both through valuable funding and influencing staff, suppliers and customers to get involved.

“Before we work with any new partner, we research to see if they have ever been directly involved with damaging ancient woods. More than 30 companies are partners of the Woodland Trust, while many others support our work by subscribing as corporate members. Plus our Woodland Carbon scheme helps firms like Waitrose limit the effect of their carbon emissions by planting new native woodland.

“Sainsbury’s is our biggest partner. Since launching their Woodland Eggs in 2004, they have raised over £3.5 million to fund more than two million new trees, including the planting of Sainsbury’s Wood, part of our Jubilee Woods project.”

Rob Croxall, Partnerships manager

What’s new in...

Partnerships

Partner

Woodland Trust mugs cost £19.95 from emmabridgewater.co.ukka

te h

obho

uSe

high

laNd

SPr

iNg

Lend a hand Do you know a company

or organisation that might like to join forces with the Trust? Call us on 01476 581112, email corporatepartnerships@woodlandtrust.org.uk, or visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/our-story/who-we-work-with

wtP

l / P

hil

form

by

OTTERY QUEEN Emma Bridgewater’s striking new mug has a story to tell. Emblazoned with colourful leaves, its sales

will help support the Woodland Trust, after Emma was introduced to us by her old friend Will Hobhouse, executive chairman of Heal’s department store.

As well as their careers in British retail, the pair share a love of British woods. Emma is often found planting willows with husband Matthew Rice in their Oxfordshire garden; while Will and his family love working in the bluebell wood attached to their home. “Two of my four boys have chainsaw licenses,” says Will, “and I am the world champion of bonfires. We are absolutely passionate about the outdoors.”

Emma has similar sentiments, and is busy planting at the house that she and Matthew bought three years ago. “This is a wonderful, magic place, but it’s got spectacularly few trees,” she says. “I’m so keen that I’ll wake up in the morning passionately wishing 10 years of tree growth had happened overnight!”

Emma met Will when he was CEO of Whittard, the tea company. He has been a long-time ambassador for the Trust, and it’s quite a time commitment – especially now he’s running Heals, where he’s introduced an emphasis on British makers working with sustainable British hardwood.

“The community of woody people is fantastic,” he smiles. “They go from sort of bonkers full-blown enthusiasts for things like beetles, right through to people who just like trees and bluebells. It’s a joy, and the Woodland Trust is right in the middle of that

community. I think if somebody is very passionate about their work and also has another passion, there’s a much better balance in their thinking.”

Emma’s love of the countryside stems from her late mother, Charlotte: “My mother was the kind of person who loved to marshal the troops for bluebell walks and picnics. When Will suggested we partner with the Trust, Matthew and I immediately said that yes, if there was anything constructive we could do, then of course we would do it.”

Matthew drew the design for the Emma Bridgewater Woodland Trust mug, featuring the leaves of six native British trees: field maple, ash, hawthorn, elm, birch and oak. It went on sale in March, and a donation of £2 from each one sold goes to the Trust. “I love the Woodland Trust,” Emma says. “All my life I’ve been given the gift of a real identification with the landscape, and woods are a vital part of that.”

Support for the Trust comes from many surprising corners – and sometimes it is forged from personal friendships between folk who love British woods

The water of life

With a little help from our friends“We wanted to choose a charity partner that resonated with our values, and the WoodlandTrust felt like a natural fit.” So says Les Montgomery, chief executive of Highland Spring, the UK’s leading bottled water brand. The link grew from a chat between Carol Evans, the Trust’s director in Scotland, and Sally Stanley, Highland Spring’s group strategic director.

A Trust team went to meet Highland Spring at the company’s HQ, which is on a 810ha (2,000-acre) organic estate near Blackford in Perthshire. Carol says, “As they drove us around we were saying, ‘We could plant trees here! We could plant trees there!’ And they started picking up on that enthusiasm too.”

Since then the company has worked with the Trust on several initiatives, and last August Carol joined Les Montgomery to plant 405 trees on the Blackford estate – one for every Highland Spring employee. “It is really gratifying to think we’ve created a new area of woodland that can be enjoyed by future generations,” adds Les.

Below: Carol Evans and Les Montgomery lay the roots of a new Trust partnership

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 1918 The Woods Today Summer 2014

P

King of bonfires: Will Hobhouse

Fired up: Emma Bridgewater is wild about woods

ShopPh

oto:

Nei

l he

Pwor

th /

PaPe

r rh

iNo

Fruits of natureProlong spring with our bluebell-fragranced range of toiletries, including this hand wash 1 £8, or opt for rose and honeysuckle in this luxury wicker gift basket 2 £24.

Bug friendlyOur range of bee, bug, butterfly and moth houses will transform your garden into a wildlife haven 3 £29.99. There’s even a ‘hogitat’ to give hedgehogs a safe retreat.

Cup of cheerOur new rural landscape mugs, placemats and coasters were designed and made in the UK. This bone china mug depicts Armley in Leeds 4 £13.50.

Pewter goodnessThis lovely lead-free pewter tableware is crafted by hand and inspired by nature. Look out for napkin rings, salad servers and this nifty oak-leaf jam spoon 5 £25.

Watch the birdyThis quirky homeware collection features a wagtail, a blue tit, a robin and a thrush, and there are plenty of pretty items to choose from. We especially love the dinky four-bird espresso set, a gift-boxed set of four 6 £20. There’s also a set of four egg cups 7 £14.99; two dinner plates 8 £24.99; and two tea towels 9 £11.99. To order, just call 0845 293 5840 or visit woodlandtrustshop.com

Trust treatsFeast your eyes on this gorgeous summer selection from the Trust shop. Every purchase you make helps us create and protect precious woodland

Summer 2014 The Woods Today 2120 The Woods Today Summer 2014

8

5

9

7

4

1

3

2

6

Kevin – benenden health memberRead Kevin’s story at benenden.co.uk/woods

They helped me get a quick cancer diagnosis

No long waits, no medical exclusionsWhenever you need health advice, quick diagnosis or treatment, you shouldn’t have to wait or pay a high premium – whatever your age or medical history.

No contract, no excess to paySimply join around 900,000 individuals who pay £8.19 a month into the benenden health membership pot to help you when you need it most... and others when you don’t. It’s all together a better way.

Join the UK’s most trusted healthcare provider for a wide range of discretionary health services:

24/7 GP advice line

Quick diagnosis and treatment

Health advice, counselling and physiotherapy

No upper age limits – everyone pays the same

Add family and friends for just £8.19 a month each

£15 worth of M&S vouchers when you join PLUS a £10 voucher for every person you add†

0800 414 8266*

quoting: WOODS or visit www.benenden.co.uk/WOODS

Call free on

†O� er ends 31st July 2014 (M&S vouchers). Terms and conditions apply, for details please visit www.benenden.co.uk/woods or telephone us on 0800 414 8266. *Calls to 0800 numbers are free from BT landlines however charges may apply from other providers and mobile phones. Calls may be recorded for our mutual security and training purposes. Lines are open 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited is an incorporated friendly society, registered under the Friendly Societies Act 1992, registered number 480F. The Society’s contractual business (the provision of tuberculosis benefi t) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The remainder of the Society’s business is undertaken on a discretionary basis. The Society is subject to Prudential Regulation Authority requirements for prudential management. AD/WOODS/BEN007/6.14

The-Woods-Press-Ad-AW_v3.indd 1 15/05/2014 15:53

WinFANCY WINNING a relaxing hotel getaway? DoubleTree by Hilton (doubletree.com) has worked in partnership with the Trust for six years, funding the planting of tens of thousands of new native trees and helping children to connect with nature through a series of woodland discovery days. They have 22 hotels across the UK, including DoubleTree by Hilton Dundee (pictured).

They are offering one lucky Woods Today reader the chance to win a long weekend of relaxation and fun. The prize is a three-night stay for two at a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the UK of your choice. For a chance to win, answer the following question – entry details are at the foot of the page. What is a wood leopard?a) Moth b) Mushroom c) Mouse

A weekend escape

Ethical breakfast wizards Dorset Cereals (dorsetcereals.co.uk) have helped the Trust plant 16,800 trees over the last four years across the UK. They are an environmentally friendly bunch, and their cereals are scrumptious too. Find out for yourself by winning a selection of cereals and a bumper recipe book filled with imaginative ways to enjoy the most important meal of the day. For a chance to win, simply answer the following question:

What percentage of the UK is ancient woodland? a) 2 per cent b) 4 per cent c) 7 per cent

How to enter Email woodstoday@woodlandtrust.org.uk or enter

by phone on 0800 026 9560. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details. You can enter both competitions on this page in a single call or email. Full terms and

conditions are at woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodstoday. Closing date: July 31 2014.

A morning makeover The Woods TodayEditor: Elisabeth GartonConsultant editor: Vincent CrumpDesigner: Amanda RigbyWriters: Sally Pepper, Julian Rollins Production: Malcolm HolmesCopyright © 2014 The Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (number 294344) and in Scotland (number SC038885). The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark. All maps are based on Ordnance Survey digital data with the permission of HMSO © Crown copyright AL100017626. Printed by Eclipse Colour Print Limited.

22 The Woods Today Summer 2014