woodland trust - winter 2005 - volunteer newsletter edition 2

8/14/2019 Woodland Trust - Winter 2005 - Volunteer newsletter edition 2

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VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER

Its a campaign that had to hit the

ground running.

The Woodland Trust heard about the sale of

part of Wentwood Forest in Wales in May

this year. It became an immediate priority to

stop it falling into the hands of owners who

may continue to replant it with conifers. The

Trust had to mobilise a team and redirect

resources as soon as possible. Why? It could

be the last chance to protect this ancient

wood and restore it to its former beauty.

Wentwood Forest is home to the largest

surviving ancient woodland in Wales and is

described as a national treasure. Once a

royal hunting forest, at one point it spread

from the River Usk to the Wye Valley and is

mentioned in documents dating back to

medieval times.

Now made up of conifer plantations and

occasional patches of broadleaf trees, an area

of 352 hectares came onto the open market

to be sold to the highest bidder. The

Woodland Trust needed to raise a large

amount of money very quickly as a deadlineof mid-July had been set for bids to be

submitted. The Woodland Trust set a goal of

1.5 million for the acquisition and initial

restoration of the Forest. The public,

charitable trusts and corporate partners

were all invited to contribute urgently.

But, its the public appeal thats key to releasing

these other funds.One local man who decided

to help with the campaign was Mike Singleton

from Caerleon, whos walked the woods with

his family for the last 20 years. When he heard

about the appeal, Mike contacted the Trust and

was put in touch with another member of his

village, Tim Gwynder-Lewis.Together they put

up posters in local pubs and kennels (as lots

of people must walk their dogs in the forest)

raising awareness and asking for donations.

Mike is passionate about the campaign to

save Wentwood Forest as, Its a wonderful

Winter 2005

www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved

Beating the clock

News pages 2 & 16

Awards aplenty,win a

bottle

Phenology page 3

Talking to the press

Speakers bulletin page 4

The best speakers tales

Community Woodland

Network page 5

Join the debate

In the woods page 6

Dragonflies return

Over to you page 8

questionnaire results

Out of the woods page 10

Get sponsored the easy way

In business page 12

Ancient trees page 13

Volunteer

opportunities page 14

Frequently asked

questions page 15

Getting in touch page 16

continued on page 12

WTPL/Steven Kind

Voluntary contributor

Paula Thornton

explains how Wentwood

Forest was rescued in the

nick of time and howvolunteers played their

part in saving it.

INSIDE

Mike is passionate about the

campaign to save Wentwood


2/16

We hoped the first issue would be a success

but we have been overwhelmed by the positive

response. Over 100 people replied to the

questionnaire and weve summarised what was

said and answered some of the questions raised

in an article on page 8.

We are also really pleased that so many

volunteers have been able to contribute to this

issue, not just in co-operating with interviews

but also in writing, illustrating andproofreading. Plans are afoot to involve even

more people with the next issue and we hope

that many will be inspired to get in touch and

contribute, evolving this into a newsletter both

for volunteers and by volunteers.

If you are enjoying finding out more about what

fellow volunteers are doing, dont forget that

there are many ways you can share information

with others.You can submit an article*, raise a

question for the FAQ section of this newsletter,

and Community Woodland Network,Ancient

Tree Forum and phenology volunteers can use

the online forums.

Issue three will be out in the spring. If you

would like to contribute, please get in touch by

the end of this year.We look forward to

hearing from you.

The Volunteer Team

PS.Thank you for your continued support. It is

invaluable.

* We really welcome your contributions and will always try to

publish all your articles but space restrictions mean that we

cant guarantee it. If youd like to check that we can include

your article before you write it,please get in touch with

Sallyanne, the editor. See page 15 for contact details.

2 email: [email protected] .uk tel: 01476 581111

NEWS

Volunteer of the Year

Award winnersAll Woodland Trust volunteers do a brilliant job. Everyyear the Trust has the difficult but important task of

choosing which volunteers to recognise through our special awards. Well

done to the following who are 2005s winners, many of whom have been

featured in the first two issues of the Volunteer Newsletter.

Win a bottleShare with us any favourable comments youve received from the

public about the Trusts woods and its work, or stories behind

woodland dedications and legacies, and you could be a

winner. The quotes will be used in our literature to

encourage others to support us. The best one will receive

a bottle of Woodland Trust wine. Write to Stella Williams

in our Grantham office (see back cover) or email

[email protected]

Hello again

From left to right: Karen Lifford, Carl Hughes,

Julie Reynolds and Merle Dekanski

The Woodlanders South East

England regional winners

Pepper Wood Community Group

for the Midlands region

Elaine Gathercole Northern

England region

Bryn Jacob Wales

Stephen Bennet Scotland

Robert John Cousins Northern

Ireland

Hema Gopalakrishnan

* Central office

Peter Eyles South West England

regional winner

Malcolm Caporn * Central office

Andrew Bonehill Voluntary

speaker

Peter Bloxham Project volunteer

Lesley Nickell Corporate

volunteer

Gary Mead Phenology volunteer

Pete & Liz Holmes Photographers

Victory Wood Volunteer Group

Fundraising

When you receive the newsletter, the new tree planting season will be just

beginning. Tree For All events are happening all over the country. To find out

whats going on near you, go towww.treeforall.org.uk/GetDigging

or call 01476 581155. Come along and bring friends and family too if you can.

Volunteers will be needed to help at some events. Well be contacting some

local volunteers about this soon.

Can you dig it?

Joint overall winners of the

Kenneth Watkins Memorial Medal

* Joint award


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VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 3

PHENOLOGYThe Woodland Trust runs the UK Phenology Network with the Centre for Ecology

and Hydrology. It gathers crucial information about how climate change isaffecting UK wildlife, with the help of over 21,000 recorders.

To become a phenology volunteer, visit www.phenology.org.ukor call 0800 026 9650.

Anyone can register as a recorder for the UKPhenology Network, and its completely free.There

are two recording seasons, spring and autumn.You

dont have to record each event during

every season. It is up to you how much

information you contribute.

Recording means looking out for

natural, seasonal events and writing

down the dates as you observe them.

We provide you with a list of things

to record. Theres no need to be a

wildlife expert.

We give clear

information on

identifying species

and recognising the

seasonal changes.

We will keep in

touch with you via post and email, sharing the latest findings.

You can opt out of these mailings at any time. Most of our

recorders have found the experience fascinating. To register,

contact us via the website or number above.

Watch out

o n t h e r e c o r d

Name: Miranda Hodgson

Age: 43

Location: Broughton, Brigg,North Lincolnshire

Occupation: part-time Royal Horticultural Society

student, part-time web-designer/constructor. Starting a

gardening business soon (www.wildchicken.com)

Interviewed for: BBC World

The experience: It was quite strange but excellentfun.There was just the cameraman present, who doubled

as an interviewer, and we spent about four hours walking

about the local woods on a brilliantly sunny spring day. It

was perfect. Every new leaf seemed to glow with light

and colour and the whole place looked absolutely

marvellous. I would point out something of interest

new beech leaves or bluebells and he would then film

me talking about it. Sometimes the light was wrong, or Id

fumble my words, and we had to do it again but that was

okay. The cameraman was very calming and patient, and

obviously knew what he was doing.

Name: Glenda George

Age: 53

Location: Craigellachie, Banffshire

Occupation: writer, adult education tutor

Interviewed for: The Aberdeen Press and Journal

The experience: Overall it was a positive

experience and the resultant article was pretty good.

It was nerve-racking because I felt I was not justrepresenting myself. I was trying to put across messages

about UKPN. But the journalist wanted to talk about

global warming.

My advice would be to try and get an idea of what

angle the media person is going to take beforehand.

Have a list ready of the points you want to make and

be a bit like the politicians. . . make sure you make those

points even if there is no directly relevant question! If

the interviewer will allow you to answer questions by

email, jump at the opportunity the facts will be there

in black and white.

Miranda Hodgson and Glenda George share their experiencesof talking to the press for the UK Phenology Network.

The UK Phenology Network receives many requests for interviews. If you would liketo become a voluntary media spokesperson, contact the volunteers team.

Recording Form Autumn 2005

Name:Amanda Sharp

Location:Autumn Park

Click on a table cell if you wish to enter an observation directly onto the form. the entry box will appear in the top

lefthand corner of your screen. Enter your date in the form requested - dd/mm/yyyy e.g. 01/04/2004.Click on the appropriate cell and press delete if you wish to delete an observation.

The symbol indicates the events that were most recorded last autumn.Focusing on one or more of these might help to get you started.

Group 1 - Trees & shrubs: leaf tints & fall

Species

Ash

Beech Silverbirch Elder

Hawthorn Hazel

Horsechestnut Field maplePendunculateoak

SessileoakRowan

Sycamore

FirstTint

01/10/2005

01/09/2005

FullTint

10/10/2005

L ea f Ti nt B ar e

Enter observations

EnterobservationsPrintrecordingform

ForgottenpasswordChangedetailsSpecialObservations

Photo by Peter Paice,

phenology volunteer


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SPEAKERS BULLETIN

Our network of over 100 voluntary speakers all over the UKplay an invaluable role spreading the word about the Trusts work.

To find out more about becoming a speaker or if you know of an organisationor group that might like to book a presentation,

contact Nick Sandford on 01476 581135 or email [email protected]


Earlier this year, our voluntary

speakers were asked about their

experience of giving talks. Here

are some of the brilliant tipsthey came back with.

Say what you are going to say, say it

and say that youve said it.

Check visibility from every corner

seat and recruit a can you hear me

helper from the back row.

Open a talk by reflecting on the

importance of woods and trees in

our childhoodan interactive session

with the audience gets them involved.

Dont use too many facts andfigures... develop your own storyline

and work in some personal

anecdotes.

Make sure you know the length of

your time slot and dont let the chair

alter it significantly on the night.

Get there early and listen to the

proceedings to get links into your talk.

Work in examples of local woods and

topical issues to add interest.

Get information in advance on the

likely composition of the audience.

Think about what will appeal to them

and the type of questions they may ask.

Try putting a set of leaflets on each

seat with the Welcome one uppermost.

Engage your audience by being

enthusiasticenjoy it.

Top ten tips

In December, we will be sending all voluntary speakers our annual questionnaire. We

will be asking for the name of each group you have spoken to over the past year and an

estimate of the size of audience. So please keep a note of this information if you can.

Projectors up

for grabsIf you are a voluntary

speaker and do

not have your

own slide projector,

please let Nick know. Rob

Farman, a retired speaker, hasdonated some which were being

discarded by his employers, BT.

They should be available by the

end of the year after safety testing.

And some of the best talesI went to a venue on a cloudless day to find the janitor had removed the curtain for

cleaning. I had to give the talk in brilliant sunlight without slides.

Jim Dickinson, Hampshire

I was asked to hold the screen to the curtain rail using my tie. At another talk I was

asked to judge a competition for best conkers.

Roger Tolman,Worcestershire

In 1997, I attended a tree planting event at Ugley Green. A lady there wascelebrating her 100th birthday. Four years later, I showed a slide of the event at a WI

talk. A buzz went around the room [and] the lady chair delightedly informed me that

the lady in the picture was this months cover girl in the WI magazine.

Bob Macdonald, Essex

Donations resulting from voluntary speaker talks in the first

half of 2005 totalled 3,104.This is our highest ever half

year total, beating the previous record by one pound.

End of year questionnaire

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Computer ageIf you have a data projector and would

like copies of the speaker

slides on CD, let Nick

know and he will put one

in the post for

you (its too big

for the email).


5/16


Why not continue this debate by logging on to www.yourwoods.org.uk and joining the discussion forum?

In favour of natural colonisation

Over 130 delegates attended theCWN Conference on the 17 and 18 June

at University College,Worcester. It was

the second attempt to organise this years

conference after the first was thwarted by a

fire at the original venue. But it was an

inspiring experience with demonstrations,

talks, workshops and a wood visit hosted by

the Friends of Pepper Wood. A full

conference report is available from the

website or phone number above.

Photograp

hsbyWTPL/StevenKind

COMMUNITY WOODLANDNETWORK

The Community Woodland Network (CWN) supports community groups thatare managing woodland or creating new woods. It offers advice,

networking opportunities and funding.To find out more, call 01476 581155 or visit www.yourwoods.org.uk

Second timelucky

Left entirely to its own devices, much of lowland Britain could

be wooded after only a few decades. Nature provides a

complete self-sustaining system that has worked for millions

of years and can continue to work.

It costs nothing and does not create pollution such as

pesticides, fertilisers, vehicle emissions, plant tubes and so on.

There is guaranteed local origin of seed.Trees grown from

seeds of local origin are proven to establish better and be

more beneficial to the ecosystem.

A mix of species occurs naturally.There is random spacing of

trees. Bushy trees with plenty of side branches are likely to

occur. All of these factors provide a more diverse habitat,

encouraging a variety of species.

Trees will find it harder to naturally colonise arable and

improved land that will have been chemically treated and

there may not be a suitable local seed source available.

Engaging people, particularly children, in tree planting plays a

vital role in encouraging them to value woodland in the future.

If planting is done thoughtfully, many of the associated

problems can be overcome. For example, a local variety of

species should be planted in appropriate places, randomly

spaced in the right soil and non-pesticide means used to

weed around trees.

Special types of planting such as hedgerows or avenues are

sometimes necessary.

The results are more immediate.

In favour of planting

At the CWN conference, one workshop posed the following question to delegates. It led to a fascinating and lengthy

debate. Heres a summary of some of the points that were made.

Is natural colonisation the best method for woodland creation?

Nature or nurture? The debate continues


6/16


Dragonflies return

to their cleaned-up

homeVoluntary contributor

David Goymour

profiles a group thatis helping nature to

flourish a stones throw

from one of the worlds

busiest airports.

In woodlands to the north-west of Gatwick Airport, insects

are thriving thanks to the efforts of the Woodlanders

volunteer group. Led by Horley resident Alan Gillham, the

group looks after four woods in the Charlwood and

Newdigate area, which were bought 18 years ago by the

Woodland Trust.

The woods were very dark with unbroken tree cover then,

says Alan. We've opened up paths and glades, and insects love

the sheltered sunny spaces.

There are various ponds in the woods, which were derelict

and dried up when the Trust bought them. The Woodlanders

have carried out clearance work, which has brought back

water and light to the ponds, and now the dragonflies have

returned.Trees like willows suck out a lot of water, explained

Alan.So we removed the willows to restore the ponds.

The group works largely with hand tools, and the number

of volunteers who might turn up at any one time is, says

Alan, variable and unpredictable. He adds: We co-ordinate

our efforts with the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership, which

consists of several local authorities working together. We

share people and equipment.

In the summer, they are mainly busy with routine path

clearance work.

The group is also keeping alive the traditional skill of

coppicing: cutting small-diameter wood at regular intervals

from young trees, which provides useful timber without

killing the plants, and also lets light in, improving the

environment for wildlife.

Cut hazel every eight to 10 years and you get one-and-a-

half-inch poles, said Alan. Today it's used for hedge-laying

and not much else, but in old timber-frame buildings with

daub and wattle between the timbers, the hurdle was made

with hazel poles.

Coppicing these poles was a big business supplying industry

two centuries ago: in the early days of the industrial

revolution the cotton and wool spinning industries used

vast quantities of wooden bobbins. Sweet chestnut is still

coppiced today for fence posts.

IN THE WOODSWe have nearly 700 people volunteering in our woods, doing practical tasks,

running events, surveying and generally taking good care of them.

Dragonfly:WTPL;Woodlanders:NevilleSquires


7/16


C L O S E U P

Names: Peter and Judy Westgate

Ages: 73 and 65

Location: near Shaftesbury, Dorset

Occupations: retired soft fruit growers

Q: How did you first get involved?A: In 1984, we became appeal co-ordinators for the

purchase of Duncliffe Wood in Shaftesbury.We

organised fundraising events and involved countryside

artist, the late Gordon Beningfield

Q:What have you done so far?A: The appeal for Duncliffe in 1984 was followed by a

10th anniversary art exhibition and talk by Gordon

Beningfield. This later inspired the Trust to plant

Beningfield Wood at West Milton. We helped organise

events and fundraise for this as well. Gordon planted

the last trees for his 60th birthday.

We located the land in Fontmell Magna for the

creation of Brookland Wood and initiated local interest

and pledges for its purchase at auction. We continue

to work at Brookland Wood, monitoring wildlife and

carrying out other practical tasks, successfully getting

many other community groups involved.

We have become involved in other local woodland

creation projects, led various guided walks and

represented the Trust at local exhibitions.

Q:What do you enjoy about it?A: Meeting people and sharing common interests.

Encouraging young people and seeing the results of

local projects. One never stops learning and we enjoy

sharing experiences.

We love planting the trees, watching growth and

monitoring progress and failures. We admire the

changing seasons and the variety of colours and wildlife.

We marvel at the age and history of the veterans.

My patchJanet Anders introduces the Friends of

Philipshill Wood.

It is just over ten yearssince the Woodland

Trust bought this

ancient woodland site

on the borders of

Bucks and Herts. Its

ancient origins have been

concealed by recent

conifer planting, but acareful investigation reveals

its rich archaeological

heritage, with old earth banks, saw pits and charcoal hearths

stimulating the imagination. It is a much valued wood, and

many contributed to the purchase, often referring to it as

our wood. It is not surprising therefore that a keen team

of volunteers enjoys a weekly working party.

We concentrate on managing paths, clearing round the

earthworks and opening glades to encourage wildflowers

and butterflies, leaving the heavy work to a horse logger

who is able to remove large timber without damaging the

ground. One recent activity was to collect bluebell seed,

which will be sown later in areas cleared of conifers. In

contrast, the foxgloves come up with vigour wherever

light is restored.

We are learning more about our wood, and one member

has carried out a GPS survey, producing accurate maps

showing the location of the earth-works, orchids and many

other features.We survey the 16 tawny owl boxes,of which

two or three are used each year, and have also provided

bird and wildflower surveys for the management plan.

We also show a class from a local school round the wood

each term to see the changing seasons, and theygenerously respond with a cake sale, which is financing

provision of bird nest-boxes.

If you would like to write a My patch piece,

contact the editor. See page 15

Dennis, a Friend of Philipshill Wood

checks an owl box.


8/16


9/16


10/16

10 email : volunteers@woodland-trust .org.uk tel : 01476 581111

OUT OF THE WOODSThere is a plethora of volunteer opportunities outside of the woods all over the UK.

C L O S E U P

Q: How did you first get involved?A: In April this year I decided that the final project for my graphic design

degree would involve promoting British woodland to children. I emailed the

Trust asking about any opportunities that may help with this.

Q: What are you doing for the Trust?

A: I am producing an activity leaflet to be used bychildren visiting Plas Power Wood in Wrexham

and a series of sheets children can print off the

Internet to make their own Woodland Log Book.

Q: What do you enjoy about the role?A: We held research sessions with a class of 910 year olds in the wood and at the

school. I really enjoyed talking with them about the woods and the design of the leaflet.

Q: Is the work that you do useful to you for any other reasons?

A: Firstly, it has been great to get feedback from people outside my course. I am now considering a career that involvesboth design and educational work with children. Im really proud to have my experience with the Woodland Trust

on my CV. I have already had interviews where this has helped me to talk more confidently about my abilities.

Q:Why do you think the Trust's work is important?A: The educational work that the Trust does is great. As every school now has Internet access, the Trusts online

learning resources are available to all children. They can be used by teachers who may not have time to research

and prepare materials themselves.

Q:What do you enjoy about trees and woods?

A: Woods have always been places I enjoy with my family. Some of my best memories are playing with my brothers andsister, making dens, laying tracks and being ambushed.Were all adults now but we still love exploring the woodstogether and getting lost in the dark.

The Chair of the Woodland Trust is an influential

helmsman, ably helping to steer the organisation

into the future. Like all our trustees, the Chair is

also a volunteer. Peter Oliver has just retired

from this role after seven years, and his services

to wildlife conservation were deservedly

recognised with an OBE in the Queens birthday

honours. Former Deutsche Bank managing

director, Dr John Lake, has now taken on the

challenge and has a wealth of experience to

offer. He has been a trustee since 2001.

When vacancies become available on the Woodland

Trust board, they are advertised in specialist press

and on www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved

A fond farewell

Name: Joanne Blaker

Volunteer role: designer/illustrator

Age: 22

Location: Huddersfield


11/16

i e w f i n d e r


Keep onrunningBack in June, the Tree

Huggers Team joined

6,000 people from 45

countries to run the

third Edinburgh

Marathon. They did it

as a relay team in an

incredible 3 hours 50

minutes, raising 250

for the Trusts Tree For

All campaign.

A brilliant effort.

Taking part in a sponsored activity is an easy and

entertaining way to raise funds for the Trust and these

days it neednt involve waving a sponsorship form

under the nose of anyone who comes your way. It can

all be done online.

For more information contact Phillipa Fisher on

01476 581125 or visit the website

www.woodland-trust.org.uk/sponsoredevents

Name: Bob MacdonaldVolunteer role: speaker and

photographer

Age: 68

Location: Ongar, Essex

Occupation: retired Metropolitan

police officer

Q:What have you done for the Trust so far?

A: In the last fourteen years I have given over one hundredtalks and have received about 2,000 in donations. Moreimportantly, I have made

direct contact with around

4,000 members of the public

from many organisations

thus supporting one of the

Trusts key objectives of

increasing public awareness.

Q:What do you enjoy about your role?A: I have always enjoyed photography, and it has been apleasure to visit all the woods in Essex, building up a year

on year slide record of their development which I have

incorporated into my talks.

I feel that the Woodland Trust

is simply the best and most

professional body when it comes

to woodland conservation and I

am proud to be able to help it

spread the word.

Q:What inspires you about woodland?A: As I say in my talks, the sense of tranquillity, timelessness and

continuity they give us. In an

increasingly fast moving world,

trees and woods remind us to

slow down, to reflect on our

heritage and consider what

the world will be like for

future generations.

Bob Macdonald was the Trusts South East Volunteer of the Year in 2003

From left to right: Lorna Henderson, Paul and Fiona Molloy with son

Robert, James Cooke and Joanne Rae

Lorna Henderson

C L O S E U P

A n e y e f o r a g o o d p i c t u r e ?

Then the Woodland Trust needs you. See page 14


12/16

The Yellow Woods Challenge is a schools

environmental campaign run by Yellow

Pages and the Trust, working with local

authorities across the UK.

School children simply bring their old Yellow Pages

directories to school for recycling and they learn

about paper, recycling and woodland conservation.

There are prizes to be won and it raises money for

the Trust. Since 2002, more than half a million

participating pupils have recycled almost 890 tonnes of directories

and benefited from around 125,000 worth of educational materials.

We are looking for more volunteers to attend regional launch events

and award ceremonies on behalf of the Trust. This sometimes

involves talking to schools about our work and highlighting how they

can help by collecting Yellow Pages.

For further information or to register for either of these tasks,

please contact a member of the volunteers team.


area under threat, but heres an opportunity to get a

swathe of broadleaf forest into working order and to

get more people there to enjoy it.

Its this broadleaf woodland that the Woodland Trust is

determined to save. Many of the ancient trees were

felled in the early part of the 20th century and coniferplantations now cover around three quarters of

Wentwood Forest. The non-native conifers are

changing the eco-system of the ancient forest site

preventing natural daylight getting in, damaging the soil

and coating the ground in pine needles.

But the pockets of broadleaf trees that do exist help to

support 23 species of butterfly, 75 bird species and

plants like the bluebell, yellow pimpernel, enchanters

nightshade and wild daffodil.

Ancient woodland is richer than any other type of wildlife

habitat.With the Trusts expertise, its possible to restore

the ancient woodland that remains.Not only is the Trust

able to plant new broadleaf trees, but once the canopy of

conifers is carefully removed, seeds from the mature

native trees remaining can germinate. This is one of the

reasons why Wentwood Forest became such a priority

for the Woodland Trust. Not only did ancient woodland

features still exist, but the Trust believed they were under

threat and could be regenerated.

And, judging by the response to the appeal,Wentwood

Forest is close to very many peoples hearts. The fast

turnaround campaign has hopefully paid off. Around

20,000 people gave their support, and the Supporter

Services Team describes it as being the Woodland Trusts

most successful campaign ever. Supporters UK-wide

donated 1.2 million.

When the Trusts first

offer was rejected,

people called in to

redouble their pledge

money. As we go to

press, a second, higher

offer has been accepted

and the Trust is hoping

to exchange contracts shortly.

Funds are still needed for the future management

of Wentwood Forest to donate online please visit

www.savewentwoodforest.org.uk or contact Kavita

Heyn on 0117 927 2337. If you would like to help with

the fundraising effort, contact the volunteers team.

continued on from front page IN BUSINESSThe Trusts work with companies gives a huge

boost to our native woods. There are manyways that volunteers can help.

Green ChristmasFor eight years we have been encouraging the public to recycletheir Christmas cards. After the Christmas of 2004 a staggering 58

million were collected.This not only reduces waste going to landfill

but raises money to plant new trees. Our partnerships with Tesco

and WHSmith have opened up even more opportunities.

Effective communication is

the key to getting even

more cards recycled. And

this is where our

volunteers can help. This

Christmas, we need people

to take literature to

doctors surgeries, libraries

and schools and so on. If

you are a member of your

local WI or Rotary Club

or other community group,

these are ideal places to

promote it.

Yellow Woods

Yell/Citigate

the Woodland Trusts mostsuccessful campaign ever.


13/16


ANCIENT TREESWe have teamed up with the Ancient Tree Forum to celebrate ancient trees and do all

we can to conserve them. Read about whats happening in this section and, if youhave Internet access, please help keep the discussion forum alive by logging onto

www.ancient-tree-forum.org.ukor www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk

Name: Phil Marshall

Volunteer roles: copywriter

for the Ancient Tree Forum and

Volunteer Newsletter writer

(Ancient Trees)

Occupation: regulatoryservice manager,Yorkshire Water

Age: 40

Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Q: Describe what you do for the Woodland TrustA: I research and write a monthly website article for the

Ancient Tree Forum, spotlighting a different county

each time and highlighting its top locations for ancient

trees and woodland. I also research and write copy

for this page of the Volunteers Newsletter!

Q: How did you first get involved?A: I joined the Trust in 1994, after seeing an information

board at Coed Aber Artro in Wales. A few years ago,

I found that I had some spare time, so I offered my

services to the Trust. My first voluntary activity

other than planting hedges and trees in South

Yorkshire was to produce PR Guidelines for

Volunteers with the UK Phenology Network.

Q:What do you get out of it?A: I know that whatever I do whether its picking up

litter at one of the Trusts locations or writing about

ancient woodland its making a valuable

contribution.

Q:Why do you think the Trusts work isimportant?

A: Ancient trees and ancient woods are part of ournatural heritage. Trees and woods are essential for

our environment, our economy and our communities.

The Trusts work is vital in preserving this for us and

for future generations.

Page edited by ancient trees volunteer, Phil Marshall

C L O S E U POld, fat

and gnarled Whose line is it anyway?

Its actually Clive Andersons andfor once its not taken from the

popular quiz programme. He was

talking about the hunt for ancient trees,

comparing himself with tongue firmly

in cheek to the sort of tree that the

Trust and the Ancient Tree Hunt is keen to hear about.

PhotographbyNolKingsley,FRPS,www.noelkingsley.com

Anyone can help to do this. Perhaps you

pass a great old tree every day. So next time,

please make a note and tell us about it.

We already know where some of our ancient trees are butweve very little information about them. No doubt there

are others too, which we dont know about.

What we want you to do too is go out and record them, noting

their species, location and girth.Were looking for the sort of

tree thats so big youd need to join hands with at least two

other people to encircle it. So, join us on the Ancient Tree Hunt.

Join the Ancient Tree Hunt

As Clive Anderson says

To find out how to register your ancient trees, log on to the surveying

and recording section atwww.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk or send

details to Jill Butler at the Trusts Grantham office (see back cover).


14/16


Photographers

UK-wide

Re-vamped and updatedthis year, the volunteer

photographers scheme is for

anyone with a keen interest

in photography and a good

eye for an image. All kinds of

photography is required by

the Woodland Trust on an

ongoing basis so, whatever

your photography style, your

skills will be needed. For more

information visit our web pages

www.woodland-trust.org.uk/

woods click on pictures of our

woods and follow the picture

library link.

ElectricalappliancetestingGrantham, Lincolnshire

Do you have or know

someone who has PAT

qualifications? People are needed

to come to our Grantham office

on a regular basis to check the

many small appliances we use.

Ideally this would be during office

hours, but some flexibility may be

possible. Currently this

opportunity is only applicable

to our Grantham office but,

depending on its success,we

may look to involve volunteers

in testing the equipment at the

home offices of our regional staff.

Bat and watervole monitoringCambridgeshire

Do you have wildlifemonitoring experience that

you would like to put to good

use? Many of our sites in the

county are in need of surveys

so that we can ensure that

bat and water vole habitats

are not harmed by essential

management activity. Ideally

you will be knowledgeable

about the identification signs

and will appreciate that these

animals must not be handled

or disturbed as this is not

necessary for monitoring

purposes.

Conservationgroup supportNorfolk/Suffolk

The Woodland Officer inthis area has a number of

successful volunteer groups

who carry out significant

amounts of high quality work

for us. He would like to be

able to provide increased

levels of support to these

groups and would also like to

develop new groups. Do you

have good communication

skills and the ability and time

to travel to meet groups

across these counties to help

us to support them?

VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITIESHere are a few of the volunteer opportunities available at the Woodland Trust.

To find out about these and others, please contact the volunteers team. Opportunitiesare also advertised on our website. Visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved

Scottish wood

protectionresearcherhomebased

Do you have the skills toidentify and audit the current

status of ancient woodland in

local plans and structure

plans across Scotland? The

information you provide will

help to produce a league

table for our Public Affairs

team who wish to target

those local authorities who

have high concentrations of

ancient woodland with little

protection from development.

WTPL/DavidLund

Ancient Tree

Hunt mappingUK-wide

Some Trust sites containancient trees that need to be

recorded.Volunteers are

needed in these areas to carry

out this recording for us.

Ideally, recorders or someone

they know should have access

to the Internet so they can

record the details of the

trees using the online facility

on the website. To do so, visit

www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk

and click on surveying and

recording.


15/16


Yes, as you suspected, you should have reported the fall. Any incidents that happen

while youre acting as a volunteer, wherever you are and whether or not they involve injuries

or damage, should be reported to your task manager, someone in the volunteer team or

another member of staff as soon as possible.Whoever you contact will arrange for the

relevant action to be taken. This will include putting an entry in the Trusts incident book;

you may need to provide details for this.

If you witness an incident or near miss involving a member of the public or property on one

of our sites, this should also be reported. Safety is of paramount importance to the Trust

and keeping tabs on incidents like these helps us to minimise risks in future.

As a precautionary measure the Woodland Trust does not advocate badges for

wardens because this may lead to the assumption that the wearer is a figure of authority,

potentially provoking attention from unfriendly elements of society and exposing volunteers

to unnecessary risk. There isnt any reason for volunteers to confront members of the public

so badges shouldnt really be needed. Legally, the volunteers role is in aid of or support of

the organisation and not that of a representative which brings with it certain contractual

obligations which volunteers should not have to carry. If you have any particular problems

that you feel require you to have some identification please discuss the issue with your taskmanager or a member of the volunteer team.

Many of our site users are dog walkers and consequently the control of dog muck is

a constant problem. In many cases we have managed to get help from Parish Councils who

have, in turn, put pressure on their local authority to provide dog bins at the site entrances.

To avoid ongoing management costs, we have offered to pay for the initial installation and the

other parties have funded the periodic emptying of the bins. Also, clear signage and

reminders by the voluntary wardens has encouraged dog-owners to co-operate, but, alas,

there will always be someone who will not.

If you come across any litter problems on Trust sites, dog muck or otherwise, please advise

the site manager who will arrange for the problem to be cleared appropriately.We ask that

you dont attempt to deal with any litter, unless specifically requested by the site manager,

because recent changes in legislation mean that we must use certified agents to deal with

litter removed from our sites.

I recently tripped on

a loose path surface

and sprained my wrist

when I was walking

through the wood Im

researching. Should I have

reported it to anyone?

QQ AA

When I'm visiting a

wood as a volunteer

warden, I would like to

wear a badge showing that

I'm representing the

Woodland Trust. Is this

possible?

QQ AA

We welcome contributions to this newsletter.

Short items or ideas for longer articles can be sent to:

email: [email protected]

post: Sallyanne Flemons, Editor, the Volunteer Newsletter,

The Woodland Trust,Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

We received this question

from Brian T Thornalley of

Loughborough

As voluntary warden of

Willoughby Wood, I was

mortified to find. . . a stash

of bags of dog dirt . . . I

reported the incident to

HQ only to learn [that this]

is a common problem...so

what can be done?

QQ AA


16/16

Woodland Trust volunteergroup,The Friends of Park

Wood, have won a coveted national award. It recognises

their efforts to convert an overgrown, litter-strewn

wasteland into a thriving traditional English woodland.

They were named adult

group section winners of the

Nationwide Awards for

Voluntary Endeavour at a

glitzy presentation

at Lords Cricket

Ground. The

Friends, based in

Waterlooville,

Hampshire, will receive a 3,000

prize that they can spend on

equipment and interpretation

facilities at Park Wood.

NEWS.. .


Stop

press

The credits

...and everyone who provided pictures for free or agreed

to be interviewed. If youd like to help with the next issue,

see page 15.

Getting in touch

The Woodland Trust

Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL

Tel: 01476 581111 Fax: 01476 590808

BT Textdirect: 18001 01476 581135

email: [email protected]/getinvolved

Name: Dean Weir

Volunteer role: warden

for Corcrain Community

Woodland

Age: 38

Location: Portadown,

County Armagh

Occupation: caretaker

for a block of flats. Thats whyI love to escape into the

woods regularly

Q: How did you first get involved with the Trustand how long ago?

A: About two years ago when the Trust got involvedin the management of a green area near my home.

The area had previously been something of a

dumping ground, and an anti-social hotspot.

Q:What have you done so far?

A: I try to keep the area as litter free as possible. Ihave also helped to repair the fence, which had

been repeatedly broken by someone who wanted

to use the woodland as his personal quad track.

Q:What do you enjoy about the work you do?

A: The work is very spiritually rewarding for me.Lending a hand to nature and improving habitat

for all sorts of wildlife brings its own rewards.

Providing a breathing space and tranquillity for the

community who frequent the area also gives me

pleasure.

Q:What do trees and woods mean to you?

A: When I go into the wood, the first thing I notice isthe amount and variety of birdsong.This is very

therapeutic and uplifting. I also enjoy seeing the

butterflies, insects, frogs and wildflowers. The trees

look wonderful, especially in summer when they

have all their leaves.

C L O S E U P

Paula Thornton, feature writer

David Goymour, feature writer

Phil Marshall, ancient tree

page editor

Janet Anders, My Patch writer

Bennet Aldous, cartoonist

Frances Nichols, proofreader

Vernon Robinson, proofreader

A huge thank you to this issues voluntary contributors:

Jackie Buckley and Maureen Nye

receive the award from CE of the

Nationwide Philip Williamson

woodland trust - winter 2005 - volunteer newsletter edition 2

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