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VO L U N T E E R N E W

Winter 2009

SLETTER
In its 37 years, the
Woodland Trust has
evolved from the vision of
one man to become one
of the UK’s leading and
most respected charities.
The story of how it got
there makes fascinating
THE WOODLAND
reading. Sallyanne
Flemons reports TRUST: A HISTORY
When asked
INSIDE
WTPL/Mike Lewis

The founding trustees detailed their


News 2 & 16
organisation’s purpose as to ‘conserve, restore
And the winner is... to justify their
and re-establish trees and in particular
A date at No 10 craft, many
broadleaved trees, plants and all forms of
historians will
Learning 3 wildlife in the UK and thereby to secure and
tell you that, by
Aiming for the record books enhance the enjoyment of the public of the
Outdoor classroom
examining the
natural environment of those territories’.
past, we can
Ancient trees 4 learn how to In those early days, activity was mainly
50,000 ancient trees logged
go forward. focused on protecting woods by acquiring
Tre/e-learning
This is certainly them, and the first wood on the list was
In the woods 6 Woodland Trust founder, true of the Avon Wood in Kenneth’s native Devon.
Heartwood update Kenneth Watkins history of The purchase saved the wood from certain
Tree planters wanted the Trust’s former chief executive, clear felling and conversion into a conifer
The Woodland Trust: Mike Townsend, has produced a detailed plantation. Avon Wood is still owned by the
a history 8 history.This article is a summary of some Woodland Trust today.
of the highlights.
Out of the woods 10 Mike’s history says of the Avon Wood:
Call for media volunteers In 1972, Kenneth Watkins, a retired engineer ‘Kenneth Watkins personally bought Bedlime
Not on our watch and accomplished wildlife photographer Wood in the parish of Woodleigh from the
Speakers 12 and filmmaker, was all too aware of the trustees of William Froude. Bedlime Wood
Trees not a nuisance threats faced by our native woods. At the remained broadleaved, although much of the Avon
time there was a major drive to increase Valley had been felled for planting conifers.
Photographers 13
agricultural production leading to the
Can you fill the gaps? ‘Fundraising began, and in August 1973 the
grubbing out of hedgerows and clearing of
New library launches Woodland Trust bought Dartshill Copse adjoining
woodland. Numerous native ancient woods
What’s new? 14 Bedlime,Titcombe Wood and Woodleigh Wood.
were felled and replanted with non-native
New project – VisitWoods In the same month Kenneth Watkins transferred
conifer plantations.
Woodwatch grants Wedd's Copse and Bedlime Wood to the
And so he founded the Woodland Trust. Woodland Trust's – continued on page 8

woodlandtrust.org.uk/volunteering
2 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

NEWS
WTPL/Carole Sutton

And the winner is…


The Woodland Trust Volunteer of the Year results are now out. Selecting winners
from such a dedicated and talented bunch was no easy job. But after a lot of
deliberation we are really pleased to announce the results.
From left to right: Merle Dekanski, Carl Hughes and
Karen Lifford The overall winner receives the Watkins Memorial Medal, named after our
founder, Kenneth Watkins.
Dear friends
We can’t believe a year has gone by Volunteer of the Year 2009
since we last sent you a Volunteer Stephen Waters
Newsletter.
Stephen, pictured left receiving the award from Huw Iranca-
And it seems even more unbelievable Davies, joined the ancient tree hunt tem in 2007. Since then
that the Woodland Trust itself has now he has verified 611 ancient tree records, recorded 311 trees,
been in existence for 37 years. Former travelled around the country for Woodland Trust events and
chief executive, Mike Townsend, has provided training and inspiration to others. Nikki Williams,
written a fascinating history of the project manager for the Ancient Tree Hunt said: ‘He is a star
Woodland Trust and we are sharing who has really shone for the project this year. He provided the
highlights with you in this issue. most amazing support to me and I am very proud to work with him.’

We hope you will find it inspirational,


Category winners phenology recorder who has helped our
both in the way it shows how robust our Nature’s Calendar project immeasurably.
Ann Street – Scotland
values have always been, and how we
A highly effective campaigner who also David Rodway – Photographer
have also always embraced change to
helped with many tree planting events. David has provided us with some
great effect.
wonderful images for the Woodland Trust
Peter Archdale – Northern Ireland
In a dynamic world where nothing Picture Library.
Peter has been a highly dedicated volunteer
stands still, we must evolve to be as
for the Ancient Tree Hunt in the Province and Peter Downey – Speaker
effective as possible in saving trees worked hard to support the Northern Ireland A speaker with an infectious enthusiasm, Peter
and woods. Climate change has shown team, helping to raise the profile of ancient has travelled far and wide for the cause.
us how even nature is constantly on trees.
the move. Martin Boiling – Project
Les Wilkins – Wales
Martin has used his considerable
So one of the roles of this newsletter is A mentor and coach for other volunteer
experience and skills to support and guide
to explain any changes that are verifiers, Les has verified no less than 68
the CEO and management team during
ancient trees himself – a record for Wales.
happening at the Woodland Trust so that the strategic review process.
our valued volunteers (including you!) Pam Farley – Eastern England
Tony Burgoyne – Ancient Tree Hunt
are kept informed of what is changing A champion for Heartwood. See page 7
and the latest issue of Broadleaf for the As the lead volunteer verifier for the North
and why. East,Tony has been an excellent advocate
lowdown on Pam.
We hope you enjoy this issue and please for the Ancient Tree Hunt, including through
George French – North East England the media and schools.
do get in touch if you have any questions
or contributions. George has been looking after Whittle Dene
The Abbey Grove Volunteers –
in Ovingham, Northumberland, for many
Group
years, acting as its eyes and ears and
helping to keep it an inviting place. For eight years, the group has cared for
Best wishes Abbey Grove Wood, carrying out practical
David Guiterman – South West England work and surveying, ensuring that its wildlife
Another highly vigilant Volunteer Warden, can thrive.
David takes good care of Milltown and
llntyan Woods in Cornwall.
Well done
Dr Anne Phillips – North West England to you all.
The volunteers team Anne is an extremely prolific and skilled
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 3

LEARNING
The Woodland Trust sees engaging adults and children as a vital part of its work.
Our aim is to nurture an enduring appreciation of trees and woods.
Here are just some of the ways volunteers are helping us to achieve this.

The outdoor classroom

WTPL/Janet Watt
Surprisingly, many children unlock its potential as an
outdoor classroom.
have never visited their local
wood either for adventurous To set the project going, John
play or as part of their formal laid on an induction day for
learning, even though the the school. A class of nine
opportunity might be right on and 10-year-olds and their
their doorstep. teachers were introduced to
the many things woodland
Volunteer John Fleetwood has
A life-long understanding of nature

been helping the Trust address has to offer, and then given a
hands-on learning in a wood woodland learning.
this sad situation, by guided walk of Reffley Wood. or park near them.
John’s considerable experience
encouraging young people in ...MORE SCHOOLS During the summer and into in the education sector
Norfolk to enjoy, learn from ACROSS THE UK WILL this autumn the Trust’s combined with an unrelenting
and be inspired by their wood.
ENJOY HANDS-ON learning programme is enthusiasm for woods and
With support from the LEARNING IN A benefiting from the skills and trees (he’s a life member)
Heritage Lottery Fund, a WOOD OR PARK experience of another John. makes him a huge asset.
pilot project is underway in NEAR THEM John Peatfield, a former head
King’s Lynn working in teacher and current staff With John’s continued help
partnership with teachers and John provided the perfect member of the University of as a volunteer, it is hoped a
pupils from Reffley Primary platform from which to begin Cumbria, is kindly dedicating ground-breaking woodland
School. The school is lucky to the project. From this pilot it part of his sabbatical to learning conference can
have a fantastic Trust wood is hoped that more schools helping us develop and be staged during spring 2010 in
nearby and the aim is to across the UK will enjoy test new approaches to conjunction with the university.

Aiming for the record books


This winter, volunteers will be helping the Trust attempt to break a tree-planting world record. On Saturday 5 December,
coinciding with National Tree Week, we will join other BBC Breathing Places partners across the UK to plant the most number
of trees in one hour. 100 volunteers at both Heartwood Forest and Hainault Forest will attempt to plant in excess of 20,000
trees at each site. Starting at 11am, they’ll certainly have earned their lunch.

To find out how you can join in the fun visit: bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/treeoclock/

Dr Kate
OBE for
Graham Fudger

Lewthwaite, manager
of the UK
Springwatcher Phenology Network,

Congratulations to Jean Combes who received an OBE from


said: ‘Jean’s records of
trees coming into leaf
the Queen early in 2009 for her invaluable contribution to the since 1947 represent
science of phenology. the only long term
Jean is amongst thousands of volunteers who send in records of
records of tree leafing
seasonal change to Nature’s Calendar each year. The data,
in the UK. As far as
stored on the UK Phenology Network database, is run by the
Jean Combes
we know it is the longest
Trust in partnership with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
phenological record made by a single person anywhere in the world.’

Through the dedication of people like Jean, we can chart how Interested in becoming a volunteer recorder?
natural events are being affected by the changing climate. Visit: naturescalendar.org.uk
4 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

ANCIENT TREES
We’ve teamed up with the Ancient Tree Forum to celebrate ancient trees
and do all we can to conserve them. Read here about what’s happening then
join the discussion forum by logging onto
www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk or AncientTreeHunt.org.uk
Page edited by Phil Marshall.

50,000 ancient trees ‘logged’


Don’t worry – they’ve not been felled! In fact we’ve not lost • the 50,000 trees logged
puts the hunt well on
50,000 of our most precious natural assets; you might actually
target for this stage of
say we’ve found them!
the project;

WTPL/Ken Leslie
• the 70-plus partners
including the National
Trust, Forestry
Commission,Tree
Council,Wildlife
Trusts and local
groups have eclipsed
the hunt’s target of
just 15 partners, and
• the 46,500 people involved
in the hunt have already smashed its target of
40,000 people by 2011!
77,000 people have now registered on the hunt’s website to
Yes, the good news is the volunteers and partners working on record trees, and when you add in those working via the
the Ancient Tree Hunt have now logged 50,000 trees onto the hunt’s partners, there are 155,500 people now recording these
database, helping our work to protect these gems of our prized natural assets.
natural heritage. Here’s more good news – the Ancient Tree Hunt has
In fact the only things being cut down to size are the hunt’s been nominated for a National Lottery award for Best
targets. Nikki Williams, ATH’s project manager, reports that: Environment Project.

Phil Lockwood
The giant Shugborough Yew in Staffordshiore
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 5

Tre/e-learning?
The term e-learning means additional help, but it doesn’t
matter if they’re in Scotland,
was being able to discuss
things as we went along, bit
money. I felt, as a consequence,
that all of the time spent on the
using electronic material and
the Isle of Wight or even by bit, so if there was exercise was productive. It was
systems to provide teaching
Jersey at the time. anything I didn't understand, easy to watch the trainer
and training; it’s popular,
I asked straight away.’ navigate through the pages.
partly because it provides an Each volunteer receives
opportunity to study or supporting material and then A dozen volunteers have now Afterwards, I could go over the
undergo training without meets up with an existing followed in Judy’s footsteps. processes for as long as I
having to travel to a meeting verifier for field training. For Kevin Coleman from wanted, while it was still fresh in

THE PROJECT IS
or class. Oxfordshire, the benefits are my mind.’

ABOUT BUILDING
clear: ‘Time, cost and

SKILLS AND
The Ancient Tree Hunt is Kath is pleased with progress:
inconvenience are the three
benefiting from this modern
KNOWLEDGE
‘The project is about building
words that sum up training
approach.Web-conferencing skills and knowledge. It’s a great
courses to me, so it was a
now means that volunteer way of reaching new volunteers
Judy Dowling from Fife, the refreshing change to do
verifiers can receive who otherwise couldn’t get to a
first volunteer to use the some training via a computer
notification of training training session.’
web-conference training, and a telephone on a one-to-
sessions and then watch
reports that it was very one basis.’ So, don’t let location put you
remotely as Kath Owen,ATF’s
senior verifier, demonstrates detailed, informative but easy Howard Leader from Ipswich off. Join the tre/e-team and
how to use the system.They to follow. She says: ‘The main agrees. ‘There was no travelling training will come to you
can ask questions and seek benefit of web conferencing involved, saving time, stress and wherever you are!

A ‘half-full’ database?
Are you a ‘half-full or half-empty glass’ kind of person? If you’re not just in forests and woods, but
in our cities and towns too, for
the latter, you may well be thinking: this is the bit where they
example in urban parks. So, look in
stump up the bad news.
your local area, on your way to
Well, the hunt does believe there’s another 50,000 trees out work, college or the shops.
there still to be logged. But bad news? No, far from it! And don’t presume the hunt is

DON’T PRESUME THE HUNT IS ONLY


only interested in trees native

INTERESTED IN NATIVE TREES...NON-NATIVE


to Britain; non-native trees need

TREES NEED LOGGING TOO


logging too.
Farmers and landowners can also play a significant
This provides a great opportunity for even more people to get role.The hunt respects private property and people’s privacy,
involved, for even more partners to join the hunt and of course and is very happy to log trees without making the details public.
for even more of the elder statesmen of our natural heritage to So, please get in touch if you’ve a hidden gem on your land.
be recognised for their contribution to our environment.
For all you need to know to join or help the hunt, visit
They’re to be found all around us, not just in the countryside, AncientTreeHunt.org.uk

The E-team
The Ancient Tree Hunt has 130 volunteer verifiers, who check the tree records submitted for inclusion on the database.
Because they’re rooted across the country, they only meet up occasionally and usually communicate via email and telephone,
effectively working and networking as an e-team (or should that be a tre/e-team?).
The verifiers obtain online the details of the logged trees that need checking in their area
and they submit information back online.
Now, thanks to the introduction of BT web-conferencing, existing and new verifiers can
link up much more easily. Using the new technology, they can access help and advice, and
use it to send through information and photos.They also receive a weekly round-up,
courtesy of an e-newsletter, and participate in regular conference call meetings.
6 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

IN THE W
Who needs an excuse to spend more time in the woods? Our w

Dead-hedging
volunteers let in light
Close up

WTPL/Douglas Blanks
Local volunteers have been helping the Woodland Trust in
Whittle Dene, a picturesque 19 hectare wood in Ovingham,
Northumberland.

Funding from SITA Trust’s Enriching Nature programme has


enabled coppicing to take place, opening up the woodland
canopy and allowing more light to the woodland floor.
John shows Bernard Jenkin MP around Elmstead
On 28 March a group of local people helped protect the
Name: coppice stools using a technique called dead hedging.
John Minns
Using brash from the wood, lengths of material are placed in
Volunteer role: the ground around the coppice stool to protect the new
Promoting Elmstead Wood, Essex growth from browsing deer. Around 25 local people came
Location: out on the day despite the wet weather.
East Anglia
Whittle Dene is ancient woodland and has existed as
Action: Distribute leaflets to businesses, shops, houses broadleaved woodland alongside the Whittle Burn for at least
and libraries. 400 years. It was originally coppiced in the mid 1850s to
I contact Parish Councils, attend their meetings and explain provide fuel to heat water for Whittle Mill, a corn mill at the
Woodland Trust plans for creating new woodland in their southern end of the wood.
area, attend community events and meetings, contact
members of local wildlife societies.
My wife says if five people stand still for 10 seconds in a
Tree planters wanted
group I am liable to start asking for donations for the Faughan Valley, Northern Ireland
Elmstead Wood! I have a good contact with the local press
and we have had three ½ page articles from this. We are looking for volunteers to help with
I have also formed links with our local MP who, when community events at our new flagship site
asked, attends meetings on the proposed site of the wood Burntollet Wood in the Faughan Valley, near the
this almost always guarantees press coverage. City of Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

What inspires me about woodland In my rural We want to plant 36,000 native trees over the next few
village school in the 50s, lessons included nature walks and years and exciting opportunities for volunteers will start
our playground was a large meadow with a stream.There in the autumn, with a wide range of events for all ages
were hedgerows, trees to climb, ponds to dip. I learnt planned.We need your help to manage fun tree planting
about all aspects of nature, from moths to butterflies and events for schools and local communities.
stream life to birds, trees and woodland and was totally No experience is necessary but be prepared to
inspired by it all. I used to disappear all day exploring field get your hands dirty!
and woods with my friend. So if you fancy helping out at events whether it’s
My main great love was woodland, from the fresh green helping children plant trees, directing traffic, welcoming
shoots of spring through to the stark skeleton beauty of groups to the wood or just keeping an eye on
trees clad in winter frosts. It has been a joy to me for so what’s happening in the wood please call:
long and will always be so. Michelle McCaughtry on 02891 275787 or email
michellemccaughtry@woodlandtrust.org.uk
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 7

WO O D S
wood based volunteers care for our woods in many, varied ways.

Volunteers ♥ Heartwood
Great progress has been subject to a survey and volunteer more about the site’s history –
experts have helped us log the wildlife archaeologists discovered evidence from
Roman and Bronze Age occupation.
made in transforming
that already lives there. This is important
because it shows the site is already a
Heartwood Forest in
haven for wildlife, and we hope it will
Hertfordshire into the largest And more…
continuous native woodland in also demonstrate how the wildlife 15 schools had a great time at discovery
flourishes as it transforms into events in Langley Wood. And
Environment Minister, Huw Iranca-
England. And volunteers are
woodland. And, of course it gives us
playing a huge part. Davies was hugely impressed when he
information on how best to sensitively
visited the site. Now we’re preparing the
manage the site.
area for planting and a further 70
The survey
All 347 hectares (858 acres) have been We are also extremely excited to learn hectares is opening to the public.

Stuart Leech
How to get involved
Bluebells at Heartwood Forest

Vo l u n t e e r
Planting trees is one of the most fulfilling experiences you will
ever have. We are putting around 600,000 into the ground at spotlight
Heartwood. Come along to help out and you can play your
part in creating this vast natural haven.
Name:
WTPL/Paul O’Conner

We also need volunteers to: Pam Farley


• Lead guided walks Share your passion for Heartwood Forest Previous
and for woodland by leading guided walks around the site. occupation:
• Take photographs Take photos of your favourite spots PE teacher
and watch them change over the seasons and the years. Action:
• Record the wildlife Log when the bluebells first raise Despite nearing her
their heads, what kinds of butterflies are making use of the 80s, Pam has
site and how many nesting birds you can spot. boundless energy

• Check the rabbit-proof fencing There will be miles of


and channels it into

rabbit-proof fencing protecting our young sapling trees. Help


helping the Woodland Trust in many ways. She has been

us by walking the boundaries and letting us know where it


volunteering for us for years and is now helping to make

has been breached.


Heartwood into a great success. Pam heads up the St Albans
support group, raises money for the Woodland Trust,
• Prepare and maintain tree planting areas A great gives around two talks a week about our work and runs
opportunity to get stuck into the practical stuff. inspirational guided walks.

To find out more about volunteering at Heartwood Forest visit A more detailed profile of Pam can be found
woodlandtrust.org.uk/volunteers-heartwood in our member’s magazine, Broadleaf.
8 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

T H E WO O D L A N D T RU S T:
Continued from front cover

ownership. By the end of 1973 the Trust had The first in Scotland was acquired in with others to manage entire landscapes
around 40 hectares in the Avon Valley.’ 1984. This was Balmacaan Wood near to benefit nature and people (for a more
Loch Ness in Highland and the purchase detailed explanation of our landscape
was made possible after a £100,000 scale approach see the Volunteer
Far and wide public appeal. In 2000, Drumlamph in Newsletter 2008).

Although the Trust started out in the County Londonderry became our first
ancient woodland in Northern Ireland.
WE HAVE SINCE GATHERED
THOUSANDS OF PUBLIC
South Western corner of England, over Each UK country now has its own well
the years its presence all over the UK
RECORDS OF THE CHANGING
established and very effective office TIMING OF NATURAL EVENTS
has become strong. The Trust’s first and team.
wood acquired in Wales was Coed Expanding our Horizons took into
The new millennium also saw a shift in
Lletywalter, an ancient woodland in the account the growing spectre of climate
conservation philosophy with the
Snowdonia National Park. change. In the same year it was
publication of Expanding our Horizons.
published, we partnered up with the
THE BEST WAY TO CONSERVE The document outlined the Trust’s views
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology to
WOODS WAS NOT JUST TO on a more expansive landscape scale
help expand their phenology project.
FOCUS ON NATURE RESERVES, view on conservation.
Now rebranded ‘Nature’s Calendar’, we
BUT TO WORK WITH OTHERS In a nutshell, it explained how the best have since gathered thousands of public
TO MANAGE ENTIRE way to conserve woods was not just to records of the changing timing of natural
LANDSCAPES focus on nature reserves, but to work events due to climate change.

Woods for people A simple philosophy


It was important to T he Woodland Trust has always been an independent spirit
on the subject of how woods should be conserved, an
iStock

Kenneth that those


woods were open inheritance from the founder’s common sense approach.
and accessible to all ‘Kenneth Watkins’ philosophy on woodland management was
– even non-paying disarmingly simple’ says Mike Townsend, ‘based on the belief that,
members. This is a given the timescale of broadleaved woodland, there was seldom the
philosophy still held need to rush in and intervene.’ (Nowadays, we still have a lot of
by the Woodland sympathy for this view, but believe that woods – particularly
Trust today with ancient woods planted with non-native conifers – sometimes
many projects need a helping hand).
focussed around
He also believed in woodland creation, albeit on a small scale in
saving woods by those days. Involving people in doing so was also considered key.
inspiring people The first site acquired purely for woodland creation was
(see article on Dishcombe Wood in Kenneth’s beloved Devon, acquired in 1974.
VisitWoods,
Volunteers have always played a major role in the Trust’s
page 14).
success, and for the first five years there were no paid
In later years, these workers. By 1977, 22 woods were owned, not just in Avon but
projects were in six counties. In the same year, John James became its first
undertaken on a huge scale thanks to new sources of funding full-time member of staff. John went on to become director of
(such as the lottery) and a great deal of vision. the Trust, staying until his retirement 20 years later.
This included Woods on Your Doorstep which led to the In 1978, the Woodland Trust became a membership
creation of over 250 woods close to population centres all over organisation. Membership was, and still is, a vital way for the
the UK. And Tree For All, which has already led to over one organisation to increase its voice as well as providing reliable
million children planting trees and is aiming for a million more. income to anchor the job of protecting native woods.
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 9

A H I S TO RY

Hazelnuts: WTPL/Pete Holmes


My Patch
Pam Rivers and Jill

Spreading the Bonnell share their


passion for the fruit
trees of Merryhill in
word
Nature’s Calendar has
Bushey, Hertfordshire
The Merryhill
both raised the profile of Fruit Field started as a handful of
the Woodland Trust
tiny fruit trees and we have planted more

hugely, (leading to a major


each winter. In 1999, the area was a bare,

partnership with BBC


arable field. Now there are nearly 200 trees

TV’s Springwatch) and the


which we care for throughout the year.

records it has produced are taken


We keep them weed free, fed, pruned and,

extremely seriously by the scientific community. In 2007,


hopefully, harvested.

the Government’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee


We have allotments adjacent to the Fruit Field so always

adopted the Trust’s phenology spring index as one of only


have our ears to the ground for

18 UK biodiversity indicators.
happenings on the wider site.
We walk it watchfully and pick
Over the years, influencing government and decision- up litter where we can.We have
makers has become increasingly important to the Trust. been regular members of the
Our Public Affairs director, Hilary Allison, was appointed Merryhill Stakeholders Committee
in 1998 and now has a strong team working with her. since its inception.
They do all they can to influence policy to benefit native The Fruit Field stands at the highest point of Merryhill so
trees and ancient woods, as well as campaigning to save we have wonderful views across the young forest
threatened individual ancient woods. There are many and the open grazing fields, and on across into west London.
valuable woods that would not be there today were it not In the distance we can see the planes coming and going
for their work. to Heathrow.

WE ARE NOW BETTER EQUIPPED We have mainly apple trees, most of which are old local

THAN EVER
varieties, which have been in
danger of dying out with the
We believe that now, in 2009, Kenneth Watkins would be post-war decline of Hertfordshire
extremely proud of what the Woodland Trust has achieved orchards.There are also pears,
and the scale of our operation today. We own over 1,000 quinces, medlars, plums, damsons,
woods (acquiring land that can fulfil our landscape scale
mulberries, cherries and a few

vision is still vital to us), have around 190,000 members,


hazels and walnuts.

1,050 volunteers and more than 290 members of staff. We harvest the fruits if the crows don’t get there first.
The apparent challenges faced by native woodland have Because our trees went in so tiny, harvests have not been
grown and shifted significantly since 1972, but we are now significant so far.We do have masses of crab apples, which we turn
better equipped than ever to deal with them. into gorgeous jelly and sell jars to raise money to buy trees.
Although it is beautiful, particularly in early summer
WTPL/Bob Carter

when the wild flowers are at their peak, it lies wet in the winter
and the little trees have done
wonderfully to establish as they have.
We have fretted over the health of
these little trees, toiled round them
again and again, but when walkers stop
and say how much they like it, it is a
great feeling.
We imagine it maturing and giving people pleasure for many
years when we are gone.
10 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

OUT OF TH
You don’t have to be in the woods to volunteer for

Making the most of your new website


We hope you like our new improved website, which finally went online earlier this year.
Thanks to those of you who helped get it up there by providing feedback on early versions. Here are
a few ways you can help us to improve it and ways that you can enjoy interacting with it:
• If you have a blog, or manage a website, please add our news feeds into your site as an RSS.
• If you are visiting Trust woods, take pictures and upload them onto the Our Woods section
of the site.
• Add thoughts and comments onto the page about your favourite wood.
• Join our Facebook page and show you’re proud to be part of the Woodland Trust!
• On the home page, use the ‘I am interested in’ box to set your subject preferences to ‘Ways to take part’

Wanted – local An intelligent


media volunteers arrangement
We are looking for volunteers with great communication A ccenture is a company that helps businesses and
skills to help us put our message across to the local governments to improve their performance. And they have
media. We need people from all helped the Woodland Trust to do just that.
over the UK who can help us
Accenture generously allowed their staff to provide us with
raise awareness through
expert services free of charge through their employee volunteer
developing contacts with the
scheme after selecting us as their chosen environmental charity.
media, generating news releases,
setting up photocalls and, The Accenture staff members helped the Trust become more
if appropriate, giving interviews. effective and efficient by offering expert guidance on improving
and developing our marketing and finance systems.
If you have relevant experience to offer and can spare around
The arrangement has been extremely beneficial to both
an hour a week for a year or more, please get in touch.
organisations. Accenture staff have enhanced their professional
This is a very rewarding role with lots of potential to make
development and the Woodland Trust has saved months of
a real difference.
resource and preparation time, freeing up more funds to help
To register your interest, go to woodlandtrust.org.uk/lmv the UK's woods.

A drive to be greener
Phil Lockwood

A volunteer with a passion


Phil Lockwood

for all things eco has been


helping us develop our Green
Travel Plan. Although Trust
staff already did their best to
travel with the environment
in mind, Judith Twentyman
has enabled us to put together a more comprehensive plan.
Her help in providing advice, steering the creation of the plan
and consulting with staff should lead to us reducing our
impact on the environment even more.
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 11

HE WOODS
r the Woodland Trust. Roles are many and varied.
directions such as linking up
Not on the very helpful and
knowledgeable Ancient Tree
our watch! Hunt verifier, Steve Waters
with local campaigns. There is
also the time-honoured
Volunteer contributor
Mandy Hillier finds method of getting a message
out how WoodWatch is across by song.
shaping up, and meets Greg Harper is not a Trust
a man using the power member but he is a tree
of song to save woods lover, especially those on his
native South Downs.

Crusades to save our


So when Titnore Woods near
under threat
Worthing were threatened by
precious woodland come in housing development,
all shapes and sizes and our singer/songwriter Greg wrote
All Gone, a protest song he
newly launched ‘WoodWatch’
sings at concerts and
campaign is successfully
WoodWatch is up and performs over the internet.
focusing on community
‘People see us as the woodland
walking but to get it running, His performances also help
empowerment to save woods
guardians but we can’t always
Kaye wants people to sign up to gather essential funds for
and individual trees.
take action in every case – as
to be ‘WoodWatchers’ on much as we would like to. We the campaign.
While the Trust marshals its the Trust website. There,
To quote the lyrics, ‘But the
want everyone to realise that by
resources, influence and people can access a special
chainsaw came. The smoke
becoming WoodWatchers they
expertise to fight for the Campaigns e-newsletter,
the flame. They burnt the
needn’t rely on the Woodland
preservation of significant expert guidance and useful
whole lot down.’
Trust alone to protect their
blocks of ancient woodland, contacts, including a woodland – their voice can
sometimes launching costly Facebook page where influence decision making locally Greg’s is an example of some
and long-winded legal battles, fellow tree conservers can too.’ said Kaye. of the creative ways
it is also often asked for help meet up electronically, WoodWatchers are spreading
One of the latest aids to be
in neighbourhood struggles to amounting to a network of the word about woods under
launched via WoodWatch is a
protect individual trees or advice and suggestions. threat, and making a real
small grants fund, where a
small woods. difference locally. ‘There’s no
“BUT THE CHAINSAW group or individual can
Says Trust campaigner CAME. THE SMOKE receive up to £100 towards
prescribed format for taking

Kaye Brennan,‘As a small team THE FLAME. THEY costs (see page 15 for more).
action to save your woods and

BURNT THE WHOLE


trees, but you could start by
More than two years ago, the
LOT DOWN.”
in a charity with limited telling the right people how
resources we must focus our Downlands Action Group important local woods are to
efforts on protecting the UK’s was formed to campaign your community.You can make a
against housing development
‘By providing them with the tools
most precious habitat – ancient real difference and often for the
destroying ancient woods in
and resources they need
woodland. But every single day long term too. When the woods
the Uckfield area of Sussex.
to challenge threats we can
we are alerted to new threats to and trees you love are
Although younger,
advise people on navigating
secondary woodland and at risk don’t be a bystander’
WoodWatch was able to help says Kaye, ‘Be a WoodWatcher.’
the planning laws, Tree
neighbourhood trees, which are
in what became a successful
Preservation Orders and how
also very important. So we set
fight, which helped save the
to organise local campaigns. For more information on
up WoodWatch to enable people
Woodland Trust's Lake Wood.
And although we cannot put applying for the new
to save the woods and trees
people directly in touch with WoodWatch grant to
they care about themselves,’
each other, we link people WoodWatch is an asset that help your local campaign
At nearly a year old, together through Facebook. reaches out in many turn to page 15.
12 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

SPEAKERS
Awareness of the Woodland Trust’s work is given a huge boost by our speakers’
network. If you know of an organisation or group who would like to book a
presentation, contact the volunteer speaker service on 08452 935 752 or
email vsmail@woodlandtrust.org.uk Talks can also be requested
online at woodlandtrust.org.uk/talks

Digital move

WTPL/Dominic Nicholls
complete
By the end of 2009, the change to digital presentation will be
complete. So thanks very much for your cooperation. The
digital system is easy to use and gives more creative flexibility
to your presentations. If you need any more information on
the digital switch, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Hug talk celebrates


400,000 trees
Trees not a nuisance
says Joe
Our speaker in central London, Joe Nunez-Mino, has helped A talk organised by Essex County Council has celebrated
to improve the public image of trees at an open talk event in
the planting of 400,000 trees in the county. Around 120
Tower Hamlets. Some members of Tower Hamlets Residents
people came along including influential landowners, county
Association, like too many people in urban areas, saw trees as
councillors and parish councillors.
a nuisance.
John Fleetwood, our speaker in Norwich, led a walk and talk
Problems like sap dripping on vehicles and pavements, branches
around Mark’s Hall. Over 40 people accompanied John on a
blocking light and pigeons perching were annoying residents,
tour of some of the oldest trees on the estate including the
making them want to lose and not gain trees.
impressive Honeywood Oak and Stranglers Oak.
But Joe’s talk was a huge success. Residents had a much clearer
Willing volunteers hugged the trees to demonstrate one of the
view of the benefits of trees and several attendees even signed
ways to measure an old tree (to see if it qualifies as ‘ancient’
up to find out more about the local green group that the
for the purposes of our Ancient Tree Hunt – see page 4).
manager of the Association was setting up.
The talk was received with great enthusiasm and, at the end,
John was approached by several people asking for a similar
© Woodland Trust

talk to be given to their own groups and societies.


© Woodland Trust
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 13

P H OTO G R A P H E R S
A picture paints a thousand words and our volunteer photographers provide
some of our most powerful tools for campaigning and fundraising. To become a
volunteer photographer or offer your images to our library, contact Phil Lockwood
on 01476 581111 x 5543, email photolibrary@woodlandtrust.org.uk or visit
woodlandtrust.org.uk/photographers-scheme

Photo library officer, Phil Lockwood, knows better than anyone what the Woodland Trust Photo

D
Library is lacking. And they may be images you have already taken
uring my day-to-day administration of the library I regularly come across Trust woods without any photos. Not only this, but
some of our departments also have specific image needs of their own that we can’t fulfil. Here is a list of ‘image asks,’ which will
really help us fill the gaps in our library. It’s an invitation for you talented snappers to get out into our lovely woods and take
some new, fantastic photos.

Jakob Sigurðsson.

WTPL/Michelle Davies
WTPL/Brian Aldrich

The images we need: • Phenology subjects for use in web calendars and newsletters – please take a
look at this link to see the types of trees recorded on Nature’s Calendar
• Young native woodland about 10-12 years old.
phenology survey: www.naturescalendar.org.uk/wildlife/factfiles.
• Families and minority groups in a woodland setting. We are always seeking more
up-to-date photos and as people wear clothes - and trees don’t - these photos • Single native trees. Most of the images we are given depict woodland. Although
can look outdated quickly. these are useful (of course), the library is lacking single trees. Can you help?

New library launches


T he Woodland Trust has launched a brand new Photo Library giving staff full access to all 40,000+ images. This means you can
now send in photos on raw, tiff or jpeg format and they all will be compatible. So your images will get more exposure and more
chance of being used in a Trust publication.

It’s a fix Notes, under section 2 on page 5. If you are registered with the
Volunteer Photographers’ scheme, you should have received this

Fixed point photography is a useful and interesting monitoring


in your welcome pack when you joined.

technique, whereby you can set up from a location and take The key to fixed point photography lies in the consistency of
images taken with the same lens focus, direction and height at
repeat photographs on a seasonal basis on approximately the
the same location at regular time intervals – resulting in a
same dates each month or every season.
series of photographs showing how the landscape has changed
So, from the crispest, blossoming day in spring, to the sunniest over time. The real value of this lies in the timescale over
summer’s day, to the wonderful colours of autumn fall and which the photographs are taken – the longer the better and
finishing off with the snowiest winter’s day – we want them all. we’re looking at a duration of one year minimum.
We’re particularly interested in photos of recently-planted trees, If the idea appeals to you, please send your images in regularly
ancient trees or open, arable land and wild flowers. There is so we can keep track of them easily. Digital photographs are
more information in the Woodland Trust Picture Library Guidance be ideal.
14 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

W H AT ’
Can you off for trespassing?).These

WTPL/Niall Benvie
cram a whole
add up to a lot of missed
opportunities for exercise,

wood into a
relaxation, play, and
reconnecting with nature.

tiny box…? So how do we get this huge


potential across to someone
A box on a screen that who’s never scuffed autumn
leaves or meandered through
is! The Woodland Trust is
a sunny glade? We’ll be using
a huge range of media to get
looking for volunteers to
help publicise what their more people visiting woods
local wood has to offer regularly, from social We’ll be looking for a rat race, mountain biking?
networks like Facebook and maximum of 30 words, ideally
Accessibility: Does it have
jargon-free. Your summary
as part of a new UK-
Twitter to more traditional surfaced paths or is it a wild
will be one of the first things
wide campaign which
means like photography and wood? Are there loos or
will launch next year.
visitor reviews. people see when they access
refreshments nearby?
Shona Morton the wood’s unique home page
VisitWoods will bring all this on the website. Don’t worry Special Features: Is it

VisitWoods is all about


together in one interactive,
explains.
about spelling mistakes or famous for its hollow oaks?
comprehensive website, which presentation; your passion Butterflies? History?
providing people who haven’t will hit the streets in late 2010 and way with words is what
and will particularly target Here are couple of examples:
yet discovered woods with we need. It doesn’t matter
information to inspire them people who tend to miss out who owns the wood, if it’s
on accessing woodland – older
‘This tranquil riverside beech wood
to use woods more often, open to the public we’d love
while giving them the facts people, those with disabilities,
rings with birdsong in spring and
to know what you think of it.
they need to plan a fantastic children, and people from
glows with colour in autumn; it’s
We know some of the
trip. In partnership with other disadvantaged backgrounds.
the perfect place for a lazy picnic.’
barriers we’re trying to or
major woodland owners, the Volunteers will be at the heart
break down are about
Trust is gearing up for the of VisitWoods, as ‘ambassadors’
confidence, information, and
biggest ever promotional who create reviews, images,
‘Just 15 minutes from
motivation. Imagine if you,
campaign for ALL Britain’s podcasts and videos to really
Birmingham, this new wood gets
your family, and your friends
publicly-accessible woods. bring the website alive.
better every year and boasts
had never visited a wood;
VisitWoods will help tree
VOLUNTEERS WILL BE
surfaced paths and a great café
you’d need convincing! For
lovers and newcomers alike
AT THE HEART OF
(with loos) too. Grab your wellies
inspiration, you could try
get into woods and show the
VISITWOODS
and enjoy the sunshine.’
thinking about the questions
amazing range of things you We will feature the best on
people might have:
can do in them. To help get the ball rolling we the new website, providing
will need volunteers to Size: Is your wood tiny, the spark that inspires a new
The UK has some incredible
woodland, but many sites capture what their favourite extensive, spacious, gigantic? generation of woodland fans.
suffer from a bit of a PR woodland is all about. Our aim Atmosphere: Is it peaceful, Thank you – we look forward
problem. Over half of us live is for every single accessible atmospheric, stunning, to hearing what you think of
within 4km of a sizeable wood in the UK to have its majestic, popular? your favourite woods!
wood, but many people have own ‘strapline’ that will inform
Location: Is it in a valley?
never visited one. Barriers people who aren’t familiar If you would like to get
On a hilltop? Windswept?
range from the practical with woods and inspire them
Easy to get to?
involved with VisitWoods
(Where is it? Can I take my to give it a try. Your challenge: as a volunteer, please go
dog? Bike? Buggy?) to the to capture the essence of a Activities: Is it great for to woodlandtrust.org.uk/
cultural (Would I like it? visit to your wood in one walking the dog, playing with visitwoods to register
Won’t I get lost/muddy/told catchy summary! the kids, time out from the your interest.
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 15

’S NEW
FREEwoods gives birth to MOREwoods
Last year the Woodland UK, a great contribution
towards our ambitious
For more
information
Trust launched its
woodland creation targets. about
FREEwoods pilot project to
create native woodland in Building on the success of our MOREwoods
please contact
partnership with private pilot project, the Trust has
Sarah Cunningham
landowners. By the end of the now launched MOREwoods.
on 0845 293 5689, email
2008/2009 tree planting MOREwoods is a support and morewoods@
season, we had created advice package to landowners woodlandtrust.org.uk or
84 hectares of woodland who would like to create visit woodlandtrust/
on 56 sites throughout the beautiful native woodland. MOREwoods

WTPL/Steven Kind

WoodWatch campaign grants now available


Grants of up to £100 are now available to community groups who need financial help with their
campaigning to save ancient woods. Groups may use their grant in any way that assists their campaign.
To find out more and for information on how to apply, go to woodwatch.org.uk and click on ‘opposing a
threat to trees and woods’ on the left hand side. A link to ‘Grants to help community campaigns’ will
appear below. See page 11 for more about WoodWatch.

We welcome contributions to this newsletter.


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

email: newslettereditor@woodlandtrust.org.uk

post: Sallyanne Flemons, Editor, the Volunteer Newsletter,


The Woodland Trust, Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL
16 email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111

N E W S & C O N TAC T S
Calling all Waitrose
shoppers
Trust volunteers
visit Number 10
Waitrose are supporting charities This summer,
through their Community Matters
Initiative and you could help your native
we nominated

wildlife by nominating the


ten Woodland

Woodland Trust. Every month, each branch


Trust

of Waitrose divides £1,000 between three different charities.


volunteers to
go to Downing
The charities are chosen from a selection nominated by local Street to
people and the proportion of the £1,000 allocated to them is
receive a

determined by shoppers using a token system. So, if you shop


personal thank

at Waitrose, please ask for a nomination form in your local


you from

branch. If you see a box where the Trust is already one of the
Gordon Brown,

charities, please help us by putting the token you are given at


on behalf of all

the checkout into our box. Thank you.


of our

New office moves closer


volunteers.
Through the
Environmental

If you received the last Volunteer Newsletter, you may


Volunteers
Reception, the
remember we are updating our office as the lease is Government
set to expire on our old one. The Woodland Trust’s new recognised the
offices in Grantham will prove how green design can be both
valuable role

low cost and energy efficient.


Volunteer David Bull prepares to meet the PM
played by
volunteers across the environment sector.
We have now secured a 125 year lease on land opposite the
current office and Bowmer and
Trust volunteers from across the UK were represented

Kirkland have been appointed


including speakers, wardens and walk leaders.The Prime

as the building contractor. They


Minister said: ‘…you and your organisations are appreciated for
the vital role you play in promoting and sustaining environmental
are scheduled to start building wildlife for future generations; you are an inspiration to us all.’
this autumn and we hope to
move in by July 2010.
Ministers Ed Milliband and Hilary Benn also dropped by
and our band of volunteers even got to chat around the

The credits
cabinet table.
Getting in touch
The Woodland Trust
Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL Thanks to the following volunteers who have helped
Tel: 01476 581111 with this issue:
BT Textdirect: 18001 01476 581135 Mandy Brilliant, Phil Marshall,
email: volunteers@woodlandtrust.org.uk proofreader ancient tree editor
woodlandtrust.org.uk/volunteering Mandy Hillier,
feature writer

Please recycle this newsletter or reuse it by leaving it in a public …and to those who agreed to be interviewed, completed
place like a library or doctor’s surgery. questionnaires or provided images free of charge.

The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales no. 294344 and in Scotland no. SC038885.
A non-profit making company limited by guarantee Registered in England no. 1982873 Á Printed on 100% recycled paper 4167 10/09

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