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winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 2

Winter 2005

VO L U N T E E R N E W
SLETTER

Beating the clock


Voluntary contributor
Paula Thornton
explains how Wentwood
Forest was rescued in the
nick of time and how
volunteers played their
part in saving it.

INSIDE
News pages 2 & 16
Awards aplenty, win a
bottle…
WTPL/Steven Kind

Phenology page 3 It’s a campaign that had to hit the amount of money very quickly as a deadline
Talking to the press ground running. of mid-July had been set for bids to be
Speaker’s bulletin page 4 submitted. The Woodland Trust set a goal of
The Woodland Trust heard about the sale of
The best speakers’ tales £1.5 million for the acquisition and initial
part of Wentwood Forest in Wales in May
Community Woodland this year. It became an immediate priority to restoration of the Forest. The public,
Network page 5 stop it falling into the hands of owners who charitable trusts and corporate partners
Join the debate may continue to replant it with conifers. The were all invited to contribute urgently.

In the woods page 6 Trust had to mobilise a team and redirect But, it’s the public appeal that’s key to releasing
Dragonflies return resources as soon as possible. Why? It could these other funds. One local man who decided
be the last chance to protect this ancient
Over to you
questionnaire results
page 8
wood and restore it to its former beauty.
‘Mike is passionate about the

Out of the woods page 10


Get sponsored the easy way
Wentwood Forest is home to the largest
surviving ancient woodland in Wales and is
campaign to save Wentwood

to help with the campaign was Mike Singleton
described as a ‘national treasure’. Once a from Caerleon, who’s walked the woods with
In business page 12 royal hunting forest, at one point it spread his family for the last 20 years. When he heard
Ancient trees page 13 from the River Usk to the Wye Valley and is about the appeal, Mike contacted the Trust and
mentioned in documents dating back to was put in touch with another member of his
Volunteer
medieval times. village, Tim Gwynder-Lewis. Together they put
opportunities page 14
up posters in local pubs and kennels (“…as lots
Now made up of conifer plantations and
Frequently asked of people must walk their dogs in the forest”)
occasional patches of broadleaf trees, an area
questions page 15 raising awareness and asking for donations.
of 352 hectares came onto the open market
Getting in touch page 16 to be sold to the highest bidder. The Mike is passionate about the campaign to
Woodland Trust needed to raise a large save Wentwood Forest as, “It’s a wonderful
continued on page 12

red in England No. 1982873 www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved


winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 3

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

NEWS
Volunteer of the Year
Hello again
Award winners
All Woodland Trust volunteers do a brilliant job. Every
year 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 2005’s winners, many of whom have been
featured in the first two issues of the Volunteer Newsletter.

Joint overall winners of the


Kenneth Watkins Memorial Medal
The Woodlanders South East Peter Eyles South West England
England regional winners regional winner
From left to right: Karen Lifford, Carl Hughes,
Julie Reynolds and Merle Dekanski
Pepper Wood Community Group Malcolm Caporn * Central office
We hoped the first issue would be a success
but we have been overwhelmed by the positive for the Midlands region Andrew Bonehill Voluntary
response. Over 100 people replied to the
Elaine Gathercole Northern speaker
questionnaire and we’ve summarised what was
said and answered some of the questions raised England region Peter Bloxham Project volunteer
in an article on page 8. Bryn Jacob Wales Lesley Nickell Corporate
We are also really pleased that so many
Stephen Bennet Scotland volunteer
volunteers have been able to contribute to this
issue, not just in co-operating with interviews Robert John Cousins Northern Gary Mead Phenology volunteer
but also in writing, illustrating and
Ireland Pete & Liz Holmes Photographers
proofreading. Plans are afoot to involve even
more people with the next issue and we hope Hema Gopalakrishnan Victory Wood Volunteer Group
that many will be inspired to get in touch and * Central office Fundraising
contribute, evolving this into a newsletter both
for volunteers and by volunteers. * Joint award
If you are enjoying finding out more about what
fellow volunteers are doing, don’t 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,
Win a bottle
and Community Woodland Network,Ancient Share with us any favourable comments you’ve received from the
Tree Forum and phenology volunteers can use public about the Trust’s woods and its work, or stories behind
the online forums.
woodland dedications and legacies, and you could be a
Issue three will be out in the spring. If you
winner. The quotes will be used in our literature to
would like to contribute, please get in touch by
the end of this year.We look forward to encourage others to support us. The best one will receive
hearing from you. a bottle of Woodland Trust wine. Write to Stella Williams
in our Grantham office (see back cover) or email
stellawilliams@woodland-trust.org.uk

The Volunteer Team


PS.Thank you for your continued support. It is
Can you dig it?
invaluable. When you receive the newsletter, the new tree planting season will be just
* We really welcome your contributions and will always try to beginning. Tree For All events are happening all over the country. To find out
publish all your articles but space restrictions mean that we
can’t guarantee it. If you’d like to check that we can include what’s going on near you, go to www.treeforall.org.uk/GetDigging
your article before you write it, please get in touch with or call 01476 581155. Come along and bring friends and family too if you can.
Sallyanne, the editor. See page 15 for contact details.
Volunteers will be needed to help at some events. We’ll be contacting some
local volunteers about this soon.
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 4

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 3

PHENOLOGY
The Woodland Trust runs the UK Phenology Network with the Centre for Ecology
and Hydrology. It gathers crucial information about how climate change is
affecting UK wildlife, with the help of over 21,000 recorders.
To become a phenology volunteer, visit www.phenology.org.uk or call 0800 026 9650.

Watch out
Anyone can register as a recorder for the UK wildlife expert.
Enter observations
Recording Form Autumn 2005
Name: Amanda Sharp

Phenology Network, and it’s completely free.There We give clear Enter observations
Print recording form
Forgotten password
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.
Change details
Click on the appropriate cell and press delete if you wish to delete an observation.
are two recording seasons, spring and autumn. You information on Special
Observations 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

don’t have to record each event during identifying species Species


Ash 
First Tint Full Tint Leaf Tint Bare

Beech 

every season. It is up to you how much and recognising the Silver birch 
Elder
Hawthorn 
Hazel 01/10/2005 10/10/2005
Horse chestnut 
information you contribute. seasonal changes. Field maple
Pendunculate oak
01/09/2005

Sessile oak
Rowan
Sycamore 

Recording means looking out for We will keep in


natural, seasonal events and writing touch with you via post and email, sharing the latest findings.
down the dates as you observe them. You can opt out of these mailings at any time. Most of our
We provide you with a list of things recorders have found the experience fascinating. To register,
Photo by Peter Paice, to record. There’s no need to be a contact us via the website or number above.
phenology volunteer

on the record
Miranda Hodgson and Glenda George share their experiences
of talking to the press for the UK Phenology Network.
Name: Miranda Hodgson Name: Glenda George
Age: 43 Age: 53
Location: Broughton, Brigg, North Lincolnshire Location: Craigellachie, Banffshire
Occupation: part-time Royal Horticultural Society Occupation: writer, adult education tutor
student, part-time web-designer/constructor. Starting a Interviewed for: The Aberdeen Press and Journal
gardening business soon (www.wildchicken.com)
The experience: Overall it was a positive
Interviewed for: BBC World experience and the resultant article was pretty good.
The experience: It was quite strange but excellent It was nerve-racking because I felt I was not just
fun. There was just the cameraman present, who doubled representing myself. I was trying to put across messages
as an interviewer, and we spent about four hours walking about UKPN. But the journalist wanted to talk about
about the local woods on a brilliantly sunny spring day. It global warming.
was perfect. Every new leaf seemed to glow with light My advice would be to try and get an idea of what
and colour and the whole place looked absolutely angle the media person is going to take beforehand.
marvellous. I would point out something of interest – Have a list ready of the points you want to make and
new beech leaves or bluebells – and he would then film be a bit like the politicians.. . make sure you make those
me talking about it. Sometimes the light was wrong, or I’d points even if there is no directly relevant question! If
fumble my words, and we had to do it again but that was the interviewer will allow you to answer questions by
okay. The cameraman was very calming and patient, and email, jump at the opportunity – the facts will be there
obviously knew what he was doing. in black and white.

The UK Phenology Network receives many requests for interviews. If you would like
to become a voluntary media spokesperson, contact the volunteers team.
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 5

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

S P E A K E R S ’ BU L L E T I N
Our network of over 100 voluntary speakers all over the UK
play an invaluable role spreading the word about the Trust’s work.
To find out more about becoming a speaker or if you know of an organisation
or group that might like to book a presentation,
contact Nick Sandford on 01476 581135 or email vs@woodland-trust.org.uk

Top ten tips


Earlier this year, our voluntary importance of woods and trees in proceedings to get links into your talk.
speakers were asked about their our childhood…an interactive session
7 Work in examples of local woods and
experience of giving talks. Here with the audience gets them involved. topical issues to add interest.
are some of the brilliant tips
they came back with.
4 Don’t use too many facts and 8 Get information in advance on the
figures... develop your own storyline likely composition of the audience.
1 Say what you are going to say, say it and work in some personal Think about what will appeal to them
and say that you’ve said it. anecdotes. and the type of questions they may ask.

2 Check visibility from every corner 5 Make sure you know the length of 9 Try putting a set of leaflets on each
seat and recruit a ‘can you hear me’ your time slot and don’t let the chair seat with the Welcome one uppermost.
helper from the back row. alter it significantly on the night.
10 Engage your audience by being
3 Open a talk by reflecting on the 6 Get there early and listen to the enthusiastic…enjoy it.

And some of the best tales… Projectors up


I 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.
for grabs
Jim Dickinson, Hampshire If you are a voluntary
speaker and do
I was asked to hold the screen to the curtain rail using my tie. At another talk I was
not have your
asked to judge a competition for best conkers.
own slide projector,
Roger Tolman,Worcestershire
please let Nick know. Rob
In 1997, I attended a tree planting event at Ugley Green. A lady there was Farman, a retired speaker, has
celebrating her 100th birthday. Four years later, I showed a slide of the event at a WI donated some which were being
talk. A buzz went around the room [and] the lady chair delightedly informed me that discarded by his employers, BT.
the lady in the picture was ‘this month’s cover girl in the WI magazine.’ They should be available by the
Bob Macdonald, Essex end of the year after safety testing.

Donations resulting from voluntary speaker talks in the first


half of 2005 totalled £3,104.This is our highest ever half Computer age
year total, beating the previous record by one pound. If you have a data projector and would
like copies of the speaker
slides on CD, let Nick
End of year questionnaire know and he will put one
In December, we will be sending all voluntary speakers our annual questionnaire. We in the post for
will be asking for the name of each group you have spoken to over the past year and an you (it’s too big
estimate of the size of audience. So please keep a note of this information if you can. for the email).
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 6

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 5

C O M M U N I T Y WO O D L A N D
N E T WO R K
The Community Woodland Network (CWN) supports community groups that
are 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 time
lucky
Over 130 delegates attended the
CWN Conference on the 17 and 18 June
at University College,Worcester. It was
the second attempt to organise this year’s
conference after the first was thwarted by a
fire at the original venue. But it was an
Photographs by WTPL/Steven Kind

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.

Nature or nurture? The debate continues


At the CWN conference, one workshop posed the following question to delegates. It led to a fascinating and lengthy
debate. Here’s a summary of some of the points that were made.

Is natural colonisation the best method for woodland creation?


In favour of natural colonisation In favour of planting
Left entirely to its own devices, much of lowland Britain could Trees will find it harder to naturally colonise arable and
be wooded after only a few decades. Nature provides a improved land that will have been chemically treated and
complete self-sustaining system that has worked for millions there may not be a suitable local seed source available.
of years and can continue to work. Engaging people, particularly children, in tree planting plays a
It costs nothing and does not create pollution such as vital role in encouraging them to value woodland in the future.
pesticides, fertilisers, vehicle emissions, plant tubes and so on. If planting is done thoughtfully, many of the associated
There is guaranteed local origin of seed.Trees grown from problems can be overcome. For example, a local variety of
seeds of local origin are proven to establish better and be species should be planted in appropriate places, randomly
more beneficial to the ecosystem. spaced in the right soil and non-pesticide means used to
weed around trees.
A mix of species occurs naturally.There is random spacing of
trees. Bushy trees with plenty of side branches are likely to Special types of planting such as hedgerows or avenues are
sometimes necessary.
occur. All of these factors provide a more diverse habitat,
encouraging a variety of species. The results are more immediate.
Why not continue this debate by logging on to www.yourwoods.org.uk and joining the discussion forum?
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 7

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

I N T H E WO O D S
We have nearly 700 people volunteering in our woods, doing practical tasks,
running events, surveying and generally taking good care of them.

Dragonflies return
to their cleaned-up
home
Voluntary contributor
David Goymour
profiles a group that
is helping nature to
flourish a stone’s throw
from one of the world’s
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 ‘Cut hazel every eight to 10 years and you get one-and-a-
consists of several local authorities working together. We half-inch poles,’ said Alan. ‘Today it's used for hedge-laying
share people and equipment.’ and not much else, but in old timber-frame buildings with
Dragonfly: WTPL; Woodlanders: Neville Squires

In the summer, they are mainly busy with routine path daub and wattle between the timbers, the hurdle was made
clearance work. with hazel poles.’

The group is also keeping alive the traditional skill of Coppicing these poles was a big business supplying industry
coppicing: cutting small-diameter wood at regular intervals two centuries ago: in the early days of the industrial
from young trees, which provides useful timber without revolution the cotton and wool spinning industries used
killing the plants, and also lets light in, improving the vast quantities of wooden bobbins. Sweet chestnut is still
environment for wildlife. coppiced today for fence posts.
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 8

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 7

My patch CLOSE UP
Janet Anders introduces the Friends of
Philipshill Wood.
It is just over ten years
since the Woodland
Trust bought this
ancient woodland site
on the borders of Names: Peter and Judy Westgate
Bucks and Herts. Its Ages: 73 and 65
ancient origins have been Location: near Shaftesbury, Dorset
concealed by recent Occupations: retired soft fruit growers
conifer planting, but a
careful investigation reveals
Q: How did you first get involved?
Dennis, a Friend of Philipshill Wood
its rich archaeological checks an owl box. A: In 1984, we became appeal co-ordinators for the
purchase of Duncliffe Wood in Shaftesbury. We
heritage, with old earth banks, saw pits and charcoal hearths
organised fundraising events and involved countryside
stimulating the imagination. It is a much valued wood, and artist, the late Gordon Beningfield
many contributed to the purchase, often referring to it as
‘our wood’. It is not surprising therefore that a keen team Q: What have you done so far?
of volunteers enjoys a weekly working party. A: The appeal for Duncliffe in 1984 was followed by a
10th anniversary art exhibition and talk by Gordon
We concentrate on managing paths, clearing round the Beningfield. This later inspired the Trust to plant
earthworks and opening glades to encourage wildflowers Beningfield Wood at West Milton. We helped organise
events and fundraise for this as well. Gordon planted
and butterflies, leaving the heavy work to a horse logger
the last trees for his 60th birthday.
who is able to remove large timber without damaging the
We located the land in Fontmell Magna for the
ground. One recent activity was to collect bluebell seed,
creation of Brookland Wood and initiated local interest
which will be sown later in areas cleared of conifers. In
and pledges for its purchase at auction. We continue
contrast, the foxgloves come up with vigour wherever to work at Brookland Wood, monitoring wildlife and
light is restored. carrying out other practical tasks, successfully getting
many other community groups involved.
We are learning more about our wood, and one member
We have become involved in other local woodland
has carried out a GPS survey, producing accurate maps creation projects, led various guided walks and
showing the location of the earth-works, orchids and many represented the Trust at local exhibitions.
other features. We survey the 16 tawny owl boxes, of which Q: What do you enjoy about it?
two or three are used each year, and have also provided
A: Meeting people and sharing common interests.
bird and wildflower surveys for the management plan. Encouraging young people and seeing the results of
local projects. One never stops learning and we enjoy
We also show a class from a local school round the wood
sharing experiences.
each term to see the changing seasons, and they
We love planting the trees, watching growth and
generously respond with a cake sale, which is financing
monitoring progress and failures. We admire the
provision of bird nest-boxes. changing seasons and the variety of colours and wildlife.
If you would like to write a ‘My patch’ piece, We marvel at the age and history of the veterans.
contact the editor. See page 15
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:31 am Page 9

8 email: volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111 VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 9

OV E R TO YO U
In the first issue of this Volunteer Newsletter, we included a short questionnaire. We had a fantastic response with 112 of you replying.
Here editor, Sallyanne Flemons, looks at what was said and reveals what has changed as a result.

Beginning a new publication is always a bit of a Clearly, there’s a little room for improvement on the
‘usefulness’ side of things. Practically speaking, the news
Ancient trees is to be a regular feature as we have a large and
dedicated group of volunteers working in this area
overarching theme for a set of articles is not always
very clear.’ So we have improved the clarity of headings in
daunting process. I found conceiving the Volunteer
element cannot be that current because of its infrequent this issue.
Newsletter even more so.We wanted to produce
publication (twice a year). But we will work to improve the
something light that reflected the close relationship
‘usefulness’ of future issues partly by making changes inspired
Style
that the Trust shares with its volunteers, without
by your more detailed answers elsewhere in the The majority seemed happy overall with the design and
A new name?
patronising our readers. Thank you for all your suggestions for a new name. We had
questionnaire. Also, over time, both staff writing style. A few commented that they would like to see
and volunteers should become increasingly more depth – ‘slightly longer articles and fewer bits.’ But there some great, thoughtful, quirky suggestions. But we also had a
We know that volunteers are very committed to 8 em ail
: vo lun
tee rs@
wo od
lot of feedback saying that although the current title was plain,
aware of the newsletter as an information lan d-t
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the cause and so it should have come as no surprise
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else e ur loc be hol ng tre

interest. However, there were a in Eur and are have mo al scho nting give the a cultur ding an es onc

excellent’. But there were a few


ope. less event m as pre al festiva excitin e they
Yet now re free ol inv – we offe sents be sho g range are
we are Plant tre es ava olved to oth uting abo l this sum
facing ilable . More r guidan ers.Vi ut Tre mer. All of eve

plenty of volunteer contributions in this


more an e-t nts as

Overall
threat a future for 200 than 2,0 ce and sit ww enthus e For year rou
ene d than wh ere our Be se re e on the 5. 00 sch a small w.nati iasm so All, ma nd we
the lea en. Dis website. ools hav grant ve-tre compel that mil king new will
st woode ever bef native e already for com e-sho led to lions of s and
ore. Frig woods pla y munity p.com people buildin
cent cov d countr htenin are Get dig the stic
ker sen signed events get inv
olved. know g
er. Co ies in Eur gly we ging. up to about

couple that were clear favourites mpare ope. Fin are one per Co t to
all me plant trees it and
missio
this wit
h a me
asly 6
land has
per cen
over 60
t in
per
of
You can
and how
them
n of cou me along to
get in
to car
touch
e for
t the we
rse).

with us
a plantin

or visi
mbers
g event
. If you
and enc

en you
haven’
ourage
t got one
any chi
ldr
contac
t us.
in their
ground
s and
we
As a sup
Trust,
count
porter
we rea
on you
of
lly hop
the Wo
e we can
odland
feel

comments about the lack of colour issue in many areas from submitting
To ge afterw our voi to add
t mor ards (se bsite for info know to
to com ce. On

It was really encouraging to see that over 90 per cent said the – Ancient trees and Millions and e deta
iled inf
ormat
ion ab
e below
).
rmatio
n about
where
to get
sapling
e too
(with
parent
al
you wil
sugges
l see som
tions on
the left
e
– ‘lack of colour makes a dull
out loc
al Tree
For Al
l even
ts and
s, how
to plant
them
Thank you
you can
a vital
help.T
opport
ways
his is
unity
articles, to illustrating and proofreading.
millions, the article about Tree For All.
ways to rea

impression’ (see Answering your


to ge lly ma

newsletter was either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ overall. Opinion was t involv ke a


ed, vis differe
nce. Ple
it ww
w.tre
efora
ll.org
.uk or
call 01
take it. ase

It seems only right that the production

Limb
476 58

Matt
questions). There were also a couple
1155

more divided on ‘usefulness’ with 32 per cent rating it most

WTPL/
of this newsletter should offer many
useful and 5 per cent finding it not at all useful, and everyone Several of you said that you would like to see more in depth of comments about clarifying the volunteer opportunities of its own.
else falling somewhere in-between. articles about trees and woods (see Answering your questions). themes behind particular pages – ‘the

Answering your questions


Can we have more articles I would like to see more colour in the newsletter.
about wildlife and trees? There were a few comments asking if more colour could be introduced into the newsletter. However, many also recognised
that there was an issue with print costs, believing that the money would be better spent on other things.
When the Volunteer Newsletter was conceived, we were clear that it needed to
In response, we got a quote for full colour but it was out of our budget range. In this issue we have used ‘duotone’ in some
fill a different niche to Broadleaf, the Trust’s members’ magazine, where many
of the photos. This is a way of including both colours to brighten images. We will also use different colours for each issue to
such articles can be found.
give a little variety.
Another difficulty is the wide knowledge base amongst the volunteers in this
Using recycled paper also gives a slightly ‘grey’ appearance but it is our policy to reduce waste in this way. However,
area. Some will already be conservation professionals while others do not have
introducing full colour is something that we may be able to do in the future if funding becomes available.
the same in depth knowledge, making pitching such articles hard.
However, on the positive side, where it is particularly relevant to volunteering,
we will endeavour to include articles with a wildlife focus. An interesting
Can we have some articles tailored to our region?
example in this issue is on page 5 where there is an article on natural Again, this is a cost issue. Producing different editions would be expensive. But maybe in time we will be able to use regional
Cartoon by volunteer, Bennet Aldous colonisation that arose from the Community Woodland Network conference. volunteer editors who could compile their own local section. If this role appeals to you, get in touch.
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:31 am Page 9

8 email: volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk tel: 01476 581111 VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 9

OV E R TO YO U
In the first issue of this Volunteer Newsletter, we included a short questionnaire. We had a fantastic response with 112 of you replying.
Here editor, Sallyanne Flemons, looks at what was said and reveals what has changed as a result.

Beginning a new publication is always a bit of a Clearly, there’s a little room for improvement on the
‘usefulness’ side of things. Practically speaking, the news
Ancient trees is to be a regular feature as we have a large and
dedicated group of volunteers working in this area
overarching theme for a set of articles is not always
very clear.’ So we have improved the clarity of headings in
daunting process. I found conceiving the Volunteer
element cannot be that current because of its infrequent this issue.
Newsletter even more so.We wanted to produce
publication (twice a year). But we will work to improve the
something light that reflected the close relationship
‘usefulness’ of future issues partly by making changes inspired
Style
that the Trust shares with its volunteers, without
by your more detailed answers elsewhere in the The majority seemed happy overall with the design and
A new name?
patronising our readers. Thank you for all your suggestions for a new name. We had
questionnaire. Also, over time, both staff writing style. A few commented that they would like to see
and volunteers should become increasingly more depth – ‘slightly longer articles and fewer bits.’ But there some great, thoughtful, quirky suggestions. But we also had a
We know that volunteers are very committed to 8 em ail
: vo lun
tee rs@
wo od
lot of feedback saying that although the current title was plain,
aware of the newsletter as an information lan d-t
ru st.
or g.u
k
tel : 01
47
were far more that said it was just right – ‘just what a
the cause and so it should have come as no surprise
6 58 11
11

sharing medium and so will submit more “ The Tr


in a ch
ee For
eerful
All camp
aign is
MILL
IONS newsletter should be. Succinct and it did do the job well – ‘I think the title is exactly what its all
Y mood the W
when so many of you responded to our questionnaire: ou ma
we ma
y hav
ke no
ap
e alread
y heard
ab
. . . loo
king for
Clive And
ward
oodland
wi
Trust
erson, Wo th hope.
AND
MILL about’. ‘It’s straightforward and it’s clear.’ So Volunteer
informative.’ So we’ve kept
ologie out Tre

articles.
It’s ou
have
wood
r bigges
seriou
s impli
s for
t cam writin
paign
cation
ever,
e For

with
All
g abou
t it aga
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in here.
odland
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sident IONS VO LU

8 per cent of the circulation, much higher than a s. As a s for ambit land, 8 NT EE
volun the fut ions tha Englan per cen
would teer, we t d, 14 per t in R NE
ure of W

Newsletter it remains.
like to and 17 cent in SL ET


invite the UK Wales TE R
to gra ’s per cen

the balance the same for


sp the you t in At its 9
oppo all the Scotlan heart
to be rtunit time, the d. And this ca
part of y climate spectr about mpaig
your it. No
w’s change e of real, sim n is ab
chance looms ple, ho out mu
typical return rate. But I was surprised because you role in
succes
makin
to pla
g it the
y a key
This ma
kes dep
ressin
larg e.
Plantin
g trees
inspiratio is a tru
nest ac
tion . .
. childre
ddy bo
n planti
ots an
d hand
s. It’s

issue two.
s it ne but the ly
eds to re is som g readin nal exp ng tre
Let’s cut
be.
we can
do, and
ething
positiv
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erie
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nce. “I
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es.
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are busy people with lots of reading material the nex


t five yea
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and Tru great squelc the ape as en to act is
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get one nds to of par ldren d.” said whole a startin
million movem tners plantin young one , to nur app reciati g
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wing
trees. It was wonderful to receive so many offers to help out
led to a wide range of views on MORI w that .We can tree has ea pp
show
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s that children plant tre ’t been
comments were largely positive –

Limb
growin
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newsletter was needed.

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an re
of 15-24 enviro
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WTPL/
year
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en? e teame
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which articles held the most
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do ‘visual appeal very good. Clarity
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resear
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been taken up already and you will see


resear re native ing frie vide
ch sho nds and inform
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ws tha
t childr Orga trees family
ation abo Gail Por
active UK spe nise a and shr about plante ut how ter
than any en ubs in to car
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where watch
ing TV re tim tree pla den or All. part of
will also
else e ur loc be hol ng tre

interest. However, there were a in Eur and are have mo al scho nting give the a cultur ding an es onc

excellent’. But there were a few


ope. less event m as pre al festiva excitin e they
Yet now re free ol inv – we offe sents be sho g range are
we are Plant tre es ava olved to oth uting abo l this sum
facing ilable . More r guidan ers.Vi ut Tre mer. All of eve

plenty of volunteer contributions in this


more an e-t nts as

Overall
threat a future for 200 than 2,0 ce and sit ww enthus e For year rou
ene d than wh ere our Be se re e on the 5. 00 sch a small w.nati iasm so All, ma nd we
the lea en. Dis website. ools hav grant ve-tre compel that mil king new will
st woode ever bef native e already for com e-sho led to lions of s and
ore. Frig woods pla y munity p.com people buildin
cent cov d countr htenin are Get dig the stic
ker sen signed events get inv
olved. know g
er. Co ies in Eur gly we ging. up to about

couple that were clear favourites mpare ope. Fin are one per Co t to
all me plant trees it and
missio
this wit
h a me
asly 6
land has
per cen
over 60
t in
per
of
You can
and how
them
n of cou me along to
get in
to car
touch
e for
t the we
rse).

with us
a plantin

or visi
mbers
g event
. If you
and enc

en you
haven’
ourage
t got one
any chi
ldr
contac
t us.
in their
ground
s and
we
As a sup
Trust,
count
porter
we rea
on you
of
lly hop
the Wo
e we can
odland
feel

comments about the lack of colour issue in many areas from submitting
To ge afterw our voi to add
t mor ards (se bsite for info know to
to com ce. On

It was really encouraging to see that over 90 per cent said the – Ancient trees and Millions and e deta
iled inf
ormat
ion ab
e below
).
rmatio
n about
where
to get
sapling
e too
(with
parent
al
you wil
sugges
l see som
tions on
the left
e
– ‘lack of colour makes a dull
out loc
al Tree
For Al
l even
ts and
s, how
to plant
them
Thank you
you can
a vital
help.T
opport
ways
his is
unity
articles, to illustrating and proofreading.
millions, the article about Tree For All.
ways to rea

impression’ (see Answering your


to ge lly ma

newsletter was either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ overall. Opinion was t involv ke a


ed, vis differe
nce. Ple
it ww
w.tre
efora
ll.org
.uk or
call 01
take it. ase

It seems only right that the production

Limb
476 58

Matt
questions). There were also a couple
1155

more divided on ‘usefulness’ with 32 per cent rating it most

WTPL/
of this newsletter should offer many
useful and 5 per cent finding it not at all useful, and everyone Several of you said that you would like to see more in depth of comments about clarifying the volunteer opportunities of its own.
else falling somewhere in-between. articles about trees and woods (see Answering your questions). themes behind particular pages – ‘the

Answering your questions


Can we have more articles I would like to see more colour in the newsletter.
about wildlife and trees? There were a few comments asking if more colour could be introduced into the newsletter. However, many also recognised
that there was an issue with print costs, believing that the money would be better spent on other things.
When the Volunteer Newsletter was conceived, we were clear that it needed to
In response, we got a quote for full colour but it was out of our budget range. In this issue we have used ‘duotone’ in some
fill a different niche to Broadleaf, the Trust’s members’ magazine, where many
of the photos. This is a way of including both colours to brighten images. We will also use different colours for each issue to
such articles can be found.
give a little variety.
Another difficulty is the wide knowledge base amongst the volunteers in this
Using recycled paper also gives a slightly ‘grey’ appearance but it is our policy to reduce waste in this way. However,
area. Some will already be conservation professionals while others do not have
introducing full colour is something that we may be able to do in the future if funding becomes available.
the same in depth knowledge, making pitching such articles hard.
However, on the positive side, where it is particularly relevant to volunteering,
we will endeavour to include articles with a wildlife focus. An interesting
Can we have some articles tailored to our region?
example in this issue is on page 5 where there is an article on natural Again, this is a cost issue. Producing different editions would be expensive. But maybe in time we will be able to use regional
Cartoon by volunteer, Bennet Aldous colonisation that arose from the Community Woodland Network conference. volunteer editors who could compile their own local section. If this role appeals to you, get in touch.
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 11

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

O U T O F T H E WO O D S
There is a plethora of volunteer opportunities outside of the woods all over the UK.

CLOSE UP
Name: Joanne Blaker Age: 22
Volunteer role: designer/illustrator Location: Huddersfield

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 by


children 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 9–10 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 involves
both design and educational work with children. I’m 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 Trust’s 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 and
sister, making dens, laying tracks and being ambushed. We’re all adults now but we still love exploring the woods
together and getting lost in the dark.

A fond farewell
The Chair of the Woodland Trust is an influential honours. Former Deutsche Bank managing
helmsman, ably helping to steer the organisation director, Dr John Lake, has now taken on the
into the future. Like all our trustees, the Chair is challenge and has a wealth of experience to
also a volunteer. Peter Oliver has just retired offer. He has been a trustee since 2001.
from this role after seven years, and his services When vacancies become available on the Woodland
to wildlife conservation were deservedly Trust board, they are advertised in specialist press
recognised with an OBE in the Queen’s birthday and on www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 12

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 11

Keep on iewfinder
running CLOSE UP
Back in June, the Tree Name: Bob Macdonald
Huggers Team joined Volunteer role: speaker and
photographer
6,000 people from 45
Age: 68
countries to run the
Location: Ongar, Essex
third Edinburgh
Occupation: retired Metropolitan
Marathon. They did it police officer
as a relay team in an
Q: What have you done for the Trust so far?
incredible 3 hours 50
A: In the last fourteen years I have given over one hundred
minutes, raising £250 talks and have received about £2,000 in donations. More
for the Trust’s Tree For importantly, I have made
direct contact with around
All campaign.
4,000 members of the public
A brilliant effort. Lorna Henderson
from many organisations
thus supporting one of the
Taking part in a sponsored activity is an easy and
Trust’s key objectives of
entertaining way to raise funds for the Trust and these increasing public awareness.
days it needn’t involve waving a sponsorship form
Q: What do you enjoy about your role?
under the nose of anyone who comes your way. It can
A: I have always enjoyed photography, and it has been a
all be done online. pleasure to visit all the woods in Essex, building up a year
on year slide record of their development which I have
For more information contact Phillipa Fisher on
incorporated into my talks.
01476 581125 or visit the website
I feel that the Woodland Trust
www.woodland-trust.org.uk/sponsoredevents 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 Trust’s South East Volunteer of the Year in 2003
An eye for a good picture?
From left to right: Lorna Henderson, Paul and Fiona Molloy with son Then the Woodland Trust needs you. See page 14
Robert, James Cooke and Joanne Rae
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 13

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

continued on from front page

area under threat, but here’s an opportunity to get a I N BU S I N E S S


swathe of broadleaf forest into working order and to
get more people there to enjoy it.” The Trust’s work with companies gives a huge
It’s this broadleaf woodland that the Woodland Trust is
boost to our native woods. There are many
determined to save. Many of the ancient trees were ways that volunteers can help.
felled in the early part of the 20th century and conifer
plantations now cover around three quarters of
Wentwood Forest. The non-native conifers are
changing the eco-system of the ancient forest site –
Green Christmas
preventing natural daylight getting in, damaging the soil F or eight years we have been encouraging the public to recycle
and coating the ground in pine needles. their Christmas cards. After the Christmas of 2004 a staggering 58
million were collected. This not only reduces waste going to landfill
But the pockets of broadleaf trees that do exist help to
but raises money to plant new trees. Our partnerships with Tesco
support 23 species of butterfly, 75 bird species and
and WHSmith have opened up even more opportunities.
plants like the bluebell, yellow pimpernel, enchanter’s
nightshade and wild daffodil. Effective communication is
the key to getting even
Ancient woodland is richer than any other type of wildlife
habitat.With the Trust’s expertise, it’s possible to restore more cards recycled. And
the ancient woodland that remains. Not only is the Trust this is where our
able to plant new broadleaf trees, but once the canopy of volunteers can help. This
Christmas, we need people

‘ the Woodland Trust’s most to take literature to


successful campaign ever.

conifers is carefully removed, seeds from the mature
doctor’s surgeries, libraries
and schools and so on. If
native trees remaining can germinate. This is one of the you are a member of your
reasons why Wentwood Forest became such a priority local WI or Rotary Club
for the Woodland Trust. Not only did ancient woodland or other community group,
features still exist, but the Trust believed they were under these are ideal places to
threat and could be regenerated. promote it.

…And, judging by the response to the appeal, Wentwood


Forest is close to very many people’s hearts. The fast Yellow Woods
turnaround campaign has hopefully paid off. Around
20,000 people gave their support, and the Supporter The Yellow Woods Challenge is a schools
Services Team describes it as being the Woodland Trust’s environmental campaign run by Yellow
most successful campaign ever. Supporters UK-wide Pages and the Trust, working with local
donated £1.2 million. authorities across the UK.

When the Trust’s first School children simply bring their old Yellow Pages
offer was rejected, directories to school for recycling and they learn
people called in to about paper, recycling and woodland conservation.
Yell/Citigate

redouble their pledge There are prizes to be won and it raises money for
money. As we go to the Trust. Since 2002, more than half a million
press, a second, higher participating pupils have recycled almost 890 tonnes of directories
offer has been accepted and benefited from around £125,000 worth of educational materials.
and the Trust is hoping
We are looking for more volunteers to attend regional launch events
to exchange contracts shortly.
and award ceremonies on behalf of the Trust. This sometimes
Funds are still needed for the future management involves talking to schools about our work and highlighting how they
of Wentwood Forest – to donate online please visit can help by collecting Yellow Pages.
www.savewentwoodforest.org.uk or contact Kavita
Heyn on 0117 927 2337. If you would like to help with For further information or to register for either of these tasks,
the fundraising effort, contact the volunteers team. please contact a member of the volunteers team.
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 14

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 13

ANCIENT TREES
We have teamed up with the Ancient Tree Forum to celebrate ancient trees and do all
we can to conserve them. Read about what’s happening in this section and, if you
have Internet access, please help keep the discussion forum alive by logging onto
www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk or www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk
Page edited by ancient trees volunteer, Phil Marshall

“Old, fat CLOSE UP


Name: Phil Marshall

and gnarled” Volunteer roles: copywriter


for the Ancient Tree Forum and
Volunteer Newsletter writer
– Whose line is it anyway? (Ancient Trees)
Occupation: regulatory
It’s actually Clive Anderson’s – and service manager,Yorkshire Water
for once it’s not taken from the
popular quiz programme. He was Age: 40
talking about the hunt for ancient trees, Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
comparing himself – with tongue firmly
in cheek – to the sort of tree that the Q: Describe what you do for the Woodland Trust
Trust and the Ancient Tree Hunt is keen to hear about. A: I research and write a monthly website article for the
Ancient Tree Forum, spotlighting a different county
Join the Ancient Tree Hunt each time and highlighting its top locations for ancient
trees and woodland. I also research and write copy
We already know where some of our ancient trees are but
for this page of the Volunteers Newsletter!
we’ve very little information about them. No doubt there
are others too, which we don’t know about. Q: How did you first get involved?
What we want you to do too is go out and record them, noting A: I joined the Trust in 1994, after seeing an information
their species, location and girth.We’re looking for the sort of board at Coed Aber Artro in Wales. A few years ago,
tree that’s so big you’d need to join hands with at least two I found that I had some spare time, so I offered my
other people to encircle it. So, join us on the Ancient Tree Hunt. services to the Trust. My first voluntary activity –
As Clive Anderson says other than planting hedges and trees in South
Yorkshire – was to produce PR Guidelines for

“ Anyone can help to do this. Perhaps you


pass a great old tree every day. So next time,
Volunteers with the UK Phenology Network.

Q: What do you get out of it?


please make a note and tell us about it.

Photograph by Noël Kingsley, FRPS, www.noelkingsley.com

A: I know that whatever I do – whether it’s picking up


litter at one of the Trust’s locations or writing about
ancient woodland – it’s making a valuable
contribution.

Q: Why do you think the Trust’s work is


important?

A: Ancient trees and ancient woods are part of our


natural heritage. Trees and woods are essential for
our environment, our economy and our communities.
To find out how to register your ancient trees, log on to the surveying The Trust’s work is vital in preserving this for us and
and recording section at www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk or send for future generations.
details to Jill Butler at the Trust’s Grantham office (see back cover).
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 15

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

VO L U N T E E R
O P P O RT U N I T I E S
Here are a few of the volunteer opportunities available at the Woodland Trust.
To find out about these and others, please contact the volunteers team. Opportunities
are also advertised on our website. Visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved

Photographers Electrical
UK-wide appliance
Re-vamped and updated testing
this year, the volunteer Grantham, Lincolnshire
photographer’s scheme is for
anyone with a keen interest
Do you have or know
someone who has PAT
in photography and a good
qualifications? People are needed
eye for an image. All kinds of
to come to our Grantham office
photography is required by
on a regular basis to check the
the Woodland Trust on an
many small appliances we use.
ongoing basis so, whatever
Ideally this would be during office
your photography style, your
hours, but some flexibility may be
skills will be needed. For more
possible. Currently this
information visit our web pages Scottish wood Ancient Tree opportunity is only applicable
www.woodland-trust.org.uk/
woods click on ‘pictures of our
protection Hunt mapping to our Grantham office but,
depending on its success, we
woods’ and follow the picture researcher UK-wide
may look to involve volunteers
library link. homebased
Some Trust sites contain in testing the equipment at the

Bat and water D


home offices of our regional staff.
o you have the skills to ancient trees that need to be
identify and audit the current recorded.Volunteers are
vole monitoring status of ancient woodland in needed in these areas to carry Conservation
Cambridgeshire
local plans and structure out this recording for us. group support
plans across Scotland? The Ideally, recorders or someone
Norfolk/Suffolk
Do you have wildlife information you provide will they know should have access
monitoring experience that help to produce a league to the Internet so they can The Woodland Officer in
you would like to put to good table for our Public Affairs record the details of the this area has a number of
use? Many of our sites in the team who wish to target trees using the online facility successful volunteer groups
county are in need of surveys those local authorities who on the website. To do so, visit who carry out significant
so that we can ensure that have high concentrations of www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk amounts of high quality work
bat and water vole habitats ancient woodland with little and click on ‘surveying and for us. He would like to be
are not harmed by essential protection from development. recording’. able to provide increased
management activity. Ideally levels of support to these
you will be knowledgeable groups and would also like to
about the identification signs develop new groups. Do you
and will appreciate that these have good communication
animals must not be handled skills and the ability and time
WTPL/David Lund

or disturbed – as this is not to travel to meet groups


necessary for monitoring across these counties to help
purposes. us to support them?
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:29 am Page 16

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 15

F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D
QUESTIONS
I recently tripped on
Q a loose path surface
A Yes, as you suspected, you should have reported the fall. Any incidents that happen
while you’re acting as a volunteer, wherever you are and whether or not they involve injuries
and sprained my wrist
or damage, should be reported to your task manager, someone in the volunteer team or
when I was walking another member of staff as soon as possible. Whoever you contact will arrange for the
through the wood I’m relevant action to be taken. This will include putting an entry in the Trust’s incident book;
you may need to provide details for this.
researching. Should I have
If you witness an incident or near miss involving a member of the public or property on one
reported it to anyone?
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.

When I'm visiting a


Q wood as a volunteer A As a precautionary measure the Woodland Trust does not advocate badges for
warden, I would like to 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
wear a badge showing that to unnecessary risk. There isn’t any reason for volunteers to confront members of the public
I'm representing the so badges shouldn’t really be needed. Legally, the volunteers role is ‘in aid of’ or ‘support of’
Woodland Trust. Is this 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
possible? that you feel require you to have some identification please discuss the issue with your task
manager or a member of the volunteer team.

We received this question


Q from Brian T Thornalley of
Loughborough
A 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
As voluntary warden of
have, in turn, put pressure on their local authority to provide dog bins at the site entrances.
Willoughby Wood, I was To avoid ongoing management costs, we have offered to pay for the initial installation and the
mortified to find...a stash other parties have funded the periodic emptying of the bins. Also, clear signage and
of bags of dog dirt...I reminders by the voluntary wardens has encouraged dog-owners to co-operate, but, alas,
reported the incident to there will always be someone who will not.
HQ only to learn [that this] If you come across any litter problems on Trust sites, dog muck or otherwise, please advise
is a common problem...so the site manager who will arrange for the problem to be cleared appropriately. We ask that
what can be done? you don’t 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.

We welcome contributions to this newsletter.


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

email: newslettereditor@woodland-trust.org.uk

post: Sallyanne Flemons, Editor, the Volunteer Newsletter,


The Woodland Trust, Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL
winter05 Newsletter 3/11/05 10:28 am Page 1

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

NEWS...
VO
Stop CLOSE UP
press Name: Dean Weir
Woodland Trust volunteer Jackie Buckley and Maureen Nye
receive the award from CE of the Volunteer role: warden
group, The Friends of Park Nationwide Philip Williamson
for Corcrain Community
Wood, have won a coveted national award. It recognises
Woodland
their efforts to convert an overgrown, litter-strewn
wasteland into a thriving traditional English woodland.
Age: 38
Location: Portadown,
They were named adult
County Armagh
group section winners of the
Nationwide Awards for
Occupation: caretaker
for a block of flats. That’s why
Voluntary Endeavour at a
I love to escape into the
glitzy presentation
woods regularly
at Lord’s Cricket
Ground. The
Friends, based in Q: How did you first get involved with the Trust
Waterlooville, and how long ago?
Hampshire, will receive a £3,000 A: About two years ago when the Trust got involved
prize that they can spend on in the management of a green area near my home.
equipment and interpretation The area had previously been something of a
facilities at Park Wood. dumping ground, and an anti-social hotspot.

Q: What have you done so far?


The credits A: I try to keep the area as litter free as possible. I
have also helped to repair the fence, which had
A huge thank you to this issue’s voluntary contributors:
been repeatedly broken by someone who wanted
Paula Thornton, feature writer Janet Anders, My Patch writer
to use the woodland as his personal quad track.
David Goymour, feature writer Bennet Aldous, cartoonist
Phil Marshall, ancient tree Frances Nichols, proofreader Q: What do you enjoy about the work you do?
page editor Vernon Robinson, proofreader A: The work is very spiritually rewarding for me.
. ..and everyone who provided pictures for free or agreed Lending a hand to nature and improving habitat
to be interviewed. If you’d like to help with the next issue, for all sorts of wildlife brings its own rewards.
see page 15. Providing a breathing space and tranquillity for the
community who frequent the area also gives me
pleasure.
Getting in touch
Q: What do trees and woods mean to you?
The Woodland Trust
A: When I go into the wood, the first thing I notice is
Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL the amount and variety of birdsong. This is very
Tel: 01476 581111 Fax: 01476 590808 therapeutic and uplifting. I also enjoy seeing the
BT Textdirect: 18001 01476 581135
butterflies, insects, frogs and wildflowers. The trees
email: volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk look wonderful, especially in summer when they
www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved have all their leaves.

The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark Registered Charity No. 294344 A non-profit making company limited by guarantee Registered in England No. 1982873
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