2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 2

Spring 2005

VO L U N T E E R N E W
SLETTER
INSIDE
Making space
for people
News
e-woods, threatened woods,
BBC Springwatch and
more… pages 2 & 16

Phenology
Why 11,000 recorders are
watching the clock page 3

Speaker’s bulletin page 4

Community Woodland
Network page 5

In the woods
News and views for
people involved in the
woods page 6

Viewfinder
A new scheme for keen
photographers page 7
WTPL/Nick Spurling

Millions and millions

The low down on
As a volunteer for the Woodland Trust, you Woods and trees improve our health by

our biggest campaign won’t need any persuading that woods are encouraging exercise and reducing stress. They
ever page 8 pretty important places. Of course they are improve air quality, provide shade, encourage

Out of the woods and yet some new research, the first study learning and recreation, and can even increase
How people are making a of its kind in the UK, has shown that the property values.
difference without leaving woodland cover in this country is simply not Nick Collinson, who
their desks page 10
enough to meet our social needs. led on the research
Ancient trees page 12
At the end of 2004, the Trust published an explains; “Location is
In business everything. Many of
important document called Space for People. In it,
Could working with
we revealed eye-opening new evidence which the social benefits
companies work for
you? page 13 states an extremely strong case for creating more which woods provide are

woods and improving access to existing woods, dependent on them being located close to people.
Frequently asked
questions crucially, in places where people can gain maximum Our research shows that people value woods and
How form filling benefit from them. It makes interesting reading. enjoy visiting them.We now know how far people
saves woods page 14 Did you know for example, that woodland are prepared to travel to woods, and what they
Volunteer contributes to 11 out of 15 of the Government’s want from them when they get there.”
opportunities page 15 own quality of life indicators? So what are we doing about it? We have developed
story continued on page 10

ed in England No. 1982873 Newsletter for the Woodland Trust volunteers www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am
2 email: volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk
WELCOME
From top to bottom: Julie Beals, Carl
Hughes, Karen Lifford and Merle Dekanski
The Government has declared 2005 the Year
of the Volunteer and it’s only right that your
crucial activities should gain such
recognition. And what better time for the
Woodland Trust to be producing its first ever
newsletter for all its volunteers?
We have done our best to make it as
informative and compelling as we can. But it
would really help if you can take a few minutes
to fill out the short survey that came with
this newsletter and tell us if we’ve got it right.
Some of our volunteer networks already had
their own newsletter that is now
incorporated into this one. In doing so we
have saved costs that can be redirected into
caring for woods. It means we can also
provide you with even more information
than you had before.
In time, it would be fantastic if most of the
content was generated by volunteers.We
know the talent and interest is out there. Just
let us know where!
In the meantime, enjoy, be inspired and we
look forward to hearing from you.
The Volunteer Team
PS.Thank you for all you do as a volunteer.
The UK’s woods are benefiting immeasurably.
Page 3
tel: 01476 581111
NEWS
IS YOUR WOOD AN E-WOOD?
Jon Parsons, e-communications manager
We have over 1,000 woods and almost all are featured on our website.
I reckon there are a great many pages out there in cyberspace that
could tell people even more about these fabulous woods.
If you have created a website about a Woodland Trust wood near or
dear to you, then please drop us an email and, if it’s appropriate we will
gladly create a link from the details about the wood on our main site,
to your site. Or if you know there is a site run by another person or
organisation that has information on it about a Trust wood please let us
know that too. If there isn’t already a link, we will make one. Thanks.
THREATENED WOODS –
what can you do? by Graham Bradley
national planning casework officer
Ancient woodland is our richest
wildlife habitat and yet there is very
little of it about. Did you know that
in the UK, only 14 per cent of it is
WTPL/Stuart Handley
protected by law? Far too
frequently it comes under threat
from development, misuse or abuse.
But you can take action. If you hear Ancient woods contain no fewer than 78 threatened species,
more than any other type of natural habitat in the UK.
of an ancient wood under threat you
can let me know via www.woodsunderthreat.info or telephone 01476 581102.
If you’d like to help us save ancient woods on an ongoing basis, either by
campaigning or by factfinding we’d like to hear from you. A little of your time
could ultimately save one of nature’s most precious, irreplaceable assets.
New volunteers to lead the Trust
Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Woodland Trust in so many ways but did
you know that the trustees that guide the organisation are themselves volunteers?
We are really pleased to welcome two more trustees onto our board. Dr Nicola
Nicholls from London, has worked in the financial services industry for 19 years.
Professor Michael B Usher of Perthshire was previously Chief Scientist of Scottish
Natural Heritage and is also a trustee of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.
Opportunities on our board are advertised on: www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05
The Woodland Trust
has been running
the UK Phenology
Network with the
Centre for Ecology
and Hydrology for four years. We
are gathering crucial information
about how climate change is
affecting UK wildlife with the help
of over 11,000 recorders.
Phenology is the study of the times of
recurring natural phenomena especially in
relation to climate. Like recording hearing
Lisa Turner
looking
out for
ladybirds
This spring we’re trying to
get as many children as
possible to tell us when
they see their first ladybird.
Blackbird: Margaret Barton; Peacock butterfly: Peter Paice; Ladybird: Margaret Barton
An average seven spot
ladybird eats
more than
5,000 aphids in
its year long life
so, if you’re a
gardener, you might want
to spread the word. The
more we know about the
ladybird, the more we can
do to look after it. Visit
www.naturedetectives.org.uk
10:56 am Page 4
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 3
PHENOLOGY
the first cuckoo or seeing the first area of research, we’d
blackthorn blossom.This can then be like to hear from
compared with other records. you.
Anyone can become a phenology In this issue we’re
recorder and the more records we have focusing on Nature
Margaret Barton
the more meaningful the results become. Detectives, our new
We are also always looking for good initiative that aims to
quality photographs that will help others get children involved in phenology.
to identify species and which may There’s a great new website at
provide evidence. Historical phenological www.naturedetectives.org.uk
records are extremely
To find out more about phenology and
important too (see
page 11) and if you how you can get involved,visit
could help with www.phenology.org.uk or contact the
this fascinating volunteers team.
The naturedetectives and me
by Lisa Turner
Until I joined the conservation group at college, I was going to be a speech
therapist.After working with the group, I wanted to save the world. When my
family came along, my enthusiasm for nature conservation grew again. A walk
with the dogs was a chance to show the children how to identify grasses, or watch
water boatmen in the pond.
When I became a governor at my children’s school, I realised that very few children had the
opportunity to learn about the detail of the environment around them.We are a rural
community, and yet few can tell the difference between Yorkshire fog and meadow grass, or
identify an ash twig in winter.
A chance conversation with an old colleague from the Woodland Trust gave me the idea to start
an after school club.This wasn’t easy. All the child protection issues had to be covered. But with
the help of an expert friend and another parent, I started Thriplow School Nature Detectives.
We have the support of the local farmers who let us use their land to investigate ponds, hedges,
meadows and woodland.The Wildlife Trust lets us use the small, orchid rich reserve in the
village. I was amazed to find that before Nature Detectives many of the parents had never
visited this incredible resource on their doorstep.To see them wonder at this habitat was
worth setting the whole thing up for alone.
Nature Detectives offers an alternative way for children to learn outside of the classroom. I
know that even children who normally exhibit ‘challenging behaviour’ in school are enthused
by the practical work we do.
As I work out the programme of activities for summer term I am amazed by the response.The
local farmers have contacted me asking when we would like to go back.The Botanic Gardens
have invited us again and we’ve got trips pencilled in to the local RSPB reserve.The children are
already excited and the parents want to know dates so that they can come along too. I had
better get on with it!
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 5

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

SPEAKERS’ BULLETIN
The Woodland Trust has a network of nearly 90
voluntary speakers all over the UK have 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

Leads, lights and my first talk by Nick Sandford

voluntary speakers co-ordinator

In my years as co-ordinator of our voluntary
speaker scheme, I had never actually done a
talk myself, until now. I happened to handle
an enquiry from a National Trust group that
holds meetings at a URC church just half a
mile from where I live. So I thought why not
have a go at it myself?
The talk itself went quite well but, as many
speakers have told me in the past, it’s the little
things that cause the problems. Like attempting
to carry a (supposedly) portable slide
projector and bulging bag of leaflets on a train.
When I got to the hall, the projector table had
been positioned in the second row of the
audience and the cord to my slide changer
was too short. Fortunately, they had a
projector exactly like mine with a longer lead.
So I started my talk.They switched off all the
lights, plunging the room into total darkness.
Luckily, I remembered a tip I had been given
by one our speakers and had taken a torch,
so at least I could refer to my notes.
After a break, I did a second mini-presentation
on phenology, which went down very well.They
took quite a few leaflets but there were lots
left over and I remembered I still had to carry
them home, together with the projector…
But I got some really positive feedback after
the talk, and a £30 donation, so it all seemed
worthwhile in the end.

FREE TRAINING Have voice, will travel

Robert Alan-Haven is a professional trainer who has
worked with senior executives in industry and
commerce. Some of you will have enjoyed his
stimulating presentation at the Speaker’s Forum in
Grantham last September. He has kindly agreed to
volunteer his services to the Woodland Trust.
Robert is offering coaching to small groups of
voluntary speakers to help them give more effective
talks. If this is something you might be interested in,
please let Nick know. If we get interest from several
people in one area of the country, we will look to set
something up.
New slides
Just a reminder that we have a set of slides available for a
mini-presentation on Nature’s Calendar (phenology) (see
page 3). They will also work as an add-on to your
main talk. Contact Nick, if you would like one.
If the idea proves popular, we may develop
other mini-presentations such as on the
Tree For All campaign (see page 8).
Some of our voluntary speakers are able to give talks
well away from their home area. For example,Tom Cole
in Brighton has friends all over the country and has
done talks for us in places as far apart as Lancashire and
Norfolk. John Greaves from North Yorkshire has given
talks in the Blackpool area, Peter and Rosemary Dodd
from Newcastle have been across into Cumbria and
Cameron Low from Glasgow has been to many distant
parts of Scotland.
If you have links with another part of the country and
would like to give talks there, please let us know. It may
help us to respond to requests in areas where we do not
have many speakers.
And, if you come across anyone who you think
would make a good speaker for the Woodland
Trust, why not suggest that they contact us?
We are always on the look out for new talent.
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 6

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 5

COMMUNITY WOODLAND
NETWORK
The Community Woodland Network (CWN) It offers advice, networking opportunities and
supports community groups that are managing funding.To find out more, call 01476 581155 or
woodland or creating new woods. visit www.yourwoods.org.uk

CWN IN ACTION
Brookings Down,
Noss Mayo, South Devon
At least two centuries old, Brookings Down equipping them to clear 2.5
Wood lies 10 miles from Plymouth, on the edge acres of suffocating laurel, put

of the small village of Noss Mayo.When the land
came up for sale, a group of local people couldn’t
wait to take it off the hands of the seller, a
speculative builder whose bids to secure planning
permission had thankfully proved fruitless.
As the new millennium dawned in January 2000, the purchase
was completed and the local group decided that linking in with
the Woodland Trust’s
Community Woodland
Network would really
boost their efforts to
care for and fund the
wood. Having raised
£18,000 to buy it, the
group then gave it to the
Trust, drawing upon its
ample experience as a
Jeremy Spooner
Chris Woodd-Walker
up bird boxes and planted
about 700 native saplings.
Jeremy Spooner, chairman for
the group, is modest about their considerable efforts but he is
obviously proud and very clear on why they do it. “We really
feel like we’re making a difference.” he says.
And they really are. Now wildlife in the wood is thriving with
bluebells and red campion peppered around the many
varieties of native tree including ash, oak and holly. It’s time for
the group to let nature take its course for a while. But they
are not complacent.This year, they are putting up an
information board and making a new entrance as a way of
encouraging others to come and see this natural asset that’s
well worth showing off.
Over the past three years

landowner.The volunteers
it has supported over 50
then leased the wood
Money isn’t everything, groups and allocated more
back from the Trust.
but, when you’ve got a than £85,000 in grant
Since then, with a lot of hard work by an enthusiastic group of wood to run, it sure helps. support. Groups have
The Community spent it on training, new
around 30 volunteers, Brookings Down Wood has gone from
Woodland Network tools and events designed
strength to strength.They raised a further £20,000, from
annually provides grants to attract new members.
Friends of BDW and various other sources including a £2,000 to groups to spend on If you’d like to know more,
CWN grant.With it, they bought insurance, tools and trees, their ongoing activities. get in touch (see above).

Conference call – update heard that the conference scheduled for March has been
The CWN conference is a fantastic chance to meet other postponed due to a fire at the venue. Now it will be held in
groups, share knowledge, learn a little and enjoy the company June or July.These conferences are held every two years and
of like minded people. Network members may already have all Groups are invited.We hope you can make it.
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 7
6 email: volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk
IN THE WOODS
We have nearly 700 people volunteering in our woods, doing practical tasks, running
events, surveying and generally taking good care of these special places. If you
would like to write a piece about your patch, contact the volunteers team.
Join the hunt
for dormice
in the
Wye Valley
by Dr Stefan Bodnar
Biodiversity officer, Birmingham City council
With its adorable looks it’s easy to see the appeal
of the dormouse. But sadly, in the 20th century,
its numbers fell dramatically as its favoured habitat
began to disappear.
Crucially, we have discovered a key stronghold for the animal
My patch
by Peter Lyons, Kilcooley Wood, Bangor
It all started with a visit to the Woodland Trust
website. I found they needed a Volunteer Warden to
patrol the newly created Kilcooley wood on a regular
basis. I thought this would be a good way to help in a
practical manner, so I volunteered.
I’ve been patrolling since May 2003; it’s not an onerous task, in
fact it’s a very rewarding one. During my visits I’ve been
pleasantly surprised. In June I saw meadow brown butterflies
in their hundreds, while parts of the wood were alive with
orchids. The August visit saw more types of butterfly and a
startlingly bright common blue damselfly.
tel: 01476 581111
in the Wye Valley where it is inhabiting both coniferous and
deciduous woodland. Over the past few years, the Woodland
Trust has taken on the task of recording and monitoring its
presence in the woods here.
As the dormouse is a protected species, licences are needed
to survey it. So in October, we ran a very successful training
event. Rob McKenzie was one of the team who volunteered.
“We had an incredible day out with the dormice of
the Wye Valley.” he said. “I learned a lot
about the little creatures and their habitat.”
Dormouse:WTPL/Kenneth Watkins
This summer we are looking for more volunteers to help us
check the specially constructed dormouse boxes for signs,
nests and the animals themselves.
If you would like to join us for three survey training days
between July and October 2005 let us know.
Since I started, there have
been two instances of
damage to young trees, but all in all Kilcooley Wood, alongside
the busy Rathgael Road and close to a thriving centre of
population, is a wonderful oasis for wildlife. I hope by
reporting each month that I can help the Woodland Trust to
develop it into a wood that will draw visitors from afar to see
the natural diversity that we have on our doorstep.
If you would like further information on woodland based
volunteer opportunities in Northern Ireland, please contact
the volunteers team.
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 8

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 7

Portmoak iewfinder
group braves An eye for a good picture? Then the Woodland Trust needs you...

Inspired by nature . . .
the elements captured by you
by Deborah Morris, information manager
Have you ever seen an image of
nature that made you wish you
were out there soaking it all
in? Or that inspired you so
much that you wondered
why there isn’t more like it
WTPL/Roy Barlow

and made you want to

protect it?

ett
Well these are the types of

gg
Hu
h
eit
Sunday 20th November 2004 was not the images that the Woodland Trust PL/ K
WT
uses to help promote the work that it
brightest of days.The temperature hovered
does.Their uses range from web to presentations, leaflets to funding bids.
just above freezing and sleet and drizzle
We often hear people telling us
took turns to float down through the fog.
that ‘a picture says a thousand
But still 150 trees were planted at
words’ and it is so true. More and
Kilmagad Wood. more images are used to get
across an important message in a
Situated between the villages of Kinesswood and
way that will stick in people’s
WTPL/Pam Page

Scotlandwell, Kilmagad Wood is just 30 miles from
Edinburgh. Being so close to major population
centres means that the work carried out by the
enthusiastic volunteers that form Portmoak
Community Group can be appreciated by many.
It was the Group that organised this, an event to
launch Tree For All in Scotland, the Trust’s biggest
ever tree planting campaign. Several school
children were included in the 15 people who
turned out to plant native oak, ash, birch and
rowan.They were the first of many thousands of
school children in Scotland who will plant and
minds and the Woodland Trust
makes full use of this method on a
daily basis.
So could you help provide these types of images?
If the answer is yes, then the Woodland
Trust’s Volunteer Photographer’s
Scheme is for you. All that is needed is a
suitable camera, the knowledge to use
it well, a keen eye for an image and a
willingness to help.
Find our more by either contacting the
volunteers team or going to the website
www.woodland-trust.org.uk/woods
WTPL/Pam Page

enjoy trees because of the Tree For All campaign

Keen photographer? see also page 16
– come rain or shine.
for details of an exciting competition.

See pages 8 and 9 for more about Tree For All.

2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 11:03 am Page 9

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

MILLIONS AND MILLIONS

“ The Tree For All campaign is the Woodland Trust
“ At its heart this campaign is about muddy boots and hands. It’s
in a cheerful mood . . . looking forward with hope.

You may have already heard about Tree For All. But
Clive Anderson,Woodland Trust President ”
Northern Ireland, 8 per cent in
about real, simple, honest action . . . children planting trees.

Planting trees is a truly

”
Jonathan Dimbleby

“Tree For All was never meant to be just about planting trees,”
we make no apologies for writing about it again here. England, 14 per cent in Wales inspirational experience. “I felt says Andy Beer campaign manager. “This act is simply a starting
It’s our biggest campaign ever, with ambitions that and 17 per cent in Scotland. And very proud that I was helping point which will help children to build an appreciation of the
have serious implications for the future of the UK’s all the time, the spectre of the world bring oxygen…I liked landscape as a
woods. As a volunteer, we climate change looms large. the tree planting and the whole, to nurture “Every child should have
would like to invite you squelching mud.” said one an attachment to the chance to hear birds
to grasp the opportunity This makes depressing reading young Tree For All planter. “I the natural world. sing. Every child should

WTPL/ Matt Limb

to be part of it. Now’s but there is something positive will always remember it.” said We don’t want have the chance to feel
your chance to play a key we can do, and that’s where Tree another. It is a supremely them to plant a the breeze blowing
role in making it the For All comes in.We are holding optimistic act. tree and then just through the trees.
success it needs to be. events nationwide to get children planting and working with a forget about it.” Tree For All can make
great variety of partners to make it happen from the Guide Already,Tree For All that happen.Tree For All
Let’s cut to the chase. Over movement, to Barnardo’s to big companies and schools. It’s is well underway Of course, once a can help children to care
the next five years, the not just in Trust woods either (although we’re taking every and thousands of tree has been about their world, their

WTPL/ Matt Limb

Woodland Trust intends to opportunity we can to plant in places where the biodiversity trees have been planted, it needs future. Help them to
WTPL/ Victor de Jesus

get one million children benefits are greatest).Trees are being planted in school planted. But now it’s looking after too. care. Help them to plant
involved in planting 12 million grounds, business centres, people’s gardens and woods owned spring.We can’t We have teamed a tree.”
trees – that’s one tree for publicly and privately. plant trees again until the autumn so what happens in between? up with the Tree Gail Porter
every child in the UK. As a supporter of the Trust, you’ll Council to provide
know how important this is. But just in case you need information about how to care for young trees once they are
convincing, here’s why. planted.We will also be holding an exciting range of events as
part of a cultural festival this summer. All year round we will
We know that children are be shouting about Tree For All, making news and building
Research by MORI
shows that 39 per
growing up in an
environment in which they
What you can do enthusiasm so that millions of people know about it and feel
compelled to get involved.
Spread the word by telling friends and family about Tree for All.
are increasingly disconnected
cent of 15-24 year
with nature as the MORI Plant native trees and shrubs in your garden or give them as presents to others.Visit www.native-tree-shop.com As a supporter of the Woodland
olds claim they Organise a local tree planting event – we offer guidance and a small grant for community events
research shows. More Trust, we really hope we can
“don’t have time research shows that children Get your local school involved. More than 2,000 schools have already signed up to plant trees in their grounds and we count on you to add to
to be green.” in the UK spend more time have more free trees available for 2005. our voice. On the left
watching TV and are less Plant an e-tree on the website. you will see some
active than anywhere else in Europe. Be seen. Display the sticker sent to all members. If you haven’t got one contact us. suggestions on ways
Get digging. Come along to a planting event and encourage any children you know to come too (with parental you can help.This is
Yet now we are facing a future where our native woods are permission of course). a vital opportunity
more threatened than ever before. Frighteningly we are one of You can get in touch with us or visit the website for information about where to get saplings, how to plant them to really make a

WTPL/ Matt Limb

Thank you
the least wooded countries in Europe. Finland has over 60 per and how to care for them afterwards (see below). difference. Please
cent cover. Compare this with a measly 6 per cent in take it.

To get more detailed information about local Tree For All events and ways to get involved, visit www.treeforall.org.uk or call 01476 581155
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 11:03 am Page 9

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

MILLIONS AND MILLIONS

“ The Tree For All campaign is the Woodland Trust
“ At its heart this campaign is about muddy boots and hands. It’s
in a cheerful mood . . . looking forward with hope.

You may have already heard about Tree For All. But
Clive Anderson,Woodland Trust President ”
Northern Ireland, 8 per cent in
about real, simple, honest action . . . children planting trees.

Planting trees is a truly

”
Jonathan Dimbleby

“Tree For All was never meant to be just about planting trees,”
we make no apologies for writing about it again here. England, 14 per cent in Wales inspirational experience. “I felt says Andy Beer campaign manager. “This act is simply a starting
It’s our biggest campaign ever, with ambitions that and 17 per cent in Scotland. And very proud that I was helping point which will help children to build an appreciation of the
have serious implications for the future of the UK’s all the time, the spectre of the world bring oxygen…I liked landscape as a
woods. As a volunteer, we climate change looms large. the tree planting and the whole, to nurture “Every child should have
would like to invite you squelching mud.” said one an attachment to the chance to hear birds
to grasp the opportunity This makes depressing reading young Tree For All planter. “I the natural world. sing. Every child should

WTPL/ Matt Limb

to be part of it. Now’s but there is something positive will always remember it.” said We don’t want have the chance to feel
your chance to play a key we can do, and that’s where Tree another. It is a supremely them to plant a the breeze blowing
role in making it the For All comes in.We are holding optimistic act. tree and then just through the trees.
success it needs to be. events nationwide to get children planting and working with a forget about it.” Tree For All can make
great variety of partners to make it happen from the Guide Already,Tree For All that happen.Tree For All
Let’s cut to the chase. Over movement, to Barnardo’s to big companies and schools. It’s is well underway Of course, once a can help children to care
the next five years, the not just in Trust woods either (although we’re taking every and thousands of tree has been about their world, their

WTPL/ Matt Limb

Woodland Trust intends to opportunity we can to plant in places where the biodiversity trees have been planted, it needs future. Help them to
WTPL/ Victor de Jesus

get one million children benefits are greatest).Trees are being planted in school planted. But now it’s looking after too. care. Help them to plant
involved in planting 12 million grounds, business centres, people’s gardens and woods owned spring.We can’t We have teamed a tree.”
trees – that’s one tree for publicly and privately. plant trees again until the autumn so what happens in between? up with the Tree Gail Porter
every child in the UK. As a supporter of the Trust, you’ll Council to provide
know how important this is. But just in case you need information about how to care for young trees once they are
convincing, here’s why. planted.We will also be holding an exciting range of events as
part of a cultural festival this summer. All year round we will
We know that children are be shouting about Tree For All, making news and building
Research by MORI
shows that 39 per
growing up in an
environment in which they
What you can do enthusiasm so that millions of people know about it and feel
compelled to get involved.
Spread the word by telling friends and family about Tree for All.
are increasingly disconnected
cent of 15-24 year
with nature as the MORI Plant native trees and shrubs in your garden or give them as presents to others.Visit www.native-tree-shop.com As a supporter of the Woodland
olds claim they Organise a local tree planting event – we offer guidance and a small grant for community events
research shows. More Trust, we really hope we can
“don’t have time research shows that children Get your local school involved. More than 2,000 schools have already signed up to plant trees in their grounds and we count on you to add to
to be green.” in the UK spend more time have more free trees available for 2005. our voice. On the left
watching TV and are less Plant an e-tree on the website. you will see some
active than anywhere else in Europe. Be seen. Display the sticker sent to all members. If you haven’t got one contact us. suggestions on ways
Get digging. Come along to a planting event and encourage any children you know to come too (with parental you can help.This is
Yet now we are facing a future where our native woods are permission of course). a vital opportunity
more threatened than ever before. Frighteningly we are one of You can get in touch with us or visit the website for information about where to get saplings, how to plant them to really make a

WTPL/ Matt Limb

Thank you
the least wooded countries in Europe. Finland has over 60 per and how to care for them afterwards (see below). difference. Please
cent cover. Compare this with a measly 6 per cent in take it.

To get more detailed information about local Tree For All events and ways to get involved, visit www.treeforall.org.uk or call 01476 581155
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 11

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

carried on from front page

a ‘Woodland Access Standard.’ Based on robust OUT OF THE

research, this is a tool that will help planners and

green space managers to assess where woods are WOODS

needed most.The Woodland Access Standard

aspires that: Meet some fellow volunteers involved in a

no person should live more than 500 metres
whole variety of tasks out of the woods.
from at least one area of accessible woodland

of no less than 2 hectares in size;

Malcolm Hema
there should also be at least one area of
Happened to meet Involved in our picture
accessible woodland of no less than 20
with a Trust staff library scanning images.
hectares within 4 kilometres of people’s
member at an event When her husband’s
homes.
just as he was due to retire from his job job led to a move to the UK from Madras
Astonishingly, at the moment the percentage of as a lawyer. He now offers us his legal she wanted an opportunity to get out of
the UK population which does not have access to expertise. the house and improve her skills at the
a wood of at least 2 hectares within 500 metres is same time.

90 per cent in England, 85 per cent in Wales, 85

Olwyn Stuart
per cent in Scotland, and 93 per cent in Northern
Olwyn has health Helps us with all
Ireland.
problems but finds that manner of computer
Of course, in some places, it may not be the admin jobs she related tasks.With us
appropriate to increase access to woods, for does for the Trust give her the flexibility to he is getting further experience and he
example, where there is already other accessible work at her own pace. has the flexibility to do something to fit
wildlife habitat...The Woodland Access Standard in with his role as a carer.

won’t be applicable everywhere and it needs to be Mary

used with common sense. Helps with a whole range of admin tasks. She responded to a members’ appeal for
volunteers four years ago.
“By our calculations there is a deficit of woodland

in the UK,” explains Nick, “We want to open up a

debate over the months ahead about the

importance of expanding our woodland resource

Build a new community
to provide even greater public benefit.”
On www.woodland-trust.org.uk you’ll find a large family of
We hope you will join the debate.
websites covering a whole range of woodland related topics.

What you can do to Many of these are home to online communities where

make space for people interested parties can post information, ask questions, discuss

Find out more by reading best practise or share any other news.
the Space for People report at
www.woodland-trust.org.uk
We’re looking for people who would like to become volunteer hosts for these
or call us for a copy.
communities.The role of the hosts will be to stimulate discussions, help
If you are a green space manager or a
planner, or have links with people members find information, welcome new participants and make sure everyone
who are, please use the report
is having a good time.Training will be given but this is a new role so there’ll be
or pass on details.
a chance to take a lead in developing it.
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 12
Seeking out
the past
by Phil Croxton,
phenology historical research officer
When we made a press appeal for phenology
records (see page 3) the office was flooded
with journals and diaries from across the
country.This was great news but the volume
of work seemed insurmountable.
That’s where Elaine Gathercole and Gary Mead
came in.They are voluntarily transcribing the
records onto computer spreadsheets ready for
incorporation into the UK Phenology Network
database.The value of this to the Woodland
Trust is clear but there are also benefits for the
volunteers.
“It is a real privilege to make such good use of the
painstaking work of these pioneers of phenology.”
Elaine told me. “So far, I’ve converted the work of
one gentleman from Kent who kept records from
1856 to 1898. Now I’m half way through 40 years
worth of diaries kept by a lady from Ipswich.”
Elaine, who is retired and an experienced
birdwatcher, is inspired by her involvement.
“There have been interesting challenges such as
grappling with the Latin names of flowers, or
working out what a fern owl was (nightjar) or a
grove pettychaps (wood warbler). I never did find
out what a laughing fauvette was so if anyone
knows, please tell me!”
You can read more about Gary’s experience
(opposite).
If you have any historical data you would like
to contribute to the UK phenology project,
or would like to enlighten Elaine about the
laughing fauvette, contact the volunteers team.
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 11
SPOTLIGHT
Name: Gary Mead
Volunteer role: Historical data
researcher for the UK Phenology
Network
Age: 28
Location: Wickford, Essex
Q: How did you first get involved?
A: Initially I did some data handling for the Centre for Ecology and
Hydrology* They put me in touch with the Woodland Trust and
I subsequently got involved in going through diaries, some of
which span more than fifty years, and entering records into
spreadsheets for the phenology database.
Q: What do you enjoy about the work you do?
A: The experience is improving my observation skills - interpreting
records and hidden meanings as well as looking for anomalies
and entries of further interest. It is also rewarding to be able to
put to good use the work of the diarists who have obviously
committed much time and effort to recording their observations
as well as being aware that many have unknowingly contributed
to a worthwhile project.
It’s put me in contact with some very interesting and helpful
people.
Q: Why do you think the Trust’s work is important?
A: In a world where space is becoming more of a commodity and
climate change an increasing concern, conserving our trees and
woods, whether they be ancient or newly planted, can only be a
good thing.
I think it is also important to praise the Woodland Trust’s
attitude to its volunteers.The support and feedback I have
received has been of enormous benefit and encouragement, and
it is this mutual respect that makes volunteering with them all
the more worthwhile.
Read more about Gary’s role in Seeking out the past (see left).
Gary has Marfan Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that
weakens the connective tissue. Because of this, he tires easily but
this makes him even more determined to achieve his goals.
* The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology are our partners in the
UK Phenology Network.
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am
12 email: volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk
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 which can be found on both
www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk and www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk
“ Ancient trees are precious
– there is little else on earth
that plays host to such a rich
community of life within a
”
single living organism.
Sir David Attenborough
THE HUNT IS ON
Last year we launched a brand new website,
www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk and already
it’s helped us to find out about more
than 3,000 ancient trees. This
information is incredibly useful not least
because if we know where the trees are we
have a better chance of taking action
to conserve them. Even if you
don’t have anything to report
about ancient trees, the
site is well worth a visit.
There’s a map which shows
the location of all the
ancient trees we know about and it’s
packed with fascinating stories
about these magnificent finds.
ANCIENT TREES
IN PERIL
Sadly, despite their
incredible ecological
value, their beguiling looks
and the history that they
hold, ancient trees often aren’t
protected.They face even
more threats than ancient
Page 13
tel: 01476 581111
woods. If you know of any particular cases
where exceptional ancient trees are under
Trees on your travels
We want to hear about exceptional
threat for whatever reason, please report it.
ancient trees you may have met on
Knowing about such cases will give us more
evidence to support our
your travels.We have a lot
to learn from our foreign
campaign for legislation to be
neighbours.
strengthened and we may even
In other northern European
be able to help save that
particular tree.
countries, individual heritage
trees are protected by law
A plaque on a protected
Contact us via either of tree in Sweden. whereas our Tree Preservation
the ancient tree websites, Orders have exemption clauses which mean
or call the that dead, dying and dangerous trees can be
volunteers team. felled. The very trees we most want to
protect are therefore the most vulnerable.
We are actively campaigning with other
organisations to change our legislation.
If you have Internet
access, look on
the ancient
trees
website
for more information
about what to look out
for on your travels.
This oak, where Oliver Cromwell
is said to have hanged
four royalists, is over
600 years old. One
Peter Wells
of many intriguing finds
on the Ancient Tree Hunt Website.
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 14

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 13

IN BUSINESS
The work the Trust does with companies gives a huge boost to our native woods.
There are also some really stimulating volunteer roles in this area.

A thousand thanks
A thousand thanks to those volunteers who SPOTLIGHT Name: Claire Balding
helped us to distribute around 10,000 posters to

help us promote this year s Christmas Card Volunteer role: Corporate

researcher
Recycling Scheme. As we go to press we are
Occupation: Research scientist
counting and weighing the number of cards
Age: 29
recycled at branches of WHSmith and Tesco.
Location: Liverpool
We ll then add this to the total of nearly 5,000

tonnes of cards recycled since the scheme began
seven years ago. Money raised will go towards
our Tree For All campaign (see page 8). It s a
brilliant scheme made all the more successful by
your help. For more information visit
www.woodland-trust.org.uk/recycling
Q: Describe what you do for the Woodland Trust?
A: I am involved in profiling companies that the Trust would like to
engage as sponsors or partners. Profiling entails compiling
information such as the size of the company, its environmental
policies, activities in the community, charities it supports and key
personnel. I also profile industry sectors, identifying trade
associations, the major players within the industry and gaining
insights into environmental trends.

Yellow woods Q: How did you first get involved?

by Penny Pulfrey A: I have been a supporter of the Trust since 2002. In 2003 I
Corporate Partnership Team decided I wanted to get more actively involved. I would have
liked to have volunteered in a nature reserve, or done some sort
Since 2002, half a of ecological monitoring, but I live in the centre of Liverpool and
million children have
have no car.Then I saw this position advertised on the Woodland
taken the Yellow
Trust s website, and thought it was perfect for me.
Woods Challenge (YWC).
Q: What do you get out of it?
Yell/Citigate

Teaming up with Yell, the

Yellow Pages people, and A: I play an active role in promoting the protection of the
schools all over the UK, the Trust encourages children environment and creation of new woodland, despite living in the
to recycle their Yellow Pages and learn about the city. It also adds to my CV, and gives me insights into companies
environment at the same time. environmental activities — an area I would like to work in.
Schools are rewarded for their efforts and so lots of
Q: Why do you think the Trust’s work is important?
events are held to celebrate their success. Some
voluntary speakers are already involved by
A: The UK was once covered by forests. Humans have really taken
over the whole landscape — if you fly on a clear day, you can
representing the Trust at these events and they really
see how it is covered by fields, towns, cities... it s important to
help us to run the campaign effectively.
ensure woodland habitats are preserved and new woodland
If you are a speaker interested in getting involved in
created. I don t think we can justify criticising the logging of
YWC events in your area, please contact the
tropical rainforests unless we are willing to put some effort into
volunteers team. For more information visit
preserving our own natural habitats.
www.yellow-woods.co.uk
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 15

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Is it really necessary
Q to fill out paperwork
before we work in a wood?
I’ve heard we have to do it
because of ‘FSC certification.’
by Gordon Pfetscher, certification manager
A Starting with the last question first, ‘FSC’ stands for ‘Forest Stewardship Council’.
FSC is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to the crucial task of
promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. It was founded over ten years ago
in response to public concern about deforestation and demand for a wood-labelling scheme
that customers could trust.

What is this? The Woodland Trust is proud to have become the first major landowner in the UK to have
all its woods certified by the FSC. Others like the Forestry Commission, National Trust,
RSPB and English Nature have since followed our lead.

Look out for the FSC logo when buying
anything made of wood. It is the only
wood labelling scheme to trust.
SA-FM/COC-1270
1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C
In order to meet the stringent requirements of the FSC, we have to comply with a certain
minimum standard and we are rigorously audited against this standard (called the UK
Woodland Assurance Scheme – UKWAS) every year.The UKWAS Standard is broad in its
remit and covers aspects of law, management planning, operations, protection, conservation,
the community and the forest workforce.
Most of the paperwork that our woodland officers need from volunteers such as risk
assessments, first aid training, powertool certificates and insurance is as a result of health and
safety legislation.The FSC ensures that we are responsible landowners and complying with
the law including this legislation.This paperwork may seem tiresome at times but the safety of
our volunteers is paramount and we also have a great respect for the credibility of the FSC.

Why do volunteers by Merle Dekanski, volunteers officer

Q need to complete
an activity diary for the
Woodland Trust? Surely my
time would be better spent
doing something that more
directly helps native woods?
A For those who don’t already know, this activity diary comprises a simple form to be
completed regularly and tells us the time you have donated to the task. It can then be given
to your task manager or sent directly to the volunteers team in the office at Grantham. Or
if it’s easier for you, the information can be emailed to us.
There are various reasons why this is needed, for instance it enables us to report to
supporters and trustees the benefit volunteers give the organisation. Another tangible one is
that on specific projects funders will convert the hours to a notional value which we can use
for match funding. In 2004 the hours volunteers donated gave us a notional value of over
£1.2m. If every volunteer had provided us with information of their time donation – it could
have been even more.

What you do already for the Trust as a volunteer is hugely appreciated. But we hope that,
knowing how much of a difference it will make, you won’t mind spending a few additional
moments completing this information.Thanks.

In the next edition we’d like to introduce a letters page. Is there something you’ve learnt that other volunteers may find useful?
Do you have a question for Trust staff or other volunteers? Would you like to provoke a debate on a particular issue?
LE

Whatever your point, here’s a chance to make it in front of more than 1,400 other volunteers.
T
T

Please mark your letters for the attention of: Sallyanne Flemons, Editor,The Volunteer Newsletter,
ER
C
O

c/o Volunteers Team at the usual Woodland Trust Grantham address (see back cover) or email
S
M
SO

PA

volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk with ‘letters page’ in the subject area.

IN
O

G
G
N

E
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 16

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 15

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Here are just a few of the inspiring volunteering opportunities available at the Woodland Trust. To
find out about others, please get in touch with the volunteers team to find out more about
these opportunities.These and other opportunities can also be found on our website.

Community Web illustrator

Nature Detectives
Group Based anywhere
Members and Nature Detectives is the
Wardens new junior wing of the UK
Phenology Network (see
Hainault Forest, Essex
page 3).This is an exciting
We are looking to run a chance for someone to
regular series of conservation create some inspiring
tasks and events and hope cartoon style illustrations to
that this will lead to the Woodland Trust volunteer cartoonist required (any species) illuminate the website at
creation of a sustainable naturedetectives.org.uk
community group at Hainault. Ordnance
Later on this year we will
Survey Maps
also be looking for wardens Wardens
WTPL/Jane Begg

to keep an eye on the wood. Researcher UK-wide

Ancient woodland
We need wardens to visit
inventory project
woods and watch over them
Bangor, Northern Ireland Botanical all over the UK. In particular,
This role needs someone surveyors we need to monitor the
WTPL/Christopher Louth

based in or near Bangor as Pontburn Wood, Durham Woodland Creation Scheme

it’s mainly visiting the library plots at Stratton near
and possibly the Northern
Could you help carry out a Swindon and Wheatley Wood
survey of species present on
Ireland Woodland Trust office in Rayleigh, Essex.
the site to aid the collection
Administrators as well. An interest in
of useful data and to act as a
Around Grantham, researching historical

Lincolnshire information and an

baseline for further Historical
monitoring? You would need
Volunteers are needed to
understanding of historical
basic plant ID skills to
researchers
maps and records would help.
help with mailings and data include flowering plants, UK-wide

entry on an ad hoc basis in grasses and lower species if Some of our sites have
the Trust’s Grantham Office. possible.The role would hidden histories that we, and
Most of the tasks are likely involve systematically many others, would like to
to be during normal office surveying specific areas of know more about.This
WTPL/Steven Kind

hours but this is flexible as this site. An understanding of fascinating role would involve
some work can be done the importance of various research including visits to
from home. species would also help. libraries and records offices.
2814 NewsletterPRINT 29/3/05 10:56 am Page 1

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

NEWS . . .
National Forest BBC VO
landscape Springwatch
photography We have teamed up with the BBC to give the
phenology project (see page 3) a huge boost.

competition Many of you will

have seen Bill

TIMEframe is an exciting new
photography competition being
run by the National Forest.
Capture your favourite
landscape views and heritage
features within the National
Forest area and have the chance
to win £300 worth of vouchers
Oddie launching
for photographic equipment
Springwatch live on
and a National Forest adopt a
How to Watch
tree pack worth £125.Your
Wildlife in January.
picture must have been taken
The public has been invited to look out for six key species,
between 1 November 2004
and record them on bbc.co.uk/springwatch.The results will
and 31 October 2005.
feed into the UK Phenology Network so we hope to recruit

For more information visit the National Forest website hundreds of new recorders.The initial findings will be broadcast

at www.nationalforest.org/fscene/w2004/heritage.html on a special programme at Easter and feature in the new BBC

or call 01283 551211. TWO series Springwatch with Bill Oddie starting on 30 May.

Membership
leaflets Over to you
Please spare a moment to complete the questionnaire that
We have new membership

leaflets for 2005. If you would

NEW NAME
? came with this newsletter. We want to do all we can to

like a supply, please get in touch
with us at the Grantham office.
To avoid confusion, older leaflets
should no longer be used.
Can you think of a better name
than Volunteer Newsletter?
If so, let us know in
the questionnaire that
came with this newsletter.

We bet you can!

make this a resource that you will really want to read so
do tell us what you want. If you would like to get involved
with any aspect of the production of this newsletter, get in
touch with the volunteers team in Grantham.Thanks.

Getting in touch e-copies

The Woodland Trust
You can opt to receive future issues of this
Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL
Tel: 01476 581111 Fax: 01476 590808 newsletter via email.To do so, please indicate on
BT Textdirect: 18001 01476 581135 the questionnaire on the back of the letter that
email: volunteers@woodland-trust.org.uk
came with the newsletter or send an email to
www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved
The volunteers online community is at the volunteers team.
www.woodland-community.org.uk/volunteers

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