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Nov06.pdfCJS Weekly Special Edition Supplement:
Trees & Hedges, November 2006

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Logo: The Tree Council Countryside Jobs Service Weekly

Special Edition 20 November '06

in association with The Tree Council
	for National Tree Week

& Permaculture Association for their year of the tree

Trees and Hedges Supplement.

PLANT THE ANCIENT TREES OF THE FUTURE

Many of the UK’s oldest trees can be found growing in hedgerows – or where hedges once used to be – which is why managing and maintaining them is a key aim of the Hedge Tree Campaign, spearheaded by the Tree Council.

The goal of the campaign is to halt the decline of hedge trees and increase their number, both by planting new ones - during National Tree Week, for instance - and by saving existing ones. This supports the Biodiversity Action Plan for ancient and species-rich hedgerows.

Key to the campaign’s success are the 7,500 volunteers who form The Tree Council’s Tree Warden Scheme. Many are working with local farmers and landowners to increase the number of hedge trees. For example, they attach brightly coloured tags to saplings so that hedge-cutters can avoid them – giving them the chance to grow into mature and eventually ancient trees. There are also opportunities to create new pollards which could become impressive old trees in the future.

Some Tree Wardens are contributing their local knowledge to a project to record all the ancient trees in the UK, organised by Tree Council members the Woodland Trust and the Ancient Tree Forum. This ancient tree hunt reinforces a second major Tree Council campaign — to gain special protected status for heritage trees and generally fight the corner for ‘green monuments’.

Also reinforcing the Green Monument Campaign is a new book, Heritage Trees of Scotland, published by Forestry Commission Scotland (another member) in association with The Tree Council. This is a companion to The Heritage Trees of Britain and Northern Ireland. Both are available from the Tree Council (see below).

The Tree Council’s National Tree Week (22 November to 3 December) is the ideal time to plant the green monuments of the future – whether in hedges or elsewhere.

“We want people to seize the occasion to plant more trees - of the right kind and in the right places - in ‘their’ local patch, whether that’s a garden, park, urban street, school, workplace or somewhere in the countryside,” said Tree Council director-general Pauline Buchanan Black. “But National Tree Week is also a time to treasure those trees that we already have.

“Our member organisations, Tree Wardens and others have planned lots of exciting events — such as planting new trees to connect fragmented ancient woodlands, as well as a whole range of walks, talks, tree dressing and woodcrafts.”

Environmental charity the Tree Council, a partnership of organisations working together for trees, began National Tree Week in 1975 and it is now the UK’s largest annual celebration of trees and woods. Details of events are regularly updated on the website, www.treecouncil.org.uk , and are also available on the infoline, 020 7940 8180 (office hours).

• Heritage Trees of Scotland is on offer to readers at the special price (including UK p&p) of £16.99 (RRP £19.99) by sending a cheque to The Tree Council (CJS), 71 Newcomen Street, London

SE1 1YT (tel: 020 7407 9992, email: info@treecouncil.org.uk).

Wherever you see this symbol against an advert it means that the advertiser is a member of The Tree Council. The lead UK tree campaigning charity, The Tree Council is an umbrella body for 150 organisations working together for more trees, of the right kind, in the right places; for better care for all trees; and to inspire effective action for trees. Its goal is to make trees matter to everyone. Members range from professional, non-governmental, specialist and trade organisations, including other environmental charities, to local authorities and government bodies.

Permaculture! -The relationship with trees. By Steven Beesley

“Permaculture! What’s that” is the question you most get asked whenever the P word is mentioned. Or sometimes you get the response “mmm Permaculture not sure about that, it’s a bit untidy”. So what is Permaculture? Put simply it is a design system for sustainability. The term was first used in Australia and is a combination of the words permanent and agriculture. Conveniently the culture part of the word can be used to reflect the principles and ethics that are integral to the design system and how they relate to people.

The system evolved from observing nature and that has remained part of the process ever since. Permaculture can be used to design many things. Originally used to design agricultural systems the principles have been widely adopted to include everything from back gardens to the design of whole communities. The techniques used lend themselves well to all aspects of sustainability such as creating a home, or improving the efficiency of a business. One of the most successful applications of permaculture has been used in conjunction with the use of trees; this can range from a single tree planted to provide shade to the planning of whole woodland systems.

Below is a brief look at some of the permaculture principles in relation to woodlands :

Location. Put the trees in the right place taking account of the position of houses, water, wind and sun.

Each element performs many functions. Take into account the functions of each element within a woodland. e.g. a pond within a woodland can perform several functions such as fire control, irrigation, habitat creation, growing aquatic crops and even providing fish.

Each important function is supported by many elements. For instance the function of irrigation from the previous example should not be restricted to one system, so as well as a pond you could build swales to help water infiltration into the subsoil were it can be retained for longer and be reached by the roots of trees.

Zoning. The concept of zoning is one of efficiency and accessibility so the things that require the most attention are closest to the home or place of work. E.g. in a new woodland planting it would be more efficient to place food producing trees on the edge of rides and paths, which means they can be harvested easily and catch more sun.

Edge effects. Edges are the interface between two or more media in this case woodland and ride or field. Wherever you get and edge you find highly productive areas. By taking advantage of this affect we can design woodlands to be more productive

Integration of yields (and species). One of the most basic principles to which permaculture designers subscribe is that every element introduced into a system must have multiple functions. Looking at any tree we may see natural functions such as habitat creation, oxygen and rainfall generation, erosion & water table control, mulch production, soil conditioning etc.etc.

Many of these intrinsic functions can be related specifically to agricultural requirements, such as a species that provides forage for wild animals being one that we choose to incorporate in our system to feed domestic animals. So, creating woodland that provides forage for stock and produces saw logs in addition to fulfilling their other intrinsic functions would be a reasonable permaculture strategy. Now to find those which will do all that as well as produce useful fruit, nuts and fungi and we are looking at a permaculture perspective!

First appeared in Newsletter of Lancashire ForWood, Issue 15, July 2006 published by the Lancashire Woodlands Project. For more information about the article or the project please telephone 01772 533917 or e-mail: paul.bullimore@env.lancscc.gov.uk

Steven Beesley is an independent Permaculture Teacher working in Lancashire his contact is: stevenb@communityfutures.org.uk

Permaculture courses in Lancashire.

Run by independent teachers there is a foundations of Permaculture course called the ’72 hour’ Permaculture design course. This can then be followed by a Diploma in Permaculture Design. Local contacts are Steven Beesley stevenb@communityfutures.org.uk 07980 918576; Rod Everett contact@middlewood.org.uk; Angus Soutar rsl@letsgo.u-net.com 01254 771555

Organisations:

Log on to www.rfs.org.uk for information on sustainable management of trees and woodlands – and the benefits of belonging to the UK’s largest and most broad-based forestry organisation,

the Royal Forestry Society.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the premier membership organisation safeguarding the interests of those responsible for land, property and business throughout rural England and Wales. To find out more about how CLA membership could benefit

you e-mail info@cla.org.uk

Woodland Heritage Registered charity: 1041611 Trees and woodlands - help us “put something back!” Contact us for a ‘free’ copy of our 80 page Journal. Tel: 01428 652159 Email: enquiries@woodlandheritage.org.uk Web: www.woodlandheritage.org.uk

The Arboricultural Association promotes excellence in tree care to government, professionals and society. Its main activities include publishing information (including jobs on its website’s Classifieds section), running training courses and networking events, and assessing and promoting competent arboricultural contractors and consultants.

Contact 01794 368717, admin@trees.org.uk or visit the website: www.trees.org.uk

The restoration of wild plants and wild ecosystems to lands and landscapes across the UK is the aim of Flora Locale. Help raise the biodiversity, environmental quality and enjoyment of town and countryside. To promote and forge relationships between science, policy and practitioners, acting as an effective catalyst for debate and the exchange of ides and practice www.floralocale.org

The Perfect Christmas Present Do your Christmas shopping and help save the rainforests at the same time - buy an acre at www.worldlandtrust.org, or telephone 01986 874422. The World Land Trust has helped purchase and protect over 300,000 acres of rainforest and other threatened wildlife habitats worldwide. (Registered Charity No.10011291)

The Permaculture Association is an educational charity run by its members and helps people use permaculture in their everyday lives to improve their quality of life and the environment around them. It supports individuals, projects and groups working with permaculture in Britain. For more information please have a look at the website www.permaculture.org.uk

Blackdown Hills Hedge Association (BHHA) The aim of our association in Somerset is to do our utmost to preserve rural skills associated with hedgerows. We run an annual hedgelaying event together with training courses and rural craft workshops. Visit our website www.blackdownhills-hedge.org.uk for further information.

Forestry Contracting Association Membership Ltd is the leading trade association within UK forestry and wood related industries. FCA Membership Ltd is a not-for-profit pressure group driven by its members and it offers a wide range of business benefits that help members to be successful and profitable. Contact members@fcauk.com or 0870 0427999

Greenspaces are people places Is your organisation directly involved in the creation, management or promotion of greenspace in urban Scotland? If so, are you a member of the greenspace scotland network yet? For more information visit: www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/membership

Ben Law runs courses in greenwood working and sustainable design but he is perhaps best known for his timber and straw ecohouse featured in the Channel 4 series Grand Designs. Ben always intended to record on film the process of building his Woodland House as it would be a good educational tool for his courses and way of life but it was a series of happy accidents that led to the Grand Designs team.

Line drawing of Ben Law's Woodland House.

It wasn't always so serendipitous, with significant planning restrictions, in theory if something happens to Ben the house will have to be pulled down resulting in major headaches in sourcing the funding required to cover the cost of building. This particular problem was solved in an innovative agreement with Triodos Bank involving some pretty hefty life insurance. However, the site and surrounding woodland was acquired in return for labour in the aeons old practice of bartering, but building the house was labour intensive. A small ad in Permaculture Magazine proved fruitful and it was remarkably easy to get volunteers to help with this most unusual project. Many people came to help for a weekend but got so involved in the build they kept coming back. One volunteer started organising time off from work to help out; he found it so rewarding he left his job and in now a greenwood worker. The house was completed during 2002 and Ben says it's "standing up very happily". There has been hardly any settling or movement of the house a result of leaving the straw bales, which form the walls, in a barn for a year to settle.

In addition to the house and curtilidge Ben owns Prickly Nut Wood (8 acres) and manages an adjacent 90 acres of coppice all of which is managed in a traditional manner. The site was already designated a SSSI for its lichen, mosses and ferns and whilst in a more modern intensive management regime this may have caused problems Ben's rotational coppicing system suits them very well and the land is managed entirely in harmony with an English Nature management plan. There is also a Plantations on Ancient Woodland Site designation but Ben is fortunate in that the conifers involved are European Larch, one the less detrimental species allowing some degree of ground cover which has not been too badly damaged. Had the conifers been evergreen the impact would have been more significant and a more intensive programme of removal would have been required. However, slow removal of the roundwood does not significantly shock the understorey allowing the ground flora to flourish. On a more practical level it also means that a buyer for the timber can be found before felling commences. Part of the area is managed under the New English Woodland Grant scheme, which replaced the Forestry Commission Woodland Grant, and the Woodland Improvement scheme has been used for help with rhododendron removal. In Ben's opinion these schemes are, in general, beneficial but NEWG is weighted too heavily in favour of recreation, there is a balance to be found between production and recreation and this is especially important for smaller woodlands where some of the finishing of the timber can be completed on site creating "value added products" cutting out the middleman and thereby increasing the profitability of such ventures. The harvest from the woodland is so much more than just timber, there is also a range of "food for free" available to those who look. Ben harvests fungi and wild garlic which can be sold to local restaurants and ideally tries to make wine and jams but recent demands of two small children have temporarily reduced this.

Prickly Nut Wood is managed on permaculture principles where all the different elements and functions of the land work together. Having always worked in land-based industries in one way or another from shepherding to fruit growing Ben was surprised to see how all these elements were distinctly separate when so many areas overlap and could work together. Permaculture showed him the way forward with everything working in harmony. Ben feels that 'his message' is being heard but that there is a fine balance between promoting the principles and lifestyle whilst still managing to carry on living by them.

If you'd like to know more about the house read The Woodland House, or about living and working in the wood then The Woodland Way is the book for you, both are written by Ben and are available from Permanent Publications, www.permaculture.co.uk where you'll also find information about Ben's courses.

Many thanks to Ben for kindly agreeing to be interviewed for this article.

Woodland / tree projects and sites:

Red Rose Forest is Greater Manchester’s Community Forest. We work with local authorities, government and private sector partners towards a 40 year vision to plant over 25 million trees. We are particularly active at the current time with urban tree planting, Green Infrastructure plans and biomass development. www.redroseforest.co.uk

Ravine WoodLIFE - A LIFE Nature partnership project working in the Peak District Dales SAC and Wye Valley Woodlands SAC undertaking woodland conservation management operations including: control of non-native tree species, creating deadwood habitats, deer management, conservation grazing and coppice management. For more information please visit the Project website: www.RavineWoodLIFE.org.uk

Westonbirt, the National Arboretum An unforgettable experience in all seasons. Some of the rarest and most beautiful trees in the world, including the National Japanese Maple Collection. 600 glorious Cotswold acres. Shop, Plant Centre, Restaurant. Mobility vehicles. Dogs welcome. Extensive Volunteer programme of activities, for details contact Cheryl Pearson at volunteering@fowa.org.uk or call 01666 880148.

The National Forest. Working with partners and the local community, we are in the second decade of creating a new 200 square mile multi-purpose forest for the nation in the heart of England. The 7 millionth tree will soon be planted and tree cover has increased from 6% to nearly 17%. www.nationalforest.org

www.yourwoods.org.uk is a community woodland network to support volunteer woodland groups throughout the country, offering advice and support and a small grant fund. Newsletters, free information sheets on all aspects of woodland management and community involvement , a biannual conference for members, free websites for groups to promote activity. Go to the website to register and find out more.

Disadvantaged pupils from Peers School, Oxford, are aiming to create an accessible circular walk through Hinksey Heights Nature Trail. The students who are studying towards a BTEC in Countryside and Environment, spend one day a week at Hinksey carrying out practical conservation tasks like coppicing and building boardwalks and benches. Naomi Crawford: 07941 312654, hinkseywarden@yahoo.co.uk

WoodNet: helping woodlands in the South East by promoting the sustainable production and use of hardwood timbers through education, information and research. Focussing on wood fuel and timber in construction, WoodNet runs a training/advisory service and is building 8 timber workshops at the Woodland Enterprise Centre. WoodNet produces WoodLots (local timber marketing, www.woodlots.org.uk). Find out more at www.woodnet.org.uk/wec

Paid Opportunities:

REF 4679/1-DIRECT-4/12 JOB TREE CARE PROFESSIONALS

BE4 end 2006 LOC OXFORDSHIRE

PAY YES FOR COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

DES An established AA approved contractor carrying out all aspects of tree work across a broad client base. A dynamic company offering attractive employment packages. BUT Experienced, enthusiastic and committed operatives. ASK Ben on 01844 351488 (office) 07786 707465 (mobile)

REF 4682-DIRECT-4/12 JOB TREE CLIMBER

BE4 end 2006 LOC RINGWOOD, HAMPSHIRE

PAY PAY RATE NEGOTIABLE FOR EDWARD BROWN and SON

DES Family run business, established since 1970. BUT Qualified, experienced tree climber. You should be trained to be certificated in climbing, ariel rescue and general saw certificates. Driving licence essential. Working within a 40 mile radius. ASK 01425 475855 edward_brown@tinyworld.co.uk

KEY NB: VERY IMPORTANT – CHECK THE BE4 DATE.

REF CJS reference no. JOB Title

BE4 'Before' deadline for applications. IV = Interview date. LOC Location

PAY £ range - usually per annum (but check starting point) FOR Employer

DES Description of Job BUT But they want ... ASK Ask for Details /Application Form from ...

BUT: Please check the BUT section to ensure that you have all of the required qualifications / experience before you apply.

ASK: Contact ONLY the number or address given – or you may annoy the Personnel Officer who will decide your future…

Forest gardening is a way of producing a diverse range of produce in an environmentally friendly manner. Products are mostly from plants and include food, beverages, medicines, dyes, wood and fibres. Fungi can be cultivated and bees or poultry may be kept.

It is modelled on natural multi-layered woodland with tall canopy trees, smaller trees, shrubs, herbs, ground cover plants and climbers arranged in overlapping canopy layers. They are a traditional feature around the house in most tropical regions, where they are known as homegardens. The temperate concept was pioneered by Robert Hart in Shropshire, and has gained increasing popularity ever since.

Forest Gardens widen the range of fresh food in the diet, reducing food miles and promoting biodiversity. Plants may also be selected that attract beneficial insects, that accumulate or fix nutrients, or that encourage biodiversity by offering various habitat niches.

Forest gardening contrasts in several aspects to modern intensive agriculture and horticulture. Firstly, it is a low input practice – techniques are used that make chemical pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides unnecessary. A very diverse mix of crops is grown, rather than a limited number of monocultures. Traditional, often long forgotten food crops and varieties are encouraged as much as high yielding, modern or exotic varieties. Once up and running forest gardens have low maintenance requirements. Forest garden produce is varied and eaten fresh, and the lack of food transport and packaging is good for the environment.

Forest Gardening is one of many techniques that may be used in the implementation of Permaculture Design. It is adaptable to any garden and to several community contexts such as schools and public spaces. Even small spaces can use smaller trees or those on dwarfing rootstocks and use the same principles of design and management. Forest gardening draws together cross-cutting themes in food production, environment and health, making it an ideal example of sustainable development.

The Bangor Forest Garden Project (BFG) is in North West Wales and has been run by volunteers since 1998. It provides a resource that is of enormous educational value, giving opportunities to learn a wide range of practical skills and discuss a whole range of issues.

At the BFG, volunteers come from all walks of life and we run activities for children. We are also working with adults with special educational needs, probationers and young offenders. Through the diverse range of activities and the ethos underlining the BFG, we aim to develop the beneficiaries’ key skills in communication, teamwork and people skills, alongside care for the environment and sustainable lifestyles. In a world where environmental and health concerns condemn so much, it’s refreshing to find something that provides such an enjoyable and positive lifestyle solution.

We get together on site on the second Sunday of each month, and hold occasional courses and events.

Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

www.thebfg.org.uk contact@thebfg.org.uk

Sarah Kemmitt. November 2006.

Logo: Bangor Forest Garden

Volunteer Opportunities:

Help celebrate the Special Trees and Woods of the Chilterns. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available – from measuring trees, researching local woods, taking photos, helping at events and more! Full training is provided for all volunteers. Log onto the Special Trees and Woods Project website for details - www.chilternsaonb.org/special

Moor Trees Restoring native broadleaved woodland in Devon and Cornwall. Working with volunteers to grow and plant native trees, restore ancient woodlands and promote a low carbon economy. Details of opportunities to volunteer, our free service to landowners and how you can calculate and offset your carbon are at www.moortrees.org

Volunteer Opportunities with Borders Forest Trust Join local environmental charity Borders Forest Trust to learn new skills in woodland management and find out about woodland habitats and wildlife. Volunteering opportunities available in community woodlands and training courses provided. Contact Borders Forest Trust 01835 830750, enquiries@bordersforesttrust.org, website www.bordersforesttrust.org

Pigs in Woodland by Ray Harris

I have worked as a Forester for 25 years, 14 of those on a Private Estate and in my spare time I have been keeping and breeding pigs in the woodlands. 14 years ago I was asked by the local Shoot Manager if I would like to put pigs on their shoot to control the undergrowth as too many pheasants were irretrievable from the thick mass that had formed following forestry operations.

Within days of introducing pigs into this environment I could see their potential as a tool for helping to manage woodland and to get a balance in the ecosystem. Hopefully enhancing the natural regeneration and then control it so that it does not get smothered by invasive plants.

That was my goal and within 10 years I had proved to myself that pigs in woodland, looked after correctly, are a perfect tool for woodland management.

Who dictates ‘what is good woodland management’? We all have our own views, but from my experience I can tell you that pigs work well in woodland it is how the pigs are managed that dictates whether they control or damage a woodland.

Simply releasing pigs into a woodland is not the solution, woodland has to be sectioned and pigs rotated through the sections.

Once you have decided the site of your areas there are four golden rules dictating when your pigs should be moved once you have decided the site of your areas 1 - The quantity of pigs; 2 - The size (ages) of these pigs; 3 - The amount of natural food available; and the main one of all 4 - The weather conditions (time of year)

There have been many pitfalls in my quest to prove that pigs have a part to play in the future of forestry and I have been unable to go all the way & prove this point emphatically. If there is someone who is like minded and would love to see a woodland where pigs could control but not eradicate the undergrowth, allowing wild flowers whilst giving natural regeneration a chance before being choked by briars or ferns etc. then taking my course (details below) could be the starting point

Proper pig management needs skill, to gain the necessary experience and skills much time has to be spent learning & understanding the natures of and the habitat of the world of pigs.

A college near where I work my pigs understands what I am trying to do and have enlisted me to provide 2 x 2day courses a year where an honest approach to woodland pig keeping is shown. Yes, you can put pigs into a wood and just throw food at them but unless you can control them then in my eyes you defeat the object of ‘Keeping pigs in the woods’ You may as well put them in a field or keep them in a sty.

If anyone would like more information please contact Holme Lacy College, Hereford tel: 01432 870316 for course dates or myself Ray Harris on 01981 250856 (evenings)

Specialist training centres:

Bridgwater College’s Wildlife and Countryside Conservation Foundation Degree is ideal for those aspiring to a rewarding career in the countryside and environmental sector. Full use is made of Somerset’s outstanding natural landscape and the College farm. Combining subjects as varied as landscape evolution, wildlife and ecology and visitor management, with hands on work experience and practical conservation skills, this course is recognised as an excellent qualification for many potential careers in countryside and environmental management posts. It can be studied full-time or part-time and, with student accommodation on-site, the course is open to applicants from anywhere in the country. For more information call 01278 441234.

Coleg Llysfasi - The leading college in North Wales for landbased studies. A wide selection of high quality courses in agriculture, forestry and conservation are offered. Open Evening on January 10 2007, from 5pm-8pm. For further details telephone 01978 790263, visit our website www.llysfasi.ac.uk or e-mail admin@llysfasi.ac.uk

Derby College, Broomfield Hall offers land based industry courses on a full-time or part-time basis in the following areas: Agriculture; Arboriculture; Animal care; Conservation; Dog grooming, training and psychology; Horticulture; Falconry; Floristry; Horse studies. For further details call 0800 0280289

Barony College - Training and education for Land Based Industries supported by some of the best facilities in the UK. We also provide a wide variety of short courses for land-based and animal care industries. Courses in Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, Agriculture, Engineering, Equine, Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing. 01387 860251 rbaines@barony.ac.uk www.barony.ac.uk

Writtle College, Chelmsford Essex, www.writtle.ac.uk – one of the UK’s leading providers of education in conservation and environment. The College provides full and part-time vocational training, University of Essex Foundation and Honours degrees and Postgraduate programmes, as well as short course and training programmes for employers within the countryside sector.

Excellence in land-based training. Hadlow College is Kent’s premier land-based college and offers a range of courses including Arboriculture and Chainsaw use. For more information about these or any of our other courses please visit our website at www.hadlow.ac.uk or call free on 0500 551434

A unique MSc at Bristol University trains graduates to become consultant ecologists. Teaching covers the full range of professional skills including survey, protected species monitoring, habitat restoration and project management. The course is taught in short intensive blocks over two years. Telephone 0117 9289035 for details.

Arboriculture courses at Moulton College. For information on Arboriculture courses phone 01604 491131 or contact us on www.moulton.ac.uk

Shuttleworth College, Bedfordshire offers quality training to NPTC and Lantra standards in subjects such as chainsaw and related operations, tractor driving, pesticide application and new for this year, mobile elevated work platforms. A wide range of full and part time courses are also available Tel: 01767 626222 enquiries@shuttleworth.ac.uk www.shuttleworth.ac.uk

Merrist Wood Campus offers full-time, part-time and short courses in a wide range of land-based subjects including, arboriculture, countryside, landscaping, horticulture, equine, animal care and garden design. For more information please contact Learner Services on 01483 884040. You can also visit our website at www.guildford.ac.uk

Specialist training courses:

BHMAT Coppice Apprenticeships The Bill Hogarth MBE Memorial Apprenticeship Trust was set up to develop apprenticeships in Coppicing. We have six apprentices in the NW of England and the programme is now being rolled out nationally through the Green Wood Centre in Shropshire. Potential apprentices attend our Introduction to Coppicing course which is held in September each year. They then apply, and if selected, placed with a coppice business with whom they will work for three years. They are enrolled with the Open College North West and if they successfully complete the course, receive the Bill Hogarth Coppice Diploma. For further information go to: www.coppiceapprentice.com

Public Inquiries Training at Bristol University.

A well-established and successful three-day residential course that training participants to prepare, present and defend evidence at public enquiries. You will be taught by practising advocates and by a Planning Inspector. Starts 26 February 2007. Telephone 0117 9289035

www.bio.bris.ac.uk/conted/countryside/publicinquiries.htm

Specialist training courses cont.:

Living Wood assistantships. Each year there is a limited number of places for longer term training (3 weeks to 6 months) for those with some experience who might be interested in following a career in green woodwork. For more details see www.living-wood.co.uk or phone 01531 640005.

John Waller, Underwoodsman. Courses in: Hedgelaying; Coppicing; Greenwood Products; Charcoal; Hurdle Making; Baskets and Willow; Living Willow Seats and Structures; Willow Garden Structures; Trugs; Rustic Chairs tel: 01892 740303 email: info@underwoodsman.co.uk web: www.underwoodsman.co.uk 4 Mount Pleasant Cottages, Ticklebelly Lane, Blackham, TN3 9UH

Living Wood courses with Mike Abbott are held in a woodland near Bromyard in rural Herefordshire. They cover the basic green woodworking skills of cleaving, shaving and turning which are then put to use in a wide range of projects such as spoons, shaving horses, stools, chairs and much more. www.living-wood.co.uk 01531 640005

YELLOW WOOD Based near Hay in Herefordshire, we facilitate learning about woodlands in a 30 acre ancient semi-natural woodland. We teach bushcraft, woodland crafts, treeclimbing and chainsaw use. We have a campsite for visitors, and are developing an arboretum and nursery. www.yellowwood.co.uk info@yellowwood.co.uk

Woodland training based in Lincolnshire. Funding @ 50% for woodland and forestry based workers in East Midlands. Courses include NPTC chainsaw / climbing units. Basic forestry, Options for neglected woodlands, Chainsaw carving, Timber conversion and drying, Traditional timber framing, Coppice skills. Further details contact 01205 870062, or Website: internationalbusinessschool.net

Lynher Training provides training and assessment for both rural skills and legislative courses. Full details of courses can be found on: www.lynher.com with loads of useful information and guidance about chainsaw certification, pesticides application, health and safety and first aid, as well as general plant and machinery information.

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR LANDOWNERS AND MANAGERS

The last 10 – 15 years have witnessed a revival in the use of horses in forestry and woodland management. Global and regional concerns with forest biodiversity and sustainability have prompted a reassessment of the role that horse drawn timber extraction systems can and do play in the sustainable management of our woodland resource.

An environmentally sensitive management technique, the use of horses offers a viable, low-impact and efficient extraction method; one ideally suited to the diverse range of woodland types and management objectives present in the UK. Modern horse logging equipment has been developed that reflects and complements this diversity of woodland sites and timber product types. Thus, as a sustainable management technique the use of horses combines the most vital elements of its history with the advantages of modern technology.

Horses are light, quiet and manoeuvrable. Their use minimises damage to natural regeneration, coppice stools and the standing crop; avoids compaction, ruts and damage to the woodland floor; and produces no exhaust or noise pollution.

Horse drawn extraction systems are ideal for: ● Ancient semi-natural woodland sites (ASNW) ● Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) ● Amenity woodlands ● Small woods ● Under managed woodlands ● Woodlands with limited access ● Quality timber stands ● Seed tree extraction ● Wind blown trees

Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW)

Management of ancient semi-natural woodland should be low-impact, with natural regeneration as a major objective (Forestry Commission 1997). Horses meet these criteria, offering an extraction method that has little impact on soil structure or floral diversity. The manoeuvrability of the horse enables the contractor to (where possible) utilise a variety of extraction routes, thereby minimising any compaction, damage to coppice stools, standing crop or natural regeneration. As the horse is able to ‘step sideways’, even with wheeled implements (e.g. timber arch or horse drawn forwarder) there is no turning damage incurred. However, certain horse drawn systems actually provide a light soil scarification; ideal seed bed preparation for natural regeneration.

Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS)

Increasingly, horses are being used in the management of PAWS.

Objectives focus on a gradual change to the woodland structure, in terms of, altering light levels, favouring existing native broadleaves over plantation species and encouraging natural regeneration. As such, management can be reliant upon the selective, group and line felling of conifers, whilst favouring any existent broadleaves. With the range of horse drawn extraction equipment available, and the overall versatility of the horse, the contractor is able to gain access to a standing crop and extract selectively felled trees, without compromising the status of the remaining trees.

I hope that the above offers an insight into the practical application of working horses in woodlands. With changing objectives towards land management, I remain optimistic that horse drawn timber extraction systems fulfil a positive and vital niche in the future management of our woods and forests.

If you require any further information about working horses in forestry and training available please contact:

Frankie Woodgate (Sylvan Environmental Ltd) Tel:07929 202963 www.sylvanenvironmental.com email: frankie.woodgate@btinternet.com

British Horse Loggers (BHL) www.britishhorseloggers.org

*(The ‘Natural Traction’ project is supported by ERDP, DEFRA, FC & EAGGF)

Specialist Services:

Three Shires Ltd Forestry, establishment, fencing and landscaping service, conducted by Three Shires who are one of the largest contracting companies in the Midlands with over 12 years experience with clients ranging from private individual Forestry Commission and large civil engineering organisations. Further information can be provided. James Maplethorpe 01664 444604 jmaplethorpe@threeshires.com www.threeshires.com

Wildlife and Countryside Services Providing a full range of ecological services and products throughout the UK Badgers, bats, newts, reptiles, water voles, birds, and more Badger gates and fencing, reptile and amphibian fencing Wildflower turf, pond liners, habitat creation Tel/fax: 0845 2300 927; Mobile: 0 70 90 80 WILD mail@wildlifeservices.co.uk www.wildlifeservices.co.uk

Our tree surveying services throughout the UK include; tree surveys (TPOs, BS5837, veteran trees, highway trees etc.) GIS tree mapping to within 1 metre using DGPS and laser rangefinders. Also, we offer equipment rental and training and products for sale. Contact us for a quote or visit us at: www.woodlandstewardship.com

Countryside Management and Habitat Creation services in the Midlands and beyond. All relevant qualifications held and £5million public liability insurance. 12 years practical habitat management experience, recent clients include; Gwent and Warwickshire Wildlife Trusts, Severn Trent Water and Sir Alfred McAlpine. www.cotswoldcountryside.co.uk for full portfolio and contact details.

Yorkshire-based Consultancy specialising in bat surveys, environmental stewardship, farm environment plans, botanical surveys and general management plans. In business since 2000 with clients including North York Moors National Park, Natural England, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, ADAS, many Yorkshire Estates and a host of Landowners, Farmers and Small Holders. Contact 01845 537845 www.mab.uk.com

Management services for the Forestry and Rural Development Sectors. Business plans, feasibility studies, monitoring and evaluation, project development, event management etc. 20 years experience in the public and private sector. Call Martin Glynn on 01765 650149 or see www.martinglynn.co.uk

The leader for tree solutions, a national company operating from a network of offices throughout the UK. Offering services to woodland / landowners; grant aid applications, planting and maintenance; timber sales; woodland management and ecological improvement works www.upm-tilhill.com

The F A Bartlett Tree Experts Ltd - Specialists in the care and preservation of trees: planting; quality pruning; tree and shrub pest management; felling and removal of dangerous trees; reports for property and planning matters; tree inspections and surveys; soil management and fertilisation. Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor. Tel: 01457 862954 fax: 01457 868507

Silvanus Services Ltd is a fast growing Environmental contracting business based in the South West and the Midlands. We offer a professional contracting and consultancy service from a network of local offices using highly skilled and trained staff teams. See www.silvanus-services.co.uk for more details

Wensleydale Tree and Horticultural Services Ltd - Tree surgery, forestry, Ornamental and forest trees supplied and planted. Hedge establishment and maintenance, Bracken control. Fully insured. Call David Allen (HND Arboriculture) 01969 667364

P J Taylor Forestry Services – Hedges and tree planting, maintenance and felling. Complete planting and maintenance contracts available. Strimming, spraying and topping, thinning, felling and forwarding. Hardwood thinnings always wanted. Contact 01609 883056 / 07885 542226 email taylor-forestry@tiscali.co.uk

Scottish Native Origin Wildflower Nursery www.scotorigins.co.uk A professional consultancy offering land and ecology survey, design and management services. A ‘one stop shop’ service delivers sustainable solutions to a range of public, private and corporate clients. For further information visit www.scotorigins.co.uk or telephone 01577 861437

Forestry and Environmental Services including grant application, provision and planting of trees, hedge planting and laying, fencing, tree surgery, felling and chipping, footpaths and public access works. All work implemented by trained personnel with insurance cover. Contact 01697 321516 graeme@clark-mactavish.co.uk

JCA Aboricultural and Forestry Consultants would like to offer their expertise to CJS readers as like minded professionals. We can do tree safety surveys, woodland design and management plans and all types of tree advice. Please go to www.jcaac.com

Tree Data Services - Arboricultural Consultancy specialising in individual tree and woodland survey with management proposals, Health & Safety Inspections. GPS mapping available. Past work includes contracts for English Nature, National Trust, English Heritage, RHS, local authorities, wildlife trusts and many private tree owners. 01453 860021 www.garnscottage.fsnet.co.uk

Trees and related supplies:

Largest grower and supplier of trees and shrubs for landscaping across the UK. Bare-root and container trees, specimens, shrubs, climbers, transplants, hedging, herbaceous, bamboos, grasses, roses and fruit, we offer rapid response, delivered prices and stock supplied in line with the National Plant Specification. www.colesnurseries.co.uk

Underwood Crafts – Traditional Woodland Crafts: Coppice worker and Woodsman: Services: Woodland Management, Hedgelaying, Wattle Hurdles (Hazel and Willow), Living willow structures; Yurts (for hire and sale), Coppice products (poles, binders, stakes, besoms, planters, arches). Tuition and demonstrations also available. www.underwoodcrafts.co.uk 07761 000590

Forest Machine Journal covers everything you need to know about the many and varied types of work performed in forests and woodlands. For a free copy call 01387 880359 (24 hours). See also www.forestmachinejournal.com

Landmark Trading – Arboricultural and Forestry Supplies Please phone for free catalogue. Collect from our trade counter or phone for next day delivery. Orders over £100 carriage free. Card payment accepted. Tel: 01780 482231 Fax: 01780 751111 Landmark Trading (Stamford) Ltd, Cherryholt Road, Stamford, Lincs PO9 2EP

Acorn Planting Products Ltd - Manufacturers and suppliers of high quality, competitively priced tree and shrub shelters, spirals, mulch mats and buckle ties since 1981. Prompt nationwide delivery service. Please ring for further details or to request a catalogue. sales@acorn-p-p.co.uk 01508 528763

Everington Conservation Land Management Contractors. Specialists in tree, shrub and hedge, woodland establishment, shrub clearance and herbicide work. Full certified and insured. Working over a wide geographical area. References available from County Councils and English Nature. Environmentally friendly. Free advice. Phone 07966 478301

Bare root trees and shrubs suitable for hedging and native woodland planting. Wide variety of local provenance stock available. Next day delivery to most areas. Order by phone, fax or online. Tel: 01948 710606 fax: 01948 710440 website: www.maelor.co.uk mail: sales@maelor.co.uk

Buckingham Nurseries and Garden Centre, Tingewick Road, Buckingham, MK18 4AE. Email enquiries@hedging.co.uk web www.hedging.co.uk Specialists in bare root hedging, ornamental and forest trees, top and soft fruit. Over 100 varieties of hedging available November to March. Well presented Garden Centre, good choice of plants including unusual varieties.

Toms Tree Ties have been supplying tree care and Amenity products to a wide selection of customers for over 40 years. We specialise in Tree Protection with products like tree ties, shelters, spiral guards and many more. For more details visit us at www.jtoms.co.uk

Native trees, shrubs and hedging grown from UK provenance seed for all your planting requirements. We are now also able to offer native wetland plants and a full range of plant protection. Please contact us on 01289 386755 or visit our web site www.cheviot-trees.co.uk

GreenMech Ltd, the UK’s leading Designer and Manufacturer of Wood Chippers, Green Waste Shredders and Stumpgrinders. GreenMech machines have the unique world patented ‘Disc-Chip’ or ‘Disc-Shred’ cutting technology, for greatly reduced sharpening timed and 600% increased blade life, this cutting system is giving users dramatic cost savings. Contact 01789 400044

Supplies – Tree related:

Permaculture Magazine: Solutions for Sustainable Living Full of practical articles about how to live a greener lifestyle. It covers subjects such as organic gardening, eco-building, renewable energy and ecovillage living. Also publishes The Green Shopping Catalgoue (www.green-shopping.co.uk) which features hundreds of selected books and products on sustainable living. Tel: 01730 823 311. Web: www.permaculture.co.uk

WildGuides Publishing knows the importance of hedgerow management to some of our scarcer butterflies. Britain’s Butterflies and Discover Butterflies are 2 books helping enthusiasts, researchers and countryside workers identify them. Dragonflies, Shieldbugs, Orchids and Arable Plants are included in the series, with other titles following. Check www.wildguides.co.uk or telephone 01628-529297.

Living Wood – the book - £16.95 including free p&p. Mike Abbott’s latest book. The book outlines the purchase and management of a woodland, setting up a green wood workshop plus a host of information on tools, sharpening and a range of green woodworking projects from spoons, to armchairs. www.living-wood.co.uk 01531 640005

Tree related websites:

eArborist.com - Buy or Sell Arboricultural and Forestry Equipment. To place an advert or browse the marketplace please visit www.eArborist.com

Conservation Solutions for the 21st Century Full details on website - www.conservation-contractors.co.uk

Free classified advertising for environmentally-friendly products and services. www.ecolots.co.uk is an online service designed to help rural businesses and people seeking local products. Also the conservation industry’s own machinery ring. www.contak.org.uk – free listings of machinery and equipment available for hire

Ancient Tree Hunt

Hurricanes, two World Wars, hundreds of naval battles in wooden ships, the Gunpowder Plot and countless bonfires ever since – it’s amazing what our ancient trees have survived. Ancient trees are among the oldest living things in the country and the UK has more of them than the rest of Northern Europe put together – many of them in our towns and cities. We need your help to find them.

The Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, and the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) already know where some of Britain’s ancient trees are, but very few of these trees are recorded in detail. A five year project, led by the Woodland Trust in partnership with the Ancient Tree Forum and the Tree Register of the British Isles, and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, seeks to put these living monuments to our past on the map.

The Woodland Trust and the ATF are calling for the introduction of new policies to safeguard ancient trees and prevent further loss through better protective legislation. A comprehensive map of ancient trees would help us to monitor threats and to put resources where they are most needed, as well as increasing awareness of the most important historic landscapes for trees. . Next year we will be asking people to go out and