Job Jobbed!

Friday, January 21st 2022

At last, one of the winter tasks can be ticked off the list as a section of Hazel has finally been coppiced! This has been a big operation and involved several days of hard graft which were rudely interrupted by Storm Arwen! Most of the work has been carried out by the regular team of mid-week volunteers who have put in many hours and in all kinds of weather conditions.

As the Hazel hadn't been cut for many years, the thick stools were cut with a chainsaw. The stems then had to be carried down the steep bank. They were either woven into a dead hedge (which looks fantastic) or put through the woodchipper. Some were used for Forest School activities and others were cut into pieces to be used for the Wildlife Craft Day at half term.

The dry weather combined with the recent hard frosts made ideal conditions for the finishing touches as the ground was firm enough to cope with heavy machinery such as quad bikes and woodchippers.

A group from the Personalised Learning Centre (PLC) in Northallerton lent a hand by sorting the stems into different piles ahead of the woodchipping days.

They also helped by raking out the piles of chippings so that the layer is thin enough for the spring wildflowers to push through in a few weeks time. Primroses, Wood Anemones and Bluebells will all benefit from the additional light reaching the ground.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved with this winter's Hazel coppicing; the finished area will be beautiful in the spring so make sure you visit again then to see the results of your efforts!

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events

CLOSURE: Monday 22nd April 2024

Wednesday 17th April 2024 |

Due to an important event occuring on the camp, Foxglove Covert LNR will be closed for one day only on Moday 22nd April.

The reserve will resume usual opening hours on Tuesday 23rd April.

Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Monday 18th March 2024 |

The reserve is now open, although again with limited access.

Visitors will be able to access the reserve with the use of key fobs provided at the pass office upon entrance to the camp, or will be provided entrance and exit through the access gate by an officer from the camp Guard Room. In this case visitors will need a mobile phone to call the Guard Room when they wish to exit the reserve.

Please be aware that due to these circumstances, entering and leaving the reserve might take a little longer than usual.

VIEW ALL EVENTS