Over the last 2 years we have been consulting with Tilhill Forestry, The Forestry Commission, National Grid Electricity Distribution and ecologists to come up with a plan for our existing mature woodland plantation.

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As the term 'plantation' suggests - the woodland was planted as a crop.  This was around 60-70 years ago but was largely neglected over the years.  Our Douglas Fir and Ash has largely been taken out leaving the Beech trees and making room for new, more diverse, planting.  This has also protected the 11000v line running adjacent to the woodland from certain disruption from falling trees and limbs. ​

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The work is zoned so some areas of the woodland will see little change while other zones will have major work.  This work is essential for safety and to ensure a healthy, diverse woodland on the site.  We have to crack a few eggs to make an omelette!  ​Part of this woodland was named 'Nut Bush Hill' on an old map.  Hazelnut readily grow on the farm and especially along Lime Kiln Way - all planted by birds and squirrels but perhaps a hazel coppice here once upon a time?

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​​Lime Kiln Way

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According to some old deeds we have, there was a lime kiln near the Pig and Whistle pub.  We have a disused limestone quarry nearby too which would have been the source for the stone.  We therefore refer to the section of woodland between the Pig and Whistle car park and which along the Gatcombe Brook as 'Lime Kiln Way'.  Some is old broad leaf woodland. The rest we planted as mixed woodland.  It's sloping ground with limestone under a shallow soil in most places. Many of the trees and shrubs will likely be coppiced in this area.  Large old trees will not be scheduled for harvesting and will only be considered for cutting when dead or dying (even then they could be left for nature).  Trees that are imminently dangerous near paths are likely to be cut and the timber harvested.

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No evidence remains for the lime kiln which may be under the car park or incorporated into the Gatcombe Bridge. 

 

A cautionary note on trees - old trees are great for the environment but they can fall or drop limbs without warning. This area has a lot of old trees. The risk of being near a fall or drop is very low but please stay on the path and be aware - especially in high winds.  Some of these trees are protected from being worked because they are in a zone for National Grid approval or have environmental protection.

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I have also heard the field referred to as 'Tedding field' - a likely reference to using the slope and brook for cleaning and 'tedding' wool fleeces.

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Upham Barrier

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​Many screening trees have also been planted between our farm and the hamlet of Uphempston - hence we refer to it as the Upham Barrier - with fond memories of Clive Dunn in Dad's Army.  It's mixed woodland with some experimental planting.  As part of our planning proposal, this areas design is well suited to bats.  There is a private track through it to the public highway which shall become a 'bat tunnel' in time.  

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Christmas Trees

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I've long resisted growing Xmas trees as I don't like the idea of cutting down perfectly healthy trees in their prime - just as their roots have become established and they are growing away nicely.  

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In 2026 we are planting 500 assorted Xmas trees in the field in front of the house.  This is an area where we don't want too may tall trees blocking the view but can still accommodate a lot of trees to grow full size if not 'cropped' beforehand.  They will be ready in about 6 years and we only expect to see a portion of the planting in any one year letting the rest grow on and replant where others have been cut.  This short-term rotation woodland still provides an important habitat for wildlife and the trees are widely spaced to encourage greater diversity.  We've also imported 50 River Birch trees which are now growing on in pots before getting planted out with the Xmas trees later in the year.  These will be left to grow as standards.  Varieties will be Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce, Noble Fir and Fraser Fir.  

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The environment gets preserved and nothing gets wasted with woodland operations

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Lumber     Log     Chip

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​Our woodland is permanent.  Lumber goes for necessary construction, logs go for fuel, chip goes for fuel or soil conditioner.  The woodland sucks up carbon dioxide when growing and a lot of this carbon will stay in the woodland as it gets incorporated into the soil.  Woodland is certainly one of the more environmental 'agricultural' practices.

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