VV_December 2020

WOODLAND
& GREEN SPACES
Autumn is always a beautiful time in the wood
as the colours change from green to the multiple
golds and browns.
We have said goodbye to the cows and hope
they will be back next year doing a wonderful
job of grazing Farther Barn field. Keep an eye in
the spring for the wildflowers and all the
pollinating insects that visit. We are proud of the
range of butterflies that visit. Next year we will
continue to work on the field to remove the wild
parsnip and ragwort which are invasive species.
Although ragwort is the food for the Burnett
moth we are required by law to remove it as we
neighbour horse grazing.
A major tree safety survey has been carried
out and as I write, we plan to have some work
remove some trees as they are potentially
dangerous to people walking on paths. I know
that for some people it is upsetting to see a tree
go down but unfortunately we have a duty of
care to keep the wood safe. We ask people to be
careful and if anyone has any concerns to
contact us.
We have sold some of the timber laying on
the ground to an individual, who drives a blue
Land Rover. He carries a letter of authority
which is displayed normally in his windscreen.
Selling timber for firewood is one of our sources
of income. I need to remind people that removal
of timber for fires requires permission and
unauthorised removal is regarded as theft.
The fungal growth in the wood has been very
good this year, however the Fly Agaric had a
short season.For those who visited the world
they may have seen sign saying “no fungi
picking”. Foraging is often promoted but it
requires permission from the landowner. We
have a problem with gangs arriving early and
stripping the wood leaving nothing for locals so
we have had to take a tougher stance.
www.pennandtylersgreen.org.uk
Village Voice December 2020/January 2021
There have been a number of reports of
antisocial behaviour by teenagers in the wood
culminating in litter and fires being left burning.
We don’t have any objection to youngsters
coming in sitting quietly enjoying themselves
and socialising within the wood as long as it is
left as they find it. However we do have a
problem with dog walkers still leaving poo bags
hidden behind trees or hanging from branches.
Over the winter work is carried out by
volunteers toward the maintenance and we have
a group of enthusiastic helpers. Tasks include
cutting back the sides of parts and clearing the
grips which drain water away. We appreciate
any help people can give us so we are now
doing some work parties on some Tuesday
mornings in addition to our monthly weekend
work parties. To get information send an email
to: commonwoodvolunteer@gmail.com.
The dates of the weekend work parties are:
• December 5th & 6th, January 2nd & 3rd,
February 6th & 7th
I am pleased to announce that we were
successful in a grant application to the local
community board for £1145 towards improving
a path into the wood from Burrows Close.
Volunteers will be helping with the work which
will start when we receive the funds.
I wonder if people saw the Times article
about Common and Penn Woods highlighting
the Long Walk? Earlier this year we distributed
a copy of the latest leaflet to every recipient of
Village Voice which includes this.
During lockdown, Common Wood has been
very popular and there are many people who
have never been before. The Times article has
also brought more increasing pressure on the
wood. Do enjoy our woods, it's a great place to
'decompress' particulalry if you have to stare at
a computer screen for lengthy periods. Or
maybe go for a seasonal walk before or after
your Christmas dinner.
In the current COVID environment it may be
the only way of meeting talking to others - out
in the open air! Mike Morley
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