
Hollybank Woods, Emsworth, Hampshire.

Foxgloves. Blue skies and summer weather in Hollybank Woods this week.
(PHOTO: AB)
Friday 12th June 2009 Report by AB
You will notice some tree work going on within the conifer plantation in the north eastern part of the woods. This will involve selective removal of trees to allow the Western Red Cedar, Oak and Beech to prosper. The work has been approved by the Forestry Commission and Havant Borough Council. The work will be carried out by a local training organisation, so there is no cost to us or the Council. Chris Bain, who runs Forestry Training Services Ltd, is committed to sensitive woodland management using both traditional and modern forestry and woodland management techniques. Chris is a regular walker in the woods with his family, a member of the Friends of Hollybank Woods and is a serving committee member.
The work will be carried out by skilled professional woodsman, as part of their training by Chris, in the craft and practice of a more environmental approach to habitat restoration and conservation. Chris not only instructs on the art of plantation management, but challenges students to understand how their actions impact on the environment. They will take these skills back to the woodlands they manage, and both Forestry Training Services Ltd and Friends of Hollybank Woods hope that the experience of working in a modern plantation, within an ancient woodland, will seed a future generation of skilled craftsmen who will be encouraged to manage their own woodlands with a greater understanding of both habitat and wildlife conservation. Chris has a unique approach to woodland management, one that will contribute greatly to the flaura and fauna of the woodland. All work is carried out under full professional guidelines and public liability insurance.
John Bond, Chairman of Friends of Hollybank Woods, emphasises that this is not a short term project, but a long term forest regeneration scheme that will benefit future generations, and the woodland itself. Over the next ten years the plantation which has become a dark and sterile area within the greater woodland, will be opened up. The increase in light within the plantation, creation of wildlife corridors rich in grasses, will all contribute to the biodiversity and in doing so benefit the ancient woodland of Hollybank that surrounds it.

John Bond (Friends Chairman) and Chris Bain (Friends Forestry Officer) in the Plantation. (PHOTO: AB)
Chris Bain runs Forestry Training Services Ltd and will be carrying out the plantation management
without cost to us. The project will provide trainees with experience of forestry management
techniques and provide invaluable habitat restoration in the plantation area.
Every 3rd mouth full of food consumed by the worlds population has been pollinated by bees... Bee populations are in heavy decline, not good news given how important they are!

Bee on Garlic mustard flower head. Also the larval food plant of the Orange Tip butterfly.
(PHOTO: AB)

Bees on ragwort in the Hollybank Lodge clearing. (PHOTO: AB)
With every 3rd mouth full of food consumed by the worlds population pollinated by bees, Hollybank's abundant flush of ragwort plays an important role in the ecology of our local bees during the spring, summer and autumn months.
And also!
As we head into July, keep an eye out for the multitude of Dragonfly on the wind now in the woodland.

Female Broad-Bodied Chaser Dragonfly. (PHOTO: AB)

Meeting point for work party days and guided walks / events 2009 | Back to top |
Weekly walks in Hollybank Woods:
August Bank Holiday

Emsworth Show. (PHOTO: AB)

Two young Friends of Hollybank Woods
members checking out the stand in 2007.
(PHOTO: AB)

Robert and Jill with David Willetts. 2007.
(PHOTO: AB)
About and how to join:
The Friends of Hollybank Woods are a group of local residents who formed in the Spring of 2001 to promote the protection of Hollybank Woods. The wood is owned by Havant Borough Council and managed on its behalf by the Friends of Hollybank Woods who organise regular work parties and themed walks run by local naturalists. The group formed a management committee and undertake well planned conservation work in the woods for the benefit of both wildlife and people using the woods.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved, not just for those who want to do practical work. We need your support!
To receive a Membership Application pack and become a Friend, please contact the Friends of Hollybank Woods membership secretary. Membership costs £1.50 for an adult and £3.00 for a family. Under 16's free.
Anna Williams
Membership Secretary
Friends of Hollybank Woods
Hollybank House
Emsworth
PO10 7UN
Telephone Anna on (01243) 375502
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© 2009 | AB