TYPICAL PROJECT - Click on images to enlarge

FRITILLARY WOOD, CLANFIELD, WEST SUSSEX

This hedgelaying operation borders the road between Clanfield and East Meon.

This site has been worked on two groups over two seasons: (a) two weekend workshops run by the Sustainability Centre (February 2005 & February 2006) and (b) Hampshire Conservation Volunteers (November 2005 & November 2006) over 2 weekends. All of the work parties were led with a major emphasis on training. The management aims for the site were given to each group and they have been able to observe coppicing and hedgelayng at different stages of regrowth.

The hedge is highly visible from the road and has grown well; the operation of laying the hedge has opened up the ride significantly, allowing more diverse herbaceous regrowth and butterfly habitat.

 

 

 

Over the last two seasons, several groups have visited the wood, notably Alton Friends of the Earth (on two occasions), The Hampshire Mycological Society, Camberley Natural History Society (three separate visits including butterfly survey and moth survey events), five work parties involved with the coppicing and a group of school children at Easter (organized by a parent rather than the school), and a group of ex-Bath University horticulturists. This site is always open to groups visiting Fritillary Wood as it is becoming increasingly interesting to observe the positive effects of the hedge laying and coppicing on the flora and insect life.

The work parties have provided educational, healthy and exciting days out for people who don't usually work outdoors. Several people who have participated in the hedgelaying have done so with a view to building skills towards a career change.

 
   
 
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