On our Thursday workday on 9 November 2017, the Wood Wardens were joined by seven volunteers from the Roche workforce from Shire Park, Welwyn Garden City. Their employer grants all staff two days each year to carry out some voluntary work of their choice. Most of our management of Sherrardspark Wood happens during the winter to avoid disturbing breeding birds, and we were lucky that they chose us for one of their days! 

After donning hi-viz vests and safety helmets, there was no stopping this enthusiastic group. In no time they picked up the skills of felling small-diameter trees, constructing deer baskets (to protect coppiced trees from muntjac deer) and planting up a cleared area with whips (new trees). None of these volunteers had any previous experience of working to conserve woodland, but they demonstrated how any interested member of the public can work with us, get some exercise, learn about woodland management - and have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Kitted out and ready for action. Photo Geoff Ralph

Tree planting. Photo Geoff Ralph

Tree planting. Photo Geoff Ralph