4th September

This week I travelled to Sheffield to attend the Small Woods Conference on behalf of New England Woods Trust. I was quite keen to find out more about the spread and identification of Chalara ash die-back and also to meet owners of woodlands about the same size as ours. It was a wonderful experience and I had an extremely good day listening to very interesting lectures, being involved in round table discussions and observing some high quality woodland crafts. I did meet people who have similar problems to us and they came from all parts of the country. They were helpful in their advice and observations as well as sympathetic to the pressures all woodland areas are now facing. I will prepare a short reflection of the day for the Trustees which should, in time be made publicly available. Meanwhile our woodland has had a well needed shower of rain and it now feels poised between summer and autumn. The leaves are slowly turning and a slightly different scent hangs in the air.

On the left is Phil Tidey who has written about New England Woods and knows the place very well and on the right is Gabriel Hemery - CEO of Sylva - who gave an inspirational talk about our relationship with woodlands in this country.
On the left is Phil Tidey who has written about New England Woods and knows the place very well and on the right is Gabriel Hemery – CEO of Sylva – who gave an inspirational talk about our relationship with woodlands in this country.
A view of the crafts tent which included regular craftspeople who educate visitors and produce some beautiful objects made directly from the trees wood and timber.
A view of the crafts tent which included regular craftspeople who educate visitors and produce some beautiful objects made directly from the trees wood and timber.
This person invented his charcoal burner to be incredibly efficient in making high quality charcoal. Although he admits it does not provide him with a living, he sets it up to run while he attends other employment.
This person invented his charcoal burner to be incredibly efficient in making high quality charcoal. Although he admits it does not provide him with a living, he sets it up to run while he attends other employment.
We had a spoon making display from wood block to finished piece by a young dynamic person. This is her own site in which she works during the summer season and does make a reasonable living.
We had a spoon making display from wood block to finished piece by a young dynamic person. This is her own site in which she works during the summer season and does make a reasonable living.
I was particularly taken by these brooms made from twigs with hazel handles. They are incredibly efficient at sweeping up leaves from the lawn and are beautiful objects in themselves
I was particularly taken by these brooms made from twigs with hazel handles. They are incredibly efficient at sweeping up leaves from the lawn and are beautiful objects in themselves

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