Friends of Bedgebury Magazine Issue 5 Spring/Summer

2015 www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Friends of Bedgebury My Bedgebury Decade Magazine Issue 5 Katherine Jary, Friends Manager Spring/Summer 2015

I first fell in love with Bedgebury during Welcome: My Bedgebury Decade 1 my maternity leave in 2005. My post natal Editor’s Letter 2 friends and I would meet regularly in the An interview with you! 4 walled garden for tea and cake and a gentle walk in the Pinetum with our babies. Membership Information 10 We spent the pre-school years in the Bedgebury’s Visitor Centre Team 11 Pinetum too, having fallen in love with the Events and Activities 14 landscape as a thrilling natural adventure playground for our children. Go with the flow! 18 Aphids! 20 When my daughter started school in 2010, I missed the time we had spent in Bedgebury The Friends, the Forestry Commission so profoundly that Malcolm Dove, the and the Bigger Picture 22 Manager of the Friends at that time, easily It is clear that our members also attach great A diary from Japan 24 persuaded me to combine my return to value to the wonderful Pinetum landscape, Bird Ringing at Bedgebury 27 part-time work with volunteering in the rich in rare and exciting flora and fauna, that forms the heart of Bedgebury, and this too Why is Bedgebury a great place Forestry Commission’s Learning Team. draws our funding, time and energy. In truth, to bring your school? 28 He also convinced me to become a Trustee Editors: Katherine Jary of the Friends’ charity. it is difficult to imagine a more wonderful way Bedgebury and our Partners 30 and Luke Wallace to spend some time than working with the Notice Board 33 Eight years after my first visit to Bedgebury, Friends and the Forestry Commission in this Proof Readers: I found myself stepping in to help cover rich and beautiful environment. Elspeth Hill, Jeanette Armstrong Malcolm’s retirement when we, as trustees, and John Gordon failed to find the right person to replace him. It has therefore been fascinating to hear how Contributing Photographers: Two years on, I am still here and loving every you view the site and the efforts of the Forestry Fraser Allen, Katherine Jary, moment of it! Commission to manage the numerous and Luke Wallace, Ian Beavis, occasionally conflicting activities important to Phil Clayton, Dan Luscombe, The Friends work in close partnership with the all the people who spend time at Bedgebury. Mark Clixby, Bob Dransfield, Forestry Commission at Bedgebury helping to Cover: Long-horned Bee Eucera longicornis Jack Glendinning, Keith Bunce support an exciting range of projects on site With every Friends’ magazine we attempt to Taken by Ian Beavis (curator at Tunbridge Wells Museum). from the development and maintenance of share and explain what we all do at Bedgebury Contributing Florilegium Artists: recreational activities like children’s play and and why, but with this edition we have focussed The males of this beautiful solitary bee are very distinctive Susan Conroy, Helen Hiorns because of their long antennae. This photograph was cycling, that clearly draw our members to the on the subjects we now know are important taken when one was found during the Bedgebury Bioblitz The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum site all year round, to our support for the world to our members. We hope to demonstrate the of May 2014. We were very pleased to see this species are very grateful to Fraser Allen class conservation work being undertaken Forestry Commission’s plans to address some in Bedgebury as it has undergone rapid decline across for supporting the production of through the tree collection and related activities. of the issues you have raised and develop or Britain. The main reason for the decline is the loss of this magazine, our websites and protect the things that you value. We have all flower-rich grasslands, as these bees have a particular our social media presence with his learned much from the survey process and we amazing photographic images. need for large areas of nitrogen-fixing plants (known look forward to continuing this dialogue with as legumes) such as Bird’s-foot trefoil and Clovers. Design: Jonathan Turner you long into the future. Bedgebury Pinetum is lucky to have suitable habitat for this precious little invertebrate. Printed on FSC certified paper. 1 Editor’s Letter Luke Wallace, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

“A camel is a horse designed In our Autumn Winter 2014 Magazine, Mark A substantial sum is invested in the botanical by a committee.” Clixby, Bedgebury’s Recreation Manager, collection and vital tree conservation activities outlined his vision for a “visitor experience each year. One of Bedgebury’s most significant Alec Issigonis ‘Notes and that exceeds expectations”. In this edition, endeavours in 2014 was a seed collecting Queries’ The Guardian 1991 Mark introduces us to the frontline troops at expedition to Japan. Dan Luscombe, our Bedgebury, the Visitor Centre team (pages 11 resident Dendrologist, diarised the trip Now, it is not fair to insult the perfectly to 13), who play a key role in the delivery of this (pages 24 to 26) and when typhoons weren’t adapted camel, but the point is that the vision. It is staff in this team who interact with hampering efforts, the team managed to collaborative result of disparate ideas will the hundreds of thousands of visitors that find and collect the seed of some seriously be a compromised one. Bedgebury, with its come to Bedgebury every year. Combine the threatened flora. This year, the team is diverse array of activities and attractions, number of visitors with such a multifaceted planning to collect seed from endangered is indeed the manifestation of many site, and it’s easy to see how any role in this North American species. On pages 22 to 23, different ideas and interests. department is lively and challenging on a Bedgebury’s Manager, Dominic O’Connor Being one of the most visited attractions daily basis. Robinson, explains why we undertake such trips and ponders the subject of conifer in south-east England, compromises The forest bike trails have to be one of our conservation. You only have to visit our Bedgebury, “a place for inevitably have to be made, but do they biggest visitor draws and they are continuously fascinating collection of trees to see the detract from the overall experience? being improved to enhance your riding people, a place for trees results of this conservation work. We start to explore this important question experience. Local resident and mountain-bike and a place for wildlife”. in a review of the results from our 2014 enthusiast, Phil Clayton, tells us about the Investing in the botanical collection also member survey on pages 4 to 9. Here, we practicalities of maintaining bike trails and why requires us to manage the natural environment discuss the prevailing opinions and try to the forest bike trails are gaining an impressive in which it sits. This environment is important answer some of the more conflicting and reputation (pages 18 to 19). However, cycling for all forms of wildlife and the best way of challenging responses we received. It is is only one of the site’s many activities so for managing the landscape in an ecologically Cycling, concerts, children’s activity trails, clear from the survey that our members are those of you who prefer a less energetic or sensitive manner is to understand the botanical interests, global conservation, very aware of the issues presented to staff more cerebral approach to recreation, see ecosystem’s composition in detail. With this in beautiful walks, wildlife watching… the list and visitors at a site like Bedgebury. This pages 14 to 17 for a list of this summer’s events mind, Bedgebury hosts a range of surveying goes on! If Bedgebury is the compromised edition of the magazine aims to consider and activities. and monitoring activities for all sorts of camel, as extrapolated from Issigonis’s organisms. Christine George explains how the different recreational aspects of So, aside from outstanding play areas, metaphor, then it is a camel in its native Africa bird-ringing, for example, still provides us Bedgebury and the careful balance the high quality bike trails and a variety of other or Asia; very well adapted for the demands with new information on our birdlife (page 27). Forestry Commission has to apply in its recreational and educational activities, placed on it. management as “a place for people, Surveying also turned up some exciting wildlife where else does your money go? The site is incredibly dynamic and diverse a place for trees and a place for wildlife”. finds at Bedgebury last year, most notably in the autumn when a nationally new species of and, whether it is an extreme, adrenaline parasitoid was discovered in the Pinetum! Find rush or a gentle amble around some the full story on pages 20 to 21 and don’t forget beautiful natural settings, with a little to look out for some more amazing creatures in compromise and consideration Bedgebury the Pinetum’s trees and meadows this summer. can deliver on all counts.

2 3 An interview However, although play and cycling are now Signage enabled the Forestry Commission to improve the popular activities on site with 40 – 50% of you Many of you shared your views about clarity of directional signage at the Visitor Centre and to ensure that the rules associated with listing them as the reasons you joined, we are the signage on site through the survey. with you! pleased that 47% joined because of the the Pinetum are more visible. This, too, was Some of you wanted more (to help you requested by a great many of you. We hope that Katherine Jary, Friends of peaceful and safe outdoor space understand the site or to prevent you getting you will see the signage improvements already, Bedgebury Pinetum Manager with 10 – 16% of you listing environmental lost), others wanted less, a reflection of a great conservation and the tree collection as but please do continue to make suggestions and Dominic O’Connor Robinson, many respondents’ desire that Bedgebury key reasons for joining. where you see the need for change. Bedgebury Manager avoids becoming a theme park. The great news is that most of you want us to To reassure you that signage is always continue supporting a range of activities on We would like to say a huge thank you on our mind, the Forestry Commission is site with 39% of you favouring the tree collection to the 20% of our membership who took the currently undertaking a review of their signage time to complete the survey that we launched and wildlife and 36% of you favouring play policy as the existing three year signage plan with our Autumn / Winter 2014 magazine. and cycling. expires in 2015. Signage is a very important part of the visitor attraction. It not only helps people Events and Having compared some of your answers to data navigate their way onto and around the site, but we already hold, we can be confident that the activities 20% who responded were representative of our is also an essential tool in providing visitors with whole membership. guidance and advice. Getting this signage right Lots of you shared your thoughts about is not an easy job and requires the support of a the events and activities you think The survey has helped us understand a little more Those who do not pay! number of partners. These include the Forestry the Friends and Forestry Commission about our members. We were also keen to give Many of you expressed your anger at the Commission’s Landscape Architect and the should offer at Bedgebury, many of you a chance to share your views on the things them conflicting! Some of you wanted more visitors who choose not to pay, but instead £ Forestry Commission Design Team. you would like to see change on site. We have children’s events, some of you wanted fewer. park elsewhere and enter the site for free. £ However spent some time reviewing your responses to we know that we do not always A number of you thanked us for getting it just the questions posed and have identified a few This is clearly a huge frustration to . Underpinning the Forestry £ get it right about right and none of you want us to become key things that have generated a great deal those of you making a valuable contribution to Commission’s signage plan is the simple motto a theme park. Indeed, we have been heartened of comment, concern and suggestion. We will the maintenance and development of Bedgebury. ‘the right sign in the right place giving the right by the number of you who made specific deal with each of them in turn. There is clear recognition among you that message’. By remembering this, co-ordinating reference to the importance of Bedgebury’s Bedgebury is not a free resource and that high the various teams’ recommendations and using unique landscape and wilder and more natural quality cycle trails, miles of walking, children’s a good deal of common sense, the Forestry spaces as areas of learning and enjoyment for play furniture, the provision of a Visitor Centre Commission hope that they have created the adults without children as well as for families. and its facilities, and the Pinetum’s role right balance of simple directional signage on as a world class centre of conifer research, site, but they do take your comments on board. There is no doubt that Bedgebury is a bit conservation and education all come at a price. different to most visitor attractions in the area 83% of our members come to Bedgebury We, too, are keen to avoid Bedgebury feeling and, as 61% of you list our unique with children, most of whom are below the age As the survey tells us that, on average, like a theme park, so we will always landscape as one of your favourite of 11. Unfortunately fewer than 6% of our our members visit Bedgebury 40 times remain cautious about adding more aspects of Bedgebury, we want to ensure membership have been with us long a year with an average of 3 people . Having said that, the signage to the site we maintain a balance between activity and enough to remember parking only in the in the car, we understand why more than Café development has enabled the Forestry tranquillity. For those of you wanting organised walled garden and having a cup of tea in the 95% of you believe that annual Commission to add some new messages of activity, we believe that we are already offering Pantry portacabin when visiting the Pinetum. The membership is great value for money. interpretation to the site, to share some of the many of the things you have been asking for, Sport England funding received in 2006/7 and the stories of Bedgebury with visitors. We hope We would love you to share your view of but perhaps we are not sharing this information development of the Visitor Centre, cycle trails and this will please those of you who wanted the Bedgebury with those who prefer to use the effectively with you. In each edition of this play areas changed both Bedgebury and our signage to help you learn more about site and all its amazing facilities without paying magazine we attempt to list all the upcoming membership profile. We also know that this has Bedgebury. The Café development has also by encouraging them to join as members in events and activities on site. The Friends’ website, been a cause of frustration to those of you who order to make a contribution. Details of our and that of the Forestry Commission can also be loved the Pinetum when it was quiet all year round. annual membership offer can be found on used as a guide. See pages 14 to 17 for the events page 10 of this magazine if you need any help planned for this coming spring and summer convincing them! and for links to the relevant website pages. 4 5 Play Talking to Until early 2013, the magazine The children’s play areas are clearly a hugely was posted to members. However important part of Bedgebury to our members. increasing postage costs and a 84% of you bring children when you our Friends growing membership have made this visit and more than 50% of you say an expensive option for the charity. that children’s play is one of the key In this digital age we believe that our members reasons you come to us. 2015 sees the would prefer us to apply our resources to Cycling Forestry Commission starting the delivery of a supporting the maintenance and development new 5 year Play Development Plan. Like all the 56% of you list cycling as one of your 39% of you use the Friends’ website of the site and we have therefore decided to other work undertaken at Bedgebury, the Plan favourite things about Bedgebury, with www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk as a key make the magazine available to every member is a collaboration between a number of groups more than 42% of you wishing to see source of information about the site. We are online rather than by posting a hard copy. such as Landscape Architects, Designers, the financial support for the provision and Learning Team, external contractors and our also pleased that 52% of you find our We now e-mail all members twice a year with maintenance of the cycling routes as staff. However, most importantly for you, the information emails valuable and either a PDF copy of the magazine or a link to part of a balanced portfolio of expenditure by Plan has been developed using your views, informative. As more than 91% of you feel our website, where current and former editions the Friends. as collected in a visitor survey completed in 2010. you are informed to some degree about are now stored: the way in which your membership subscription It is clear that cycling is an important part of It is important to understand that play is much www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/home/ is used on site, some of our communications the Bedgebury offer. more than simply buying equipment off the shelf the-friends-of-bedgebury-pinetums-bi- must be effective. and putting it in the ground. Bedgebury has a annual-/the-friends-of-bedgebury-pinetums- The maintenance and development of cycling unique opportunity to engage with thousands We will continue to enhance our website with bi-annual--2/ at Bedgebury is the perfect example of close articles and information about the site, details of its partnership projects. Without the Bedgebury of visitors through play and we believe that the events and activities, articles on the tree collection Please keep an eye on your junk mail just in business partners the Forestry Commission play we offer should be as diverse as den and features on the flora and fauna in the case our e-mail is misdirected and do inform us would not be able to maintain or develop the building, making stepping stones and natural Pinetum. We hope you enjoy visiting the website, if your e-mail address changes. If you don’t hear cycling offer. Cycling is a key part of the business play inside the National Pinetum right through to but we welcome your feedback and if you think we from us, either with e-mails about events and at Bedgebury and therefore requires a great the provision of physical play equipment such as are missing something, please do get in touch at activities, or with a link to the magazine, or with deal of staff time and management. The the Ant’s Nest. Our Play Development Plan aims [email protected]. your renewal reminder, it is because we do not Forestry Commission are working very closely to continue and develop the provision of safe, hold an e-mail address for you. Please help us with the BFCC (Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club), fun and educational play to a wide range of This Magazine is also proving to be a to keep our communication costs down by Quench Cycles, the operational and forest visitors. At the heart of the Plan is the desire to valuable source of information with 26% of allowing us to use e-mail whenever we can and link all play back to Bedgebury, the National you reading it cover to cover, and 68% management teams, Forest Civil Engineering get in touch with your details. We promise we and staff to ensure that the trails meet or exceed Pinetum and conservation. skimming it for articles of interest. To help us won’t bombard you with e-mails, but we would your expectations. As with all things, the provision of Play equipment to produce a magazine that you continue to like to communicate with you on occasion is expensive, individual pieces often costing many enjoy, we would love to know more about the without draining our resources. The mountain bike trails have had over £120,000 features that catch your eye. We will be asking of investment over the last two years. This work 10’s of £1,000s. As more than 43% of you you more about the magazine in our next survey Having said all of this, we do know that many is ongoing, with plans to create new trail seem keen to support play provision planned for the autumn / winter 2015 edition. of you still love to read a hard copy of the sections and to move all the existing sections more directly, we will be offering our members magazine! Remember, you can always obtain away from the wet bridleways and forest roads. and visitors the opportunity to sponsor new play However, we were concerned to read that a one from the Visitor Information Office at the This will not only make the trails safer for equipment in the future. If you think you might number of you don’t appear to have received Visitor Centre. Just pop in on your next visit! everyone, but will also ensure that the trails like to see your family name more permanently your e-copy of the Magazine, with a few of are far more sustainable and fun to ride. connected with play at Bedgebury, keep an eye you wondering why it doesn’t arrive by post out for new sponsorship opportunities from the any more. If you would like to get involved in supporting Friends as we approach 2016. cycling at Bedgebury, the BFCC have monthly volunteer working parties that focus on @ repairing and developing the trails. Visit www.boarsonbikes.co.uk for more information.

6 7 In addition, the geology of the site, the lack Toilets! of any underlying infrastructure beyond the The new Bedgebury Café – your questions We received a huge number of requests reaches of the Visitor Centre and the need to answered by Dominic O’Connor Robinson, the through the survey for more toilets at Bedgebury, ensure any building is both manageable and Forestry Commission’s Bedgebury Manager sustainable, have generated estimates for toilet particularly at the play areas and on the cycle We are really pleased to be launching our facilities at the play area of around half a trails. We suspect that some of you may be redeveloped ‘Bedgebury Café’ in time for Easter million pounds, a huge sum of money that unaware that there are toilets in the Pinetum and the start of the new season in 2015. We makes the project more complex to deliver with – some at the walled garden and some close to have listened to your feedback through the so many other high budget projects on the list. the Forestry Commission’s office building near Friends’ Survey and our own on-site surveys to Park Lane – but we realise that the primary issue By the time the Café project is completed Café make sure that it really does meet the needs for most of you is the lack of provision of toilet this spring, a similar sum of money will have When asked to share your views on the things of our customers. It will have a speedy serving facilities near the play areas. been spent extending and developing the that you felt would improve your experience on option, space for buggies, great views of the As Bedgebury now plays host to over Café and the supporting waste and sewerage site, an overwhelming number of you lake, much more indoor seating and, of course, 300,000 visitors a year, there can be no infrastructure. Like any business of this type, suggested improvements to the Café first class cake and coffee! balancing a finite resource and near infinite and an increase in the breadth and shortcuts to a project of this nature if the Forestry As well as glazing in the veranda areas we have needs at Bedgebury will always be a challenge; location of catering on site. Commission are to continue to offer a high enclosed the central atrium and put in place however, the Forestry Commission felt that the quality visitor experience at Bedgebury. There A great many of you want to see catering made new underfloor heating to make it a warm and Café project was the priority for use of capital are several good reasons why we haven’t available near the play areas and on the cycle welcoming space in winter. We have also taken funds at the moment. We hope that you agree, been able to provide these facilities to date. trails. I hope you will understand from the the opportunity to tell the story of Bedgebury but we know that many of you will still feel very section on toilet facilities above that a second in this space, with displays around the room Additional toilet facilities have been on the strongly about the issue of toilets. Whilst our permanent building is not an option for the showing what we do for trees and what trees do Forestry Commission’s list of capital projects for capital priorities have already been set for the site at present. However, as Dominic O’Connor for us. We hope you enjoy sitting in and moving Bedgebury (the Estate Masterplan) for some next few years, we know that there are many Robinson, Bedgebury’s Manager explains, through the new glazed atrium whilst learning years, but additional toilet facilities have been new sources of funds and methods of fund- the Café redevelopment will transform catering a bit more about the amazing things happening considered a lower priority than the development raising in this modern age. If you believe the on site from Easter 2015, with the incoming Café at Bedgebury and the ways in which you can of the cycle trails, the construction of the play project to be crucial and are able to give your leaseholder being required to provide the best support these activities through the Friends’ areas, the redevelopment of the Café, the time to raise the money that Bedgebury needs and most creative solutions possible to the sponsorship activities. proposed regeneration of the Walled Garden to enable a toilet block to side-step the Forestry challenge of catering for Bedgebury visitors and the provision of a Welcome building for Commission capital project queue, we would be Planning for the new Café began nearly 2 years wherever they are on site with high quality the site. very happy to build the extra facilities you want! ago. This investment has been made by the refreshments, drinks, ice creams and hot food. Forestry Commission in order to ensure that the facilities at Bedgebury meet our visitors’ needs. Over the next few years there will be a series Coppicing of investments in the site that will ensure that Learning to Bedgebury continues to be “the” place to visit Some of you wanted to know more about the site’s coppicing for all the family. Our partners running the Café policy and to understand why some areas of the love each other! will be listening to your feedback to ensure the site have seen extensive coppicing in the last It was clear from the comments made in Bedgebury Café is a wonderful place to visit. 18 months. Follow the link below to our 2014 Magazines answers to the survey that there are concerns Please let us know what you think of the changes. to find articles written by John Allen, Bedgebury Operations about how our numerous user groups Manager, which explain the coppicing that has taken place interact and feel about each other. A user at Bedgebury, as well as an interview with ecologist David group forum was formed some years ago Streeter which outlines the ecological benefits of this ancient to develop a code of conduct for Bedgebury. woodland management practice. This code of conduct is being updated and Thank you all again for taking the time www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/home/ will be reissued soon. In the meanwhile we to talk to us through the survey. We hope that this the-friends-of-bedgebury-pinetums-bi-annual-/ have addressed some of the issues driving will be the start of an extended period of dialogue the-friends-of-bedgebury-pinetums-bi-annual--2/ conflict in a separate article which you can with you with a further survey to come in the find on page 33. autumn / winter 2015 edition of this magazine. 8 9 The Friends of Behind the Scenes with Bedgebury Pinetum the Visitor Centre Team Mark Clixby, Recreation Manager

Become a Friend to support the Forestry Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre Commission in its management of 01386 701441 www.batsarb.co.uk Bedgebury as a world-class centre Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses of conifer research, conservation and 0121 4541860 The Visitor Centre team are the heart and education, as a landscape of rare and www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk soul of the visitor attraction at Bedgebury. endangered flora and fauna and as a It is their job to provide our visitors with the site for high quality, healthy recreation. Borde Hill Gardens best possible experience on site. 01444 450326 www.bordehill.co.uk The Bedgebury Annual Membership I am sure you will have met them when you subscription enables one of two specified Brogdale Collections have visited, but I wanted to tell you a little more vehicles to gain admission to the site 01795 536250 www.brogdalecollections.co.uk about each of them and the work they do to all year round* and will entitle you to an Kew at Castle Howard look after Bedgebury. e-copy of the Friends’ bi-annual magazine. 01653 648598 www.yorkshirearboretum.org * Excluding Christmas Day when the site is closed, or when the site is closed due to adverse weather. The Living Rainforest Rick is one of the Forestry Commission 01635 202444 www.livingrainforest.org Annual subscription Supervisors at the Centre and, as well as taking From 1st April 2015 – £66 per annum RHS Garden Harlow Carr responsibility for the visitor attraction when he 01423 565418 is on duty, has the unenviable task of planning Friends also enjoy admission to www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr the staffing rotas each year – a tough job on a other gardens and arboreta. Clare receiving her “cone of the month” site that is open every day of the year except employee award for outstanding performance Included within the annual membership RHS Garden Hyde Hall Christmas Day! subscription is a free admission pass for the 0845 265 8071 lead member to the gardens and arboreta www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall Clare is also a Forestry Commission Supervisor listed. Additional family members can also RHS Garden Rosemoor at the Centre. Her primary responsibility is to obtain an admission pass to these gardens 01805 624067 ensure that all the essential tasks relating to and arboreta for the year for less than the price www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor our customers and the administration of the of a day admission ticket to many of them. site are carried out when the site is open for RHS Garden Wisley From 1st April 2015 – additional admission business. Clare is on maternity leave at the 0845 260 9000 cards – £12 per person per annum moment and will return to us in the autumn. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Terms and conditions apply. These offers are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Free entry to some Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh STOP THE PRESS… gardens is restricted at certain times of the year and 0131 248909 www.rbge.org.uk We have just been informed that the whole in some cases car parking charge apply. Please check Bedgebury team, including our on site their websites or telephone for more information. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew business partners, have been awarded 0208 332 5655 www.kew.org a VisitEngland Welcome Accolade in Royal Botanic Gardens, Wakehurst Place recognition of the high quality of our visitor 01444 894066 www.kew.org/visit-wakehurst welcome. We are delighted that everyone’s Rick helping to prepare for our ongoing hard work has been recognised Westonbirt the National Arboretum annual Christmas Tree sales and rewarded. Mark Clixby. Agapanthus orientalis from an original 01666 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt watercolour by Helen Hiorns. 10 11 Craig is a member of the Forestry Commission Iz works for the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum team and spends most of his time helping at and, as well as managing the membership the Visitor Centre. He is also responsible for desk, is responsible for running our small, carrying out site safety inspections and repairs but perfectly-formed gift shop at the Visitor to the play equipment. He works closely Centre. Iz is also involved in administering the with TROT, the horse riding organisation with various sponsorship schemes that have been permission to access the forest, and is also our offered at Bedgebury over its long history. She resident orienteering expert! has been working hard with Liz to develop new schemes that will enable members and visitors to engage with and support the work of the Pinetum into the future. Sharon working through our online renewals before we open for business in the morning Judi advertising the Gruffalo’s Child Trail that we ran over the winter period Sharon works for the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum helping to manage the membership desk. She is an administrative demon and Judi is part of the Forestry Commission team keeps the Friends’ team tidy and organised. who, as well as helping to run the site, is our Sharon can also be found helping the Forestry resident IT expert. This is a crucial job in the Commission during peak periods. team as the smooth running of the site relies heavily on the ANPR gate admission system There are also a number of other very and related payment technology. important people who help at the Visitor Centre. We have a large body of part time Helen is one of the longest serving members employees who support the team at the of the Forestry Commission team at Visitor Centre during peak visitor periods. Bedgebury and is our resident first aid expert. Their efforts are key to the delivery of an Those of you unfortunate enough to have had Craig trying to keep the Gruffalo a secret! excellent customer experience and they are a tumble or bump when enjoying the play an integral part of the team at the Centre. areas or cycle trails may have been treated in Iz with some of our minature Gruffalos! ‘Helen’s Hospital’. We are also very grateful for the work of our visitor facing volunteers, known as Visitor Experience Volunteers. This group of volunteers are particularly important Liz is the member of the Forestry Commission to the Visitor Centre team as they are often team who wears the most hats! She can often the first people that new and regular visitors be seen working with the team at the Visitor see when they arrive. First impressions Centre, but is also one of the site’s dedicated count, and as each of them is a passionate army of volunteers working in the Tree and enthusiastic supporter of Bedgebury, Labelling team and, until recently, with the we know they do a great job of welcoming Learning Team. Liz is part of the Friends people to the site. If you would like to be a of Bedgebury Pinetum team too, working with Visitor Experience Volunteer, please contact Iz to manage the site’s historic sponsorship Liz using the contact information below. Liz advertising the 2014 Christmas Tree Sales schemes and to develop the new schemes that will be launched this year. To contact the Visitor Centre team call 01580 879820 during opening hours (details on page 30) or e-mail Helen at home in our first aid room [email protected] 12 13 This stunning outdoor exhibition links fittingly with The walk will start from the Forestry Commission the important conservation work undertaken by offices on Park Lane at 10am with a second walk Events and Bedgebury, and will be displayed in a beautiful to start at 1pm. setting within the Pinetum. This walk is aimed at adults with an interest in Activities Luke Duggleby is a recipient of the Atkins CIWEM the Pinetum, the tree collection and its wildlife and Environmental Photographer of the Year award as will last approximately 2 hours. Please dress Sandra Styles, Events and Marketing selected by Forestry Commission England Director appropriately for the event and the forecast weather. Ian Gambles. The Atkins CIWEM Environmental Not suitable for small children or those with limited Photographer of the Year competition is an mobility. £5 per person for members, free to For more information on any of the events international showcase for the very best in volunteers. Booking is required. environmental photography and film. Honouring listed, please contact either: From 7th to 10th April Please ring 01580 879842 for more information Easter Event – Seasonal Trail amateurs and professionals of all ages, it provides Bedgebury Visitor Services Information Office or to book your place. Families can follow an easy self-led Seasonal Trail an opportunity for photographers to share images on 01580 879820 or visit to search for mystery activity boxes. Children will of environmental and social issues with international We hope to offer further guided walks for volunteers www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury find stickers and stampers in the activity boxes audiences, and to enhance our understanding of and members with Dan this spring and summer. the causes, consequences and solutions to climate Keep an eye on the Friends’ website and your The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum to complete their card before returning to the classroom to make their own Superworm and Easter change and social inequality. e-mails for more information. on 01580 879842 or visit chick, then collect a small Easter basket complete www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk A supporting guide will be available to provide with a chocolate egg to take home. interpretation for the 30 large scale photographs EventsSuperworm and activities may be subject to change. Suitable for all ages. £2 per child (plus admission included in the exhibition. We recommend that you ring either of the fee per vehicle). Booking is not required for this Standard admission charges will apply. above numbers before visiting. event. Drop in to the classroom at the Visitor Centre between 10.00am and 2.00pm. Children must be To find out more about art in England’s public forests Activity accompanied by an adult throughout the event. visit www.forestry.gov.uk/forestartworks Trail 13th March – October May 2015 Saturday 16th May The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, adapted by David Wood

© Axel Scheffler 2012 Illyria returns to Bedgebury with this traditional tale Sign up! captured in one of Disney’s best-known films. The And be the first March 2015 to hear about all production features breath-taking magical illusions, our Superworm Find us on Facebook From 13th March to the end of OctoberForestry Commission non-stop laughter and more water than you have activities... Woods & Forests April 2015 Wednesday 29th April The Superworm Activity Trail ever seen in a play before! forestry.gov.uk/superworm From 23rd April to 6th September Spring Watch – an exclusive guided walk Calling all Superworm Superheroes! SuperwormSuperworm © 2012 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler for Bedgebury Volunteers and Members is super-long. Superworm is super-strong. Watch Guardians of the Areng Valley – Suitable for all ages. Tickets (including booking fee) We would like to invite you to join Bedgebury’s him wiggle! See him squirm! Hip, hip, hooray for Photography Exhibition are £9.50 for children (aged 2 to 15) and £12.50 Dendrologist, Dan Luscombe, on a guided walk of SUPERWORM! This exhibition is the world premiere of a significant for adults and will be available via the Forestry body of new work by Luke Duggleby. The the Pinetum and the Plots on Wednesday 29th April. Commission box office at www.boxoffice.forestry. From Friday 13th March, friends and families can gov.uk or on 03000 680400. This event will take photographs shown in the exhibition present Dan will introduce you to some of the wonders of the take part in our self-led Superworm Activity Trail place in the Walled Garden (admission charges Duggleby’s journey into the Cardamom Forest Pinetum and the stories behind some of its rarest around Bedgbury. Children can learn about the do not apply). Gates open from 1pm and the in south west Cambodia. They focus particular and most remarkable specimens. He will highlight forest environment and mini-beasts as well as performance starts at 2.30pm. attention on a group of Buddhist monks pioneering the flora and fauna that is at its most stunning in completing some physical activities along the way. a small but influential environmental movement spring whilst sharing with you special areas of the “Illyria is an Equity Outdoor Touring Guidelines To enhance your Superworm experience, you can aimed at reversing forest destruction to protect Pinetum off the beaten track. compliant company” purchase an activity pack to accompany the Trail the indigenous peoples and endangered species for only £3.50. of the remote Areng Valley.

14 15 Saturday 30th May concerts. Tickets are available from August 2015 For ages 8+. Tickets (including booking fee) are £9.50 the Forestry Commission Box Office at for children (aged up to 15) and £12.50 for adults An Introduction to Bedgebury’s Wildlife 4th and 11th August forestry.gov.uk/music or on 03000 680400. and will be available via the Forestry Commission Join us for a morning’s amble around the Pinetum From 10.00am until 11.30am where we will take a look at different habitats and box office at www.boxoffice.forestry.gov.uk or Released in June 2013, Tom Odell’s debut album Meet Superworm’s Friends! the species they are composed of. The meadow on 03000 680400. This event will take place in the ‘Long Way Down’ shot straight to number one. Come on a Superworm minibeast hunt under the grasslands will be carpeted with wildflowers, Walled Garden (admission charges do not apply). Described by The Telegraph as “utterly compelling”, Pinetum trees. Find some of the real minibeasts including several orchid species, and supported Gates open from 5.30pm and the performance singles from the album illustrate a song-writing that helped Superworm in the story and then make by a cast of interesting invertebrates and beautiful starts at 7.00pm. maturity beyond his years. your own Superworm or minibeast to take home. birdlife. “Illyria is an Equity Outdoor Touring Guidelines Commenting on his forest gigs, Tom Odell said, For ages 5+. £4 per child. Booking is essential Not suitable for small children or those with limited compliant company” “This will be a whole new experience for me. I can’t for this event as numbers are limited. Pre-book mobility. £3 per person for members and £5 per wait to bring my live show to the woods and I hope your place for free admission. This event takes person for non-members. Site admission charges to see you there.” place in the Walled Garden. Children must be will apply for non-members. Booking is required. accompanied by an adult throughout the event. The walk will start at 8.00am and will last approximately 2.5 hours. Call 01580 879842 6th and 7th August Help us to make a giant Superworm! or email [email protected] to book your place. SOLD OUT Drop in and pick up a treasure hunter’s bag, then help Superworm to collect beautiful cones and © Axel Scheffler 2012 leaves from the forest floor by following the Summer June 2015 Trail. Bring your collection back and choose your 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th August Saturday 6th June own leaves or cones to stick on to your ‘segment’ Make Superworm’s Magic Wizard’s Flower Rat Race Trailblazer of a giant Superworm on the classroom wall. Drop in and pick up a plant collectors’ bag, then Runner’s World Trailblazer events return to follow our self guiding Summer Trail to collect cones, Suitable for all ages. £2 per child (plus admission Bedgebury in 2015 with the hugely popular 10k and leaves and sticks from the forest floor whilst learning Saturday 20th June fee per vehicle). Booking is not required for this traffic-free half marathon courses first introduced about the Pinetum. Bring your collection back to the Paloma Faith event. Drop in to the classroom at the Visitor Centre in 2014 to widespread acclaim. Both courses take classroom to make a plant identification sheet and Following her sell out forest tour in 2013 Paloma Faith between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Children must be you on an off-road journey along Bedgebury’s a Superworm’s Magic Wizard’s Flower to take home. soft, springy forest trails and lead you deep into will be returning to Bedgebury as part of the Forestry accompanied by an adult throughout the event. woodland, along field edges and past open water, Commission’s Forest Live concerts. Tickets are Suitable for all ages. £2 per child (plus admission eventually coming home to a superb Event Festival available from the Forestry Commission Box Office fee per vehicle). Booking is not required for this Village in Bedgebury’s Walled Garden with at forestry.gov.uk/music or on 03000 680400. event. Drop in to the classroom at the Visitor Centre post-race food, drink, entertainment and more. between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Children must be Commenting on the forest shows, Paloma Faith told accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Visit www.ratrace.com/events/trailblazer.aspx Forest Live “We are very lucky in Britain to have such for further details and to register for the event. beautiful and diverse landscape and I am excited to 19th and 26th August play for you there again. See you all in the summer!” From 10.00am until 11.30am Face Painting and Feather Headdress Making July 2015 Have fun face painting and making a feather 30th and 31st July headdress before going out for your Discovery Walk. Help us to make a giant Superworm! Saturday 8th August Collect cones to make a memory stick to help Drop in and pick up a treasure hunter’s bag, then The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas you find your way around our magnificent North help Superworm to collect beautiful cones and The whole family will enjoy this production of American trees. Many of our mature trees would leaves from the forest floor by following the Summer The Three Musketeers, one of the most popular have been well known to the Native American Trail. Bring your collection back and choose your TV shows of 2014. Join D’Artagnan on his quest to peoples as they gathered food and hunted in own leaves or cones to stick on to your ‘segment’ become an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard in their vast forests. of a giant Superworm on the classroom wall. this tale of whirlwind excitement and broad comedy, Suitable for ages 5+. £4 per child. Booking is Friday 19th June Suitable for all ages. £2 per child (plus admission featuring the dazzling, swashbuckling swordplay for essential for this event as numbers are limited. Tom Odell fee per vehicle). Booking is not required for this which Illyria has an unrivalled reputation. This will Pre-book your place for free admission. This event Tom Odell, supported by Rae Morris, will be event. Drop in to the classroom at the Visitor Centre be Illyria’s second visit to Bedgebury this year with a takes place in the classroom at the Visitor Centre. performing at Bedgebury on Friday 19th June between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Children must be sensational production that enjoyed a sell-out tour Children must be accompanied by an adult as part of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live accompanied by an adult throughout the event. in 2009. throughout the event. 16 17 The trails at Bedgebury have evolved Not just repaired either. More like reborn! organically since they opened in 2006, with We have to be patient, the builders really mostly routine repairs and a few new sections are moving mountains! added when funding permits. Limited elevations, soft wet ground and budgetary constraints make it an uphill task! Despite this, Most trail centres can rely on bedrock as a recent additions like the wonderful finale ‘Cake basis and source of materials for building Run’ have received universal acclaim. It flows and repair. Bedgebury has to buy it and cart superbly, letting faster riders build speed and it all over the forest. Time consuming and thrills, whilst remaining safe for the younger expensive, but essential to give us all-weather and less experienced. Clever ‘chicken runs’ to usability. We have to be patient, the builders bypass jumps allow almost anyone to join in. really are moving mountains! That sense of whizzing through the trees is Is there anything we can do to help? Yes. Avoid Broader appeal means more hard to beat whether you’re three or forty leaving the built trail. It is armoured to protect visitors. More visitors mean more three! Less exciting but very important, the the terrain, and using other parts of the forest trails. A virtuous circle is created. well thought out drainage has kept this trail floor results in rapid damage. When sections in great condition whatever the weather. are closed for repair avoid the temptation The usual tens of thousands of riders, combined to ‘just have a sneak preview’. As well as with the Biblical deluge that was the previous protecting workers, the closure allows the trail Other old favourites like Dad’s Army and We can all look back on summer 2014 ‘summer’ and winter, left many of the more to ‘bed in’ and last longer. If you want more Genesis got new berms and drains to banish with great fondness. Outstanding weather popular older sections looking a bit, erm... active involvement, on the second Saturday the bigger puddles, protecting the trail and for most of the season meant an even- ‘First World War’. Holes half a metre deep, filled of every month a group of volunteers head off keeping the ride flowing for a broad spread of greater-than-usual ‘Great Outdoors’. with water, ready to swamp the unwary. The into the forest to do repairs. Tools provided, abilities. It’s more than just good fun though. For those of us lucky enough to count underlying clay geology in our area doesn’t occasionally cake and always the warm glow Making the trails accessible to different abilities Bedgebury as our backyard it was crowned help: it’s a bit like building a road over peanut of knowing “I did that bit!” means it’s easier for new riders to make the with the long awaited re-opening of some transition from the family trail and hone their butter. If it gets wet, it turns lumpy and runs off The results are worth waiting for: The section of our favourite sections of single-track. skills. Trails built in this way effectively grow down the nearest stream. called 5 Ways, heading downhill from The Not just repaired either. More like reborn! with the rider. Broader appeal means more Quarry, was always lumpy entertainment The trail teams took the opportunity to visitors. More visitors mean more trails. A for experts, but after the revamp is great for address some long-standing ‘flow’ issues. That sense of whizzing through the virtuous circle is created. everyone. The huge bermed switchbacks ride Flow as in how the trails ride, and, just trees is hard to beat whether you’re as spectacularly as they look, heading across as important, how they cope with their three or forty three! Are there any new sections currently taking the forest floor through enormous (but safely nemesis: flows of rainwater. shape? Well, yes there are. Where are they? roll-able) jumps. Hidden drains keep the trail Well, that would be telling wouldn’t it! Best in one piece whilst keeping a natural look get out there and explore… and feel. For more information on cycling at Bedgebury visit: www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/home/ Go with activities/cycling www.quenchuk.co.uk www.boarsonbikes.co.uk the flow! Phil Clayton 18 19 Contrary to popular mythology ants don’t ‘milk’ aphids. The watery phloem (sap) upon which An aphid parasitoid aphids feed is rich in sugar but poor in other nutrients. Aphids excrete the excess – as ‘honeydew’ – via their anus, to the delight of new to Britain discovered ants and to the irritation of car-owners. The ants encourage honeydew production by rhythmically tapping or stroking the aphids in Bedgebury Pinetum with their antennae. Ants become devoted to Bob Dransfield and Bob Brightwell, InfluentialPoints.com their honeydew producers, and will defend them from potential predators. They can vigorously attack birds and mammals, as well as invertebrate predators like ladybird and Aphid parasitoids are tiny parasitic wasps hoverfly larvae. However certain parasitoids that lay eggs inside aphids. Shortly before routinely evade ant-protection by mimicking the resulting larvae pupate, their carapace ant appearance and behaviour. becomes a hard protective shell. Most aphid parasitoids are just 2-3mm long, but these Autumn, whilst not great for many insects, Cinara confinis colonies disperse rapidly parasitoids were a monstrous 5-7 mm! can be rewarding for tree aphids. Giant when being examined by inquisitive Given their extraordinary number of antennal conifer aphids (Cinara) are unusually big, entomologists. However, on this occasion segments (Baker, pers. comm.), our parasitoids have long tree-bark piercing mouthparts, some very black individuals stayed put. were almost certainly Pauesia grossa. If so, and can form amazing colonies. They were aphid ‘mummies’ containing live they were a ‘new’ UK species. Pauesia grossa, Cinara aphids are found only on conifers. parasitoids. We brought these mummies a specific parasitoid of Cinara confinis, is only Each species of Cinara is usually restricted home very carefully, then kept them known from Austria, Czech Republic, France, to just one genus of conifer. Britain has comfortable to see what emerged. Hungary and Switzerland. only 3 native conifers and so has few ‘native’ Since Noble Fir Abies procera, first planted Cinara species. Over the past few hundred Contrary to popular mythology ants don’t in Britain in the 1600s, supplanted Norway years many conifers were introduced and ‘milk’ aphids. Aphids excrete the excess sap – spruce for the Christmas tree market, some are naturalized so we now have at as ‘honeydew’ – via their anus, to the delight Black Stem aphids have achieved considerable least 25 Cinara species. of ants and to the irritation of car-owners. importance. Finding a specific parasitoid is Some, such as the Cypress aphid, are serious Bedgebury Pinetum is a great place to hunt thus of interest. When the secretive Cinara pests. Others provide honeydew for wood for these exotic Cinara aphids. Towards the and our parasitoid arrived is unknown. Their ants, a ‘keystone species’, thus improving end of an early September day we noticed mummies look like live aphids so even the biodiversity. In some European countries giant a small colony of Black Stem aphid Cinara ants were fooled, and continued to attend! conifer aphids are valued because bees feast confinis under the lowest branch of a small Confirmation of our discovery is pending on their honeydew and produce high-quality Pacific Silver Fir Abies amabilis. Cinara confinis because their identification ‘key’ requires ‘forest’ honey. Cinara also support aphid is somewhat variable in appearance, ranging female parasitoids and we found only males. parasitoids, which add biodiversity and help from mottled dark brown to a beautiful vivid They are currently en-route to a world expert keep harmful aphid numbers in check. greenish-black. Their colonies are generally on this group. Despite repeated searches we found on a trunk just below its first whorl of found no more mummies. Perhaps next year... Given their extraordinary number of antennal branches. Like most giant conifer aphids, segments (Baker, pers. comm.), our parasitoids Black Stem aphids are ant-attended. This STOP THE PRESS… were almost certainly Pauesia grossa. If so, makes these rather elusive beasties much Since this article was penned, the they are a ‘new’ UK species. easier to find. parasitoids found in Bedgebury have been confirmed as Pauesia grossa, a new UK species.

20 21 Conservation, why bother? Dominic O’Connor Robinson, Bedgebury Manager

The first is Target 8 which sets out to ensure the Forestry Commission Two of the targets of the Global Strategy that 75% of threatened plant species are held The Friends, and the Bigger Picture for Plant Conservation (GSPC) 2011–2020 delivered by Bedgebury: in ex situ collections like Bedgebury, and Dominic O’Connor Robinson, Bedgebury Manager, considers the second is Target 14 that sets out our Target 8: commitment to educate people about the Bedgebury’s role within the bigger picture of tree conservation. At least 75 per cent of threatened plant species importance of conserving plant diversity. in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20 per cent available What I think is really unique at Bedgebury is for recovery and restoration programmes. that people can come and see this diversity of three-quarters of all species on the planet. Conservation, why bother? plant life for themselves and as they explore This is in contrast to the natural background Target 14: Did you know that one in every three conifer the site can consider these questions of value, rate of extinction which is around one species The importance of plant diversity and the tree species is threatened with extinction? The need for its conservation incorporated from sensory to ethical; and on top of these per year. International Union for the Conservation of into communication, education and public questions of value, they can also marvel at the Nature (IUCN) have been studying the status However, over the last few centuries human awareness programmes. wonder of life and its complexity, and discover of conifer trees over many years and in their activity has accelerated this rate of decline the beauty of its diversity. second report, published in 2013, they found and at present it is believed to be 1,000 times There are, of course, values other than that over 34% of the world’s conifers are now One of my favourite descriptions of nature greater than the background rate of extinction. utilitarian and moral, they include the classified as ‘threatened’. More worryingly, is by the celebrated ecologists Holling and For conifers this is because of illegal logging, aesthetic values as well as the value to future this is an increase of 4 percentage points since Sanderson which I think captures wonderfully uncontrolled forest fires, open-cast mining, generations, considering our responsibility the last complete assessment 15 years earlier the reason that we feel the need to halt the conversion of forests to pasture and arable as stewards of this planet – all of which are and therefore shows a picture of decline in alarming increase in threatened species, not land as well as the spread of pests and anthropocentric and based on the notion that the number of conifer species we have on just because of the value to us of this biological diseases. I think we all feel ‘uncomfortable’ harm to biodiversity would harm humanity. our planet. But why does this matter and why diversity but because it is intrinsically both about these activities and rates of decline, but But the deeper question of an ecocentric value should we be interested? complex and beautiful: why should we preserve the diversity of life on remains and raises far more wide-ranging In the previous edition I explored the impact our planet if we know that such extinctions are and perplexing questions. “Ecological systems are rhythms within of Bedgebury’s work on the conservation of just a part of the development of life on earth? rhythms, providing not the static structures Despite the potentially divergent views on conifer trees. We know that we can and do of a well-oiled machine shop... but rather As well as the resilience afforded to environmental ethics over recent decades, make an impact in slowing this decline in those of a jazz band, building rhythms ecosystems by maintaining a breadth of an international consensus has been evolving conifer species globally, but what is the point and riffs around each other.” genetic material there is a clear practical value and this is why the Convention on Biological of this? What does it matter if a few species to genetic diversity, as demonstrated by the Diversity (CBD) was established in 1992 by the die out? How many of us miss the dodo in Pinus from an humble yew tree from which is derived the UN. This was the culmination of decades of our lives today? original watercolour anti-cancer drug Taxol. Therefore there is a debate and discussion between nations, and by Susan Conroy One could argue that as long as we have utilitarian value in the yet unknown properties ultimately 168 signatories agreed to commit to enough physical mass of trees to support of those species, some of which themselves sustainable development and to take action our needs for timber, oxygen production and are still to be discovered, that we try to to preserve the diversity of biological life on regulation of other ‘ecosystem services’ (such conserve. I believe that, in themselves, these earth. One of the outcomes of the CBD was the as water purification, carbon storage and technocratic arguments are useful but lack Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) soil retention) then we’ll be OK. Besides, the depth and soul. There is a deeper and more of which the latest strategy (2011–2020) sets out geological record is littered with extinctions searching question we can ask; that is, is a number of objectives and targets to address and they are a fundamental part of biological biodiversity morally valuable in itself – does it the decline in biodiversity. Bedgebury supports evolution. Fossil records show that there have have an intrinsic value? Clearly there are no the UK’s contribution to delivering the GSPC been at least 5 ‘mass extinctions’ in the earth’s right answers to this – only questions we have through two of the 16 targets in particular. history. Often these were the result of large- to ask ourselves and answers that are unique scale environmental change wiping out up to to each person. If you would like to find out more about the conservation value of ex-situ tree collections, the following article may be of interest to you: “Strengthening the conservation value of ex situ tree collections” by N Cavender, M Westwood et al. ©2015 Fauna & Flora International, Oryx,1–9 http://journals.cambridge.org 22 23 9th October 11th October Today we conducted surveys on Mt. Sengen and In the morning we walked into the forest and In August 2014, Bedgebury’s Dendrologist, the Godai Forest Road, these being two of the major collected a few specimens before returning Dan Luscombe, was asked to assist Oxford University A diary objectives for the trip. The team conducted ‘Rapid to the forest lodge for lunch. The best part of Botanic Gardens in a collaborative trip to Japan. Botanic Surveys’ to support research developed at the day, however, was visiting Seichoji Temple from The main objectives of the trip were to obtain seed Oxford University. This is a new methodology for in the afternoon and admiring the 1,000 year from threatened trees and to undertake botanical the assessment of biodiversity hotspots, based on old Cryptomeria amongst the beautiful, surveys. It was Dan’s responsibility to collect seeds global species distribution. ancient buildings. Japan of plant species native to Japan to propagate at Betula In addition to surveying, we also had to collect Bedgebury, including the critically endangered herbarium specimens for all the different species 12th October . This is Dan’s diarised account of the After a successful first half to our trip, it was chichibuensis we encountered. Herbarium specimens are dried, time to embark on the second leg of our Dan Luscombe, trip, which was supported by funding from the pressed, material from the plant that provide us with journey. The highlight of the day was the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum. a ‘DNA snapshot’ and a visual representation to crossing over the Tokyo Bay. The crossing Dendrologist assist us with future identification and scientific study. starts with a drive over a 4.4 km long bridge before the road just vanishes into the ground 4th October – 6th October 8th October and you find yourself in a 9.6 km long tunnel After arriving in Tokyo, I spent the rest of the This was our first day of collecting seed and we underneath the bay (the fourth-longest day acclimatising (Japan is 8 hours ahead of were all quickly kitted-out in wellies, hard hats and underwater tunnel in the world). We eventually the UK). I had made the 13-hour flight in the anti-leech spray! Chiba Forest is a mix of planted reached Chichibu City in the late afternoon company of Tom Price, Curator at University commercial forest, experimental plots and natural and met up with our guide who explained of Oxford Botanic Gardens, and Ben Jones, forest. We were collecting from the latter, where the the plan for the week and showed us to our Curator of the Harcourt Arboretum (Oxford forest was mixed deciduous and evergreen in a forest lodge. This week we were going to be University Botanic Gardens). There had been warm, temperate, coastal mountain range which self-catering. This gave us the opportunity to a weather warning that a super typhoon was rises to about 300m and is located right next to the experience a Japanese supermarket which due to hit on the 5th or 6th (Typhoon Phanfone) Pacific Ocean. Collections were made on the west proved quite amusing! We recognised very so we were told not to travel until the 7th. As it side of the forest, along the Godai Forest Road. little of the food and none of the language, turned out, the typhoon hit further up the coast On the way, it was great to learn about some of but pork and rice seem to be ubiquitous and (providing plenty of dramatic news footage for the new species we encountered and to see some so they sustained us for the duration! the UK) but we did have torrential rain and big of the more familiar species that are grown at winds all day on the 5th and on the morning Bedgebury, such as Abies fima (Momi Fir) and Acer Our forest lodge really was out in the sticks but of the 6th, so we were still unable to start our palmatum (Japanese Maple). It was also a chance we could not have been in a more beautiful journey to the first seed collecting site. In the to familiarise ourselves with some of Japan’s location, set amongst steep-sided mountains afternoon of the 6th, we visited the Imperial wildlife. The spiders were amazing and Black Kites that were covered in pristine forest. Even Palace in the centre of Tokyo. There we saw often soared above us. I did not enjoy the leeches The majestic Pinus parviflora better, the forest was just starting to display an amazing example of Niwaki (cloud pruning) so much! We made some good collections for (Japanese White Pine). its autumn colour. All seemed perfect until we on the hundreds of Pinus thunbergii outside Bedgebury Pinetum, the Millennium Seed Bank received the news that another typhoon was due to hit us late the following afternoon! the main wall. These distracted us so much and Oxford University Botanic Gardens today, 10th October that by the time we had found the main our main aim for the day. Today our aim was to find Pinus parviflora entrance, the Palace had closed! (Japanese White Pine). Once fairly common 13th October Today we headed to The University of Tokyo in the forest, its numbers have declined dramatically Chichibu Forest which is nearly 6,000ha in the last 30 years due to the Pine Nematode 7th October in size (approximately five times the size of Today we travelled from Tokyo to Chiba City to (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) which causes a tree Bedgebury) and is part of the wider Chichibu- pick up our car from where we headed down disease called pine wilt. We were taken to two trees Tama-Kai National park. The tree-covered to the Boso peninsula and to the University of that have, so far, survived unscathed but we were mountain rises to 2,000m and drops sharply Tokyo’s Chiba Forest. This is where we were too late to collect the seeds. We then travelled to into deep valleys giving a dramatic landscape to be based for the next few days. We were the far end of the forest where we saw some huge view. Unfortunately, the weather was not really greeted by our host and guide for the visit, Tsuga sieboldii (Southern Japanese Hemlock) and favourable! The mountains were shrouded in a Hisamoto-san research associate at the made good collections of the endemic Torreya patchy mist and cloud and, with the imminent University of Tokyo, who talked us through the nucifera (Kaya Nut). species target list and the itinerary for our visit. arrival of typhoon Vongfong, we knew our Dan collecting seeds day of collecting would be cut short. in the rain and mist. 24 25 Our guides drove us up a zig-zag path that 15th October Bird ringing has taken place periodically Blackcap climbed through the forest. It was a virtual sweet Today, the weather finally abated and we were at Bedgebury since 2010, primarily in the shop of species! I saw numerous choice plants able to go back into the forest. We had persuaded winter. Although it is done on a small scale that I would love to have in the Pinetum. We set our hosts to enable us to collect one of the area’s it nevertheless contributes to a wider up base and started to explore on foot. It was botanical stars, the critically endangered birch understanding of birds, their habits and clear from the start that the steepness of the Betula chichibuensis (named after the area we migrations, and helps with their conservation. mountain sides made the walking treacherous were in). To get to it, we had to hike for three hours I have recently taken over the ringing at so we paired up to explore. It was good to see up and down steep mountain tracks about a foot Bedgebury and look forward to finding out both Tsuga sieboldii and Abies firma but this wide, as well as crossing rivers and scrambling up was really broadleaf country. Huge old Fagus rocks in the pouring rain. However, it was well worth more about Bedgebury’s birds. japonica and Quercus crispula clung to the the effort when we finally reached our destination. mountain side and in the gaps between them Perched on the side of a narrow ledge was a we saw Clethra barbinervis, with its fiery red small group of this incredibly rare birch, complete autumn colour and mottled bark. I think my with seed capsules that we were able to collect. Bird Ringing at Bedgebury absolute favourite was the endemic maple Acer There were some huge old Hinoki Cypress distylum; unusual for the genus in that it has big (Chamaecyparis obtusa) that we were able to collect Christine George lime-like leaves that, at that precise moment, too. As the mist cleared, we were offered stunning were glowing golden yellow (I had to have a views out between the trees to the surrounding quick hug!). We could tell that our guides were mountains. Perfect! On the walk back we tried to get The main focus of a ringing scheme is to Ringing also produces discoveries like that quite keen to get us back to the lodge before the some cones of a huge, old Tiger-tail Spruce (Picea help us understand why bird populations of the British Blackcap population. We knew weather started to turn. Later in the day, whilst torano) using a throw line. After much swearing are changing. Recording the proportions of that they bred here and that they wintered we were sitting in the comfort of our lodge, the because of the fading daylight and the difficulty juveniles to adults, monitoring survival rates here but as a result of the ringing scheme rains arrived! of the task in hand, we had to call a halt to one and the interpretation of biometrics taken all we now know that there are two distinct The “glowing” leaves of the rare of the best days in the field I have ever had! play their part in helping us to understand populations that may be seen at Bedgebury – and unusual Japanese native, what is happening to our birds. Bird our breeding Blackcaps migrate to winter Acer distylum , a tree hugged 16th October movements, dispersal and migration are also in south and tropical Africa and our wintering

by Dan in Chichibu Forest! Today was my last day in Japan. After a studied. This data helps us consider whether Blackcaps have bred in central Europe. quick morning visit to a patch of forest on the the timing of migration or breeding is changing outskirts of Chichibu, I headed off to the airport I would encourage anyone who reads a ring and if birds are migrating with as much fat negotiating the rather complex Japanese rail or finds a ring on any bird to report it to the as they used to. This information adds to our network along the way! British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Whilst bird knowledge and can be used to help tackle watching please look out for any colour ringed During our visit to Japan, we had seen some conservation issues. stunning scenery, met some lovely people and birds. If you can read the ring, note as much made over 100 collections of seed. As the flight detail as possible. Any information recorded took off, I got a chance to see Mt Fuji from the air can be reported on www.cr-birding.org. You 14th October – a wonderful end to an extraordinary trip! will then be playing your part in helping to Because of the rain, we were not surprised when monitor these birds. When you get a reply you our guides would not allow us to into the forest may be surprised to learn the bird’s origins! because of the risk of landslides. We were therefore confined to camp for the whole day, cleaning seeds and sorting out herbarium specimens, an essential if less exciting task! This spring, Bedgebury will stratify and Taking a closer look sow the seeds of every ‘woody’ species at some seeds. collected on the trip. Within a few years, they will be planted in the Pinetum for everyone to appreciate. For more information on our specimens, visit the Pinetum section of the Friends’ website Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk just one bird that does well in a conifer-dominated environment. 26 27 ‘‘A lovely safe place to visit with plenty of starting points Why is Bedgebury a great to follow up later at school.” place to bring your school? Dudley Infants School Cath Weeks, Learning Manager Something for everyone… and every pocket We offer a choice of visits with varying charges so that you can pick the option that best suits A school trip to Bedgebury can bring The Pinetum can also provide a stunning your needs. classroom learning to life. It also introduces backdrop to other subjects such as Bedgebury brings learning alive youngsters to trees and the outdoors, and teambuilding, arts and general environmental We can lead your primary group and introduce for schools and groups to a place that they may revisit with their studies. them to trees and how they develop from seed families, perhaps even with their own to soil. Our emphasis is on getting people out The help you need Many schools are finding that a blend of children in the future. Sometimes it can amongst our trees and using them to illustrate, Bedgebury’s expert Learning Team aim to focused learning in the morning and an even spark a life-long interest, or inspire inspire and amaze. support you throughout the process of visiting afternoon on our play trail, one of the largest a choice of career. Bedgebury. We can advise you from the in the South East, provides just the right Through our approved learning provider we enquiry stage right through to booking a visit, combination for a trip. can also offer teambuilding sessions in an Bringing learning alive amazing forest location. Whether you want planning the day and evaluating the outcomes. Bedgebury offers wonderful opportunities For the adventurous, Bedgebury Forest offers to reward your group for work well done, We may even be able to help you with the to learn outdoors. activities such as orienteering and biking, with or to bond them at the start of a term, this is cost of a visit. Through the generosity of the a range of skill and distance-based cycle trails The Pinetum’s trees and landscape can open a popular and enjoyable choice. Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum we are currently for you to try, whether you bring your own bike students’ eyes and hearts to wildlife and trees. offering school travel bursaries to encourage or hire one on site. If you want a more flexible visit at a lower cost, It’s the perfect place for us to share the stories but still with expert help to plan the day, why more young people from socially and about our conifers and the work we do to not book a supported visit? Available for early economically disadvantaged areas to save them. years and primary groups, this option offers visit Bedgebury. activity packs for schools to hire and use to Contact us on 0300 067 4474 for more details. lead sessions on site, alongside advice and support from our Learning Team. Then, when school’s out…. We also run fantastic holiday events for For more details and information about families. Have a look at our ‘What’s On’ pages how to book led and supported visits, at www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury for more please see our website: details or turn to pages 14 – 17 for information www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury on all the events and activities at Bedgebury or ring 0300 067 4474. this spring and summer. Of course, we also welcome schools and groups who come to Bedgebury to do their own thing, on a ‘DIY’ self-led visit. Even if you “The children had a fantastic opt for this sort of visit, we would ask that day. We always enjoy our you book ahead by ringing 0300 067 4880. visits to Bedgebury. Some Booking several weeks in advance can also of the children commented, save you money on the vehicle admission fee. ‘‘An excellent programme, ‘That was my best day out’. perfectly pitched, would What more could we ask definitely return. Thank you!” for?! Thank you.” Stonegate C of E Primary School Ore Village Primary Academy

28 29 We, the Forestry Commission at Bedgebury Our partnerships enable us to be and the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum, world-leaders in the diverse activities would like to express our gratitude to all we undertake; from conifer conservation, our partners. Without their help we would mountain biking and helping people to be unable to achieve all the wonderful appreciate and enjoy nature, to helping INFORMATION things we do at Bedgebury. us to source funding for all of our Site opening times valuable work. Charity no. 1113325 March 8.00 -18.00 ‘Supporting the work of Bedgebury April 8.00 -19.00 Our partners include: and the National Pinetum’ May 8.00 -20.00 June 8.00 -20.00 The Friends of Bedgebury July 8.00 -20.00 Pinetum Magazine August 8.00 -20.00 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew This magazine is produced twice a year by the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum charity. It aims Office opening times to inform members about upcoming projects March 9.30-16.30 Forest Research and events. It is also an opportunity to share April 9.30-16.30 Harcourt Arboretum, Oxford the wonders and stories of Bedgebury. May 9.30-16.30 June 9.30-16.30 Botanic Gardens Conservation International Patron July 9.30-16.30 Botanic Gardens Education Network HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO August 9.30-16.30 Trustees Royal Botanic Gardens, Wakehurst Place General enquiries Mr M Kerr Mr J Gordon Sport England 01580 879820 Mr K Noakes Mrs E Reid [email protected] Mr P Jenks Mr N Pink The Arts Council www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury Mrs R Mayhew Mr K Webber Our volunteers Mrs E Hill Staff information Go Ape Bedgebury Manager Quench Cycles Staff information and contact details Dominic O’Connor Robinson The Kent High Weald Partnership Friends’ Manager Staff members Operations Manager Katherine Jary Luke Wallace John Allen The Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club Isobel Lobo Recreation Manager Sharon Booth Mark Clixby General enquiries Learning Manager 01580 879842 Cath Weeks [email protected] Dendrologist The Forestry Commission Arboreta Advisory Committee: Membership enquiries Daniel Luscombe [email protected] Bedgebury National Pinetum is cared Mrs Elizabeth Banks DL Colonel John Edward Kendall MBE Volunteering enquiries for by the Forestry Commission. [email protected] Lord Howick Mr Giles Coode-Adams OBE VMH (Chair) www.forestry.gov.uk www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Mr David Knott Mr Malcolm Kerr LLB MRICS Mr Roy Lancaster OBE VMH Mr Tony Hall

30 31 Pinus from an original watercolour by Susan Conroy Notice Board

Conflict at Bedgebury There is no doubt that Bedgebury is a site of many users; from dog walkers to mountain bikers and from families with small, excited and noisy children to those who love the peace and sanctuary of the Pinetum. It is impossible for the Forestry Commission to define rules to cover every eventuality, or to thoroughly police the few rules that do exist. We can only encourage everyone to find a way to share the site, to comply with the rules that are in place and to respect each other’s love of this very special place. Dog walkers – Please keep your dogs on Be part of the Having said that, there are some simple leads around the play areas, in the Pinetum, things we can all do to improve our in the car park and around the Visitor Centre; experience on site. and please pick up after them wherever you are. When you are in the forest, please keep bigger picture… Cyclists – Please slow down when you pass your dog under close control and within the families and dog walkers on the family trails. Bedgebury forest area – please don’t allow However well-trained dogs (or children!) are, them to stray onto adjoining land. It is they can move unpredictably, and no-one important that those of us who love spending Do you love Bedgebury? Are you a regular visitor wants to get hurt. time with our dogs in Bedgebury don’t spoil and a supporter of all that we do at Bedgebury? And please… no cycling in the car park, the experience for the visitors who don’t! We will soon be able to offer you a unique opportunity the Pinetum, the Visitor Centre or in the We know a few of our members would love to become a part of the Bedgebury family and take your play areas. to walk their dogs off the lead in the Pinetum passion for Bedgebury even further. On the other hand, dog walkers and horse or take their small children in there on their riders, for your safety, please avoid the bikes, but, as well as being an important • Imagine yourself picnicking • Picture yourself admiring single tracks. They have been built to enable ex situ collection of rare and wonderful trees under a majestic tree one of our many stunning Sign up now More information will be mountain bikers to achieve great speeds and a site of special ecological value, the dedicated to you or your views through the seasons available soon, both on-line so you are risking the lives of all concerned Pinetum is a haven for people who don’t loved ones… whilst sitting on a limited and in the Visitor Centre. if you use them. want to encounter dogs off the lead or edition bench set in a choice • Receive an inside view of However if you want to be cyclists racing around. We think it is important of locations… the important conservation one of the first to receive we keep it that way. work undertaken here • Enjoy a cream tea in the details of the schemes when Real Bedgebury regulars know that there are at Bedgebury by joining a newly redeveloped they are launched please plenty of idylls on site for everyone if you are ‘behind the scenes’ tour of Bedgebury Café whilst contact Isobel Lobo or Liz prepared to explore, but where we overlap the Conifer Conservation admiring the bespoke wall Randall on 01580 879842 we must be respectful. Some more benches Project (“The Plots”), the art centre-piece with your or pop into the Visitor Centre will be appearing in the forest in the coming nursery and lesser known name engraved on your during your next visit. months and there are many beautiful spaces areas of the Pinetum… chosen panel. for a walk or a picnic in the Pinetum and the wider forest to suit your needs. Let’s share All of these things will be possible through our new this beautiful space harmoniously! sponsorship schemes launching this spring. 32 33 fraserallen creative DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

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