L iving WoodsN o.51 SPRING 2019 MAGAZINE

Woodland burials In search of a green afterlife

PLUS Bats in woodlands Chainsaws – time to go electric? Woodfuelling in the National Forest CONTENTS

ith spring appearing earlier than ever this year, 2019 is already shaping up to be another extraordinary year. The concerns ofW woodland owners remain remarkably consistent, however, and we hope we can address some of them. If you’re in the market for a new chainsaw after a busy winter season, read our article on the differences between electric, battery and petrol types. If you wonder how to afford such luxuries, explore Simon Lloyd’s suggestions on how to make your woodland both resilient and economic. Finally, if it is all seems too much, consider how to achieve a woodland burial. It is easier than you might expect, and if you want to spend eternity in your woodland, please be assured that the 28-day rule does not apply. Judith Millidge Editor [email protected] 10

3 News and updates from the woodland world 5 New mapping tools from Sylva 6 Protected species: bats by Petra Billings 9 Is your woodland losing money? Simon Lloyd explains 10 Chainsaws – time to go electric? by Andrew Johnson 14 Going underground – woodland burials by Julia Goodfellow-Smith 14 17 Woodlands Awards 2019 introduced by Antony Mason 18 Fuelling the heart of the forest by Helen Bralesford 21 Draw knives by Maurice Pyle 23 Book reviews 25 Woodnote Clare Gibson divines the symbolism in hazel 26 Events round-up 2019 27 Spring courses and workshops 2019 6 28 Credits and acknowledgements

COVER PHOTO LIAM CHARMER/UNSPLASH

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Published by Living Woods Magazine Ltd, 19 Half Moon Lane, London, SE24 9JU

2 Living Woods SPRING UPDATE

@Woodland News

EVOLVING THE FOREST, Leadbeater on Restoring the DARTINGTON HALL Sacred to Britain’s Woodland £4 MILLION FOR 19-21 JUNE 2019 Groves. WOODLANDS A midsummer three-day Hands-on workshop FROM HS2 FUND symposium, Evolving the opportunities will include a Forest, is all set to mark visit to view the Dartington 100 years of modern Estate’s pioneering Funding is available to forestry in the UK. Professor agroforestry project and will create native woodland Fiona Stafford, author of The explore ways to use trees or restore Plantations on Long, Long Life of Trees, will and woodland for health Ancient Woodland Sites deliver the opening keynote and well-being. (PAWS) within 25 miles of speech reflecting onWhy to more recent satellite The artistic voice is the HS2 phase one route. Trees Matter, a reflection imagery, to fill gaps in scattered throughout For the second year, the on the cultural importance understanding the natural the event as a constant grant will fund the creation of trees within literature capital benefits provided reminder of how and why of new native woodland and society from the 18th by UK forests. Professor people love trees and how between 1 and 25 century to the present day. Willis will also explore the fundamental they are to our hectares, especially where Professor Kathy Willis,CBE, important steps needed for relationship with the natural it connects or expands Professor of Biodiversity at the UK’s forests to become world and the living planet. existing woodland to the University of Oxford, firmly embedded within The event is produced benefit habitat resilience. (pictured above) will deliver natural capital framing. by art.earth in association The grant also funds the this year’s prestigious Royal Break-out sessions will with the Royal Forestry removal of exotic species Forestry Society NDG be led by a who’s who of Society and Timber and restoration of native James Memorial Lecture, The forestry experts – from Strategies. The gala dinner tree species in PAWS Framing of the UK’s forests: Keith Kirby on Evolution or is sponsored by Tilhill woodlands. past, present and future, Revolution for Future Forestry Forestry. Applications to the HS2 which will be open to the and Roderick Leslie on Woodland Fund will open public as well as conference Transforming the Forestry For more information visit on 11 March. Full details delegates. Commission, to Omer evolvingtheforest.uk. will be available on the It will examine the huge Aloni on Forest Policy in the Limited discounted tickets are HS2 Woodland Fund potential of forestry data, interwar context of the new available to RFS members at webpage in early March. from historical records League of Nations and Simon www.rfs.org.uk/events.

NEW WOOD FAIR FOR Visit the website for early- THE SOUTH-WEST bird discounts on tickets or Celebrating all things wood for a trader’s application form. and crafty, the Opus Wood For those that love working Fair launches for the first time with wood – the smell, the feel on 6th and 7th July and the satisfaction 2019 in Burrowbridge of making – and for on the Somerset those that prefer to Levels. watch and admire, With a host of Opus Wood Fair traders and crafts provides a wonderful people lined up to opportunity to bask demonstrate their skills, the in the work of a broad range organisers want to involve as of artists, conservationists and many people as possible. woodworkers.

www.opuswoodandcraftfair.co.uk

Living Woods 3 SPRING UPDATE

URBAN JUNGLE The Greater London Authority has published a data map showing the locations within London where tree canopies can be seen from overhead. Although there are about as many trees as people in London, with 21% of the capital’s land area covered, one use for the data will be to pinpoint areas where tree cover is low. Using high-resolution aerial imagery of the whole of London, this new data is far more accurate and detailed than previous estimates, which were based on statistical sampling from different areas of the capital. London is one of the greenest urban areas in the world – indeed its tree cover is well above the English average of 13%. Download the detailed Google Earth maps of Greater London from the Mayor of London’s website.

RISK MANAGEMENT OF TREES Owners whose woods border a public highway or footpath are often concerned about their liabilities regarding tree safety. A basic insurance policy with liability up to £5 million will cost in the region of £200 per year. Leaflets published by the Tree Safety Group in conjunction with the Forestry Commission provide advice for owners and managers on inspecting and maintaining trees, as well as common-sense guidance on public safety. They can be downloaded for free from the Tree Safety website.

FUEL FOR THOUGHT more of the fire’s energy to boil off A wood stove, chip or biomass boiler the water, so you get less heat and is only as good as the wood you burn use more wood. in it and with recent concerns about Properly dried or seasoned emissions in urban areas, Woodsure woodfuel will maintain efficiency and 4. Split bigger logs before storage and – the UK’s only woodfuel quality minimise the release of emissions remove bark to dry quicker. assurance scheme – are working to and harmful particles going up the 5. Chop into a variety of sizes to ensure that consumers burn quality, chimney, as modern stoves are make it easier to light your fire. well-dried fuel. designed to burn firewood below a Helen Bentley-Fox, Director certain moisture content level.’ When you buy woodfuel, look for of Woodsure, explains, ‘Using the Woodsure quality mark, which properly dried wood is vital for Five ways to ensure dry fuel means that a supplier of firewood has maintaining stoves and environmental 1. Use properly dried or seasoned been through rigorous checks and concerns. Essentially, poor quality, wood, such as Woodsure Ready to laboratory testing to meet recognised or inappropriate fuel affects the Burn certified fuel. European and international wood fuel efficiency of your boiler or wood- 2. Store it in a dry, airy environment standards. Information on Woodsure burning appliance. If you try to burn protected from humidity. and quality assured suppliers is wood that is too wet it is harder to 3. Stack the wood off the ground to available via the interactive map on light, gives off excess smoke and uses avoid contamination. the Woodsure website.

4 Living Woods SPRING UPDATE

MAPPING TOOLS FOR WOODLAND OWNERS Sylva Foundation’s myForest mapping application has been updated and improved.

ince its launch in 2009, Sylva More features will be added to Foundation’s myForest web tool premium accounts over time and the has been growing steadily, just like charity will be developing a myForest Sthe woodlands it exists to support. The It’s a great free package mobile app by the end of the year. environmental charity has relied on “ Paul Orsi from Sylva Foundation, who that integrates woodland word-of-mouth and a strong reputation manages myForest, explained: for the increasing popularity of its management, UK forestry ‘We have introduced these additional online tools and resources supporting standards and the Forestry tools in response to demands by woodland management. users. We have kept the costs as low myForest is used by thousands of Commission management as possible, at only £24/year for a woodland owners, managers and template. Woodland Owner account and £120/ educators to map and manage more year for an Agent account. than 75,000ha of woodland across ‘We hope that some owners, Britain. Its development has been managers, and agents, will subscribe supported in part by charitable trusts, to a premium account. The income government bodies, corporations, and significant additions” to the service, generated will support ongoing individual donors. However, myForest accessed via the new premium account maintenance and allow us to invest requires regular funding to support are further in the future of myForest.’ maintenance and development, and • OS mapping (additional costs may Sylva Foundation receives frequent apply). SPECIAL OFFER requests for new features. • Advanced printing. Behind the scenes, thanks to core • Overlaying of data layers such as SWOG members can take support from the Dulverton Trust, ancient woodland boundaries. advantage of a 20% discount for a Sylva Foundation has been hard at • Summary reports for species and myForest premium account by using work developing a range of additional age-class distributions. the following code before the end premium-level tools which it now • Export to a spreadsheet so that it of March: SWOG20. hopes some woodland owners and can be taken into the field. www.myforest.org.uk managers will opt to use. The most • Sharing information.

WOODLAND WILDLIFE TOOLKIT For those who want to manage woodland to encourage wildlife, the new Woodland Wildlife Toolkit is a useful resource. Backed by Sylva Foundation, the RSPB and the Woodland Trust as well as several conservation organisations, it is a free online resource that helps owners and managers both to assess the condition of their woodlands and to identify the species likely to be found in them. Searching is easy – just drop a pin on the map, or use a grid reference to: • Find out which wildlife is likely to be in or near your woodland based on available survey or distribution data. • Understand the habitats and features of each species’ needs. • Learn how to provide these habitats through practical woodland management. www.woodlandwildlifetoolkit.org.uk

Living Woods 5 CONSERVATION

PROTECTED SPECIES PART 3

BATS

A barbastelle bat (Frank Greenaway/Vincent Wildlife Trust)

From a conservation angle, bats in woodlands are a wonderful thing. But how do you deal with them if they take up residence in an area destined for management work? PETRA BILLINGS provides some guidance.

ats are a remarkable group of commuting along hedgerows, streams mammals. They are our only and other linear landscape features Bflying mammals. Not only to forage on river floodplains and do they fly, but they do so at night If you come across bats wetland areas. Individual bats remain using an ultrasound facility known as “ faithful to the same commuting routes or signs of a roost in your echolocation, hunting their insect prey for many years. using high frequency sounds. They woodland, stop work Different bat species use different roost in trees or caves (or buildings), straightaway and seek parts of trees for roosting and moving from hibernation roosts in feeding, and the same bats may use winter to maternity roosts in the advice from Natural different tree habitats at different summer. England. times of the year. Breeding females Although most British bats can may choose maternity roost sites be found in woodlands as well as high in the canopy where it’s warmer, waterways, in farmland and other but will move to cooler sites lower suitable urban habitat, some are down for hibernation. Some bats, real woodland specialists. The rare ” such as the noctule (Nyctalus noctule) Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteinii), prey. The barbastelle (Barbastella and the Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus for example, lives in old growth barbastellus), on the other hand, is leisleri), prefer more open woodland oak woodlands and often makes use a ‘hawker’ which catches its prey habitats or woodland edges as they of old woodpecker holes to roost on the wing. It has a fascinating are narrow-winged, which allows in. Bechstein’s bats are ‘gleaners’ ecology, roosting behind lifted plates for faster flight. Others, such as the and feed by swooping down to of bark or in crevices of old trees Alcathoe bat (Myotis alcathoe) and the ground to pick up their insect in deciduous ancient woodland and the Bechstein’s bat, prefer woodland

6 Living Woods CONSERVATION

interiors as they are broad-winged and can fly slowly through the uncluttered understorey. The more PROTECTED SPECIES PART 3 common brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auratus) and Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri) use both woodland interiors and edge habitats. Protection for bats

There are 17 species of breeding bat in Britain and, along with their roosts, they are all legally protected by both domestic and international legislation. It is an offence to:

1. Deliberately take, injure or kill a bat. 2. Deliberately disturb a bat in a manner that would impair its ability to survive, reproduce, rear or nurture young, hibernate or migrate, or (significantly) affect the species’ local distribution or abundance. 3. Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat in its roost or deliberately potentially be used. lforaging habitat by maintaining open disturb a group of bats. Good practice woodland spaces within the woods but avoid 4. Damage or destroy a place used by management for bats should aim to isolating any areas. Retain standing bats for breeding or resting (roosts) protect all existing confirmed roost wood as long as it doesn’t pose any even if bats are not occupying the sites and to retain most potential safety risks, especially along public roost at the time. roost sites, using a risk-based rights of way. 5. Intentionally or recklessly obstruct approach. Ideally, you should try to If you follow the best practice access to a roost. ensure continuity for any roosts by guidance, you will usually be able 6. Possess or advertise/sell/exchange improving the age structure of your to minimise disturbance to bats or a bat of a species found in the wild in woods. Create a good network of damage to their habitat. However, the EU (dead or alive) or any part of a bat. Above: A lesser horseshoe bat in flight. (Frank Greenaway/Vincent Wildlife Trust) Below: Brown long-eared bats in a roosting box. (Hugh Clark/Bat Conservation Trust) Managing woodland for bats

So how should you manage your woods for bats? It is the landowner’s responsibility to ensure that any and all European Protected Species (EPS) have been considered before carrying out any forestry or tree operations. In the context of bats, the first thing to do is to assess your trees/woodland for bat roost potential. Carry out a ground assessment during winter or spring, when there are no leaves, to identify potential bat roosts. Look for cavities in the trunks, branches and at the base of the tree; rot-holes, knot- holes; and woodpecker holes; flaking bark, crevices and old growth ivy. Any of these features could support a colony of bats. Small or young trees are less likely to be used by bats, but any tree with suitable features could

Living Woods 7 CONSERVATION

MAKING A BAT BOX You can use most types of wood: It can be fixed together with Situate your box up high, in a sunny, rough-sawn and untreated is best. galvanised nails. Try to make it as sheltered position. Once it’s there Don’t use anything treated with weather-proof as possible, as bats you shouldn’t disturb it; in fact you chemicals. This box is made from like stay warm and dry like the rest will need a special licence to open it. spare bits of chestnut, with grooves of us. Leave a gap at the bottom of added to make it easier for the bats about 15–20mm for them to crawl to get a grip when they roost. in and gain access. RICHARD HARE

if this is unavoidable, you need to apply for a European Protected LINKED RESOURCES Species licence from Natural England. A licence will be required Bat Conservation Trust if you plan to fell or carry out Bats and trees surgery to a tree with a confirmed List of local bat groups bat roost or if you plan to fell buffer trees around a known roost site. Bats and the law It will also be required if you are felling a large proportion of potential Forestry Commission – roost sites. Woodland management for bats The golden rule is that, if you come across bats or signs of a roost Vincent Wildlife Trust in your woodland during forestry operations, stop work straightaway Video: Jenny Clark of Sussex and seek advice from Natural Bat Hospital on bat rescue. England. There is further information on bats and the law at the Gov.uk site. DR PETRA BILLINGS is a Chartered The Bat Conservation Trust has Ecologist who has worked in a great deal of information online. conservation management in Sussex There are more than 80 local bat for more than 25 years. Petra offers groups which will also be able to a range of ecological services, refer you to licensed bat workers if specialising in woodland management you require a survey. There is a list plans, Countryside Stewardship grant on the Bat Conservation website. applications, ecological surveys and in providing training courses. Visit her website www.sussexwoodlands.co.uk

8 Living Woods INTERVIEW WOODLANDS IS YOURS LOSING MONEY?

SIMON LLOYD, Chief Executive of the Royal Forestry Society, provides advice for owners of small woodlands.

n January the Royal Forestry for light they have less energy Society released Bringing to withstand disease. The forest IWoodland into Management: the canopy is closed, light is blocked Missed Opportunities, a report on the to the woodland floor suppressing management of woodlands in England. most ground flora and understorey. The report suggests that with only Moisture is trapped in the wood, around 59% of woods in England encouraging pathogens to take hold. and 57% in Wales under active Most woodland owners want to pass management, the total lost value of on their woods in as good or better timber and woodfuel sales is estimated condition than they found them. This at over £20m a year. DEFRA is not achieved by neglect. calculations indicate additional lost environmental and social benefits of What simple things can small up to £80m. woodland owners do to improve the With 72% of all English and Welsh A managed woodland is healthier, management of their woods? woodlands in private hands, small better able to withstand pressures of A few, but by no means exhaustive woodland owners can play a valuable pests and diseases, is friendlier to list of management activities to part in redressing the balance. wildlife, fosters a wider variety of consider for small woods: plant life and is more likely to result • Pest control: an over-abundance of Surely woodland can just be left in the finest trees of landscape or deer and grey squirrels can quickly to get on with growing? Why does timber value. When woodland trees accumulate in woodlands with very woodland need managing? are crowded together competing negative impacts on ground flora and

An undermanaged wood is a lost resource.

Living Woods 9 INTERVIEW

Managed woodlands produce healthier trees, a richer and more diverse understorey and huge benefits to wildlife. tree health. Starting a pest control (c.2 ha) there may be 150-200 final I’m not a woodland owner, but I’d regime will benefit the health of the crop trees. The market price for good love to get involved with working in wood. quality planking oak is over £200/ the woods. How do I go about it? • Coppicing: coppice is the product m3. This is a significant premium There are many opportunities for of management and neglect stops to the value of firewood at about volunteering in woodlands. The RFS coppice filling its function in £40/m3. The current owner may not and the Chiltern Society organise understorey. Coppicing back over- realise this premium timber value, volunteer work parties in woods grown coppice stools will introduce a but will gain a lot of pleasure in owned and managed by the RFS better structure to the woodland. knowing that they are growing the near Berkhamsted, and the Chiltern • Thinning: give the most promising best quality trees for the future. It is Society has similar schemes in place trees more space to grow by also important for a small woodland in the Chilterns. There is a growing removing those which are most owner to find premium markets for number of community and social closely competing with them. This their timber, and to seek to secure enterprise woodlands in the UK, built will bring more light to the woodland value up the supply chain. on the ethos of volunteering. floor for a time. In a small wood this may be achieved without a thinning How do I go about getting my licence – but check first. standing timber valued? Are SIMON LLOYD leads the • Ride management: cut back trees contractors interested in small plots? development of RFS strategy and a and shrubs which are crowding into Good forestry agents will earn their number of high profile projects and or overhanging a woodland ride so fee by finding the best markets and partnerships. Simon has more than that the maximum sunlight falls on value for standing timber. They will 30 years of commercial business the ride to encourage butterflies and also know the contractor market management experience and owns and other wildlife well and may be in a position to manages woodlands in Herefordshire. group jobs together to make it The Royal Forestry Society is Is it really worth trying to manage a more interesting for a contractor. the largest and longest-established small plot of say 5 acres for timber Owner collaboration to create scale education charity promoting the wise production? economies makes sense and is normal management of woods in England, Yes, if that is the owner’s primary practice in continental Europe, but Wales and Northern Ireland. objective, it is definitely worth it, seems to be difficult to achieve in the but it is a long-term game. In 5 acres UK.

10 Living Woods TOOLS CHAINSAWS: IS IT WORTH GOING ELECTRIC?

The majority of woodland management is carried out under power, with most workers opting to use a chainsaw to fell trees. But in a crowded market, what sort should you buy? ANDREW JOHNSON of Northern Arb Supplies offers some guidance.

xperienced woodland owners and managers invariably is converted to power. The two-stroke engine generates have firm views about chainsaws: the right sort for power to turn the crankshaft, which is connected to a set of particular tasks, the best brands, whose chains last gears. The gears power the centrifugal clutch that channels Elongest, which ones start most easily, and, or course, price. the power to the sprocket, and this holds and directs the Then there is the difference between petrol, electric and movement of the chain. When the chain reaches adequate battery-powered machines. speed, it can cut through wood effectively. For new owners, the choice can be baffling. The best advice is to talk to existing users, Felling a tree with a petrol chainsaw, 1941. make sure you try several different models (Photo: US Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region.) before you buy and above all, once you’ve got one, spend some time learning the basics from a trained instructor on a chainsaw course. Every type of chainsaw has its pros and cons and it is important to consider them carefully before making a choice. Most professional arborists eventually find a solution that works for them after experimenting with different types of tools. PETROL CHAINSAWS

With petrol as their primary fuel, petrol chainsaws have a two-stroke internal combustion engine with a single cylinder. The petrol fuel mixes with air inside the carburettor and is transported to the engine, where it

Living Woods 11 TOOLS

Petrol chainsaws are often used by loggers to bring down ELECTRIC CHAINSAWS big trees or large branches. The larger models are powerful tools, suitable for large-scale operations. This saw is also the An electric chainsaw works on electric power, either from primary tool of arborists who work in remote or woodland the mains or a generator. They are generally smaller in size locations where there is little/no access to electricity. Many and lighter than petrol models. Electric engines generate woodland owners use them to work their woodlands and and supply power to the chainsaw blade through the to produce firewood. crankshaft mechanism. The centrifugal clutch controls the movement of the blade and ensures that the chain is PROS moving only when needed, even if the engine is on. • Petrol chainsaws are powerful, thanks to their two- Most electric chainsaws are supplied with more than 30m stroke engine. Blades can be as long as 90cm (36 in.) of cable. They are ideal for small-scale and intricate cutting and more, which makes them great for large jobs. tasks and are often used by landscapers, homeowners and They’re often much more powerful than electric gardeners. These saws have enough power to deal with chainsaws. small branches, bushes, shrubs and plants; some of the larger • They are easy to manoeuvre and you don’t have to models can also be used to cut sturdy trees. deal with wires and cords around your work site. • This type of chainsaw is capable of handling almost PROS every kind of job easily. There is a huge range of sizes • Electric chainsaws are easy to handle and use. They’re in terms of bars and power. You can find chainsaws not too heavy or cumbersome. The blades are no for personal, domestic, and professional use. longer than about 38cm (14 in.), which makes them a great choice for new users. CONS • They start at the press of a button, unlike petrol • Petrol chainsaws require upper body strength and a models, which (mostly) have to be primed before the firm grip. New users should get trained in order to starter cord is pulled. become accustomed to them. • These saws are easier to store and don’t require • The fuelling process is a little cumbersome and time- specific storage or conditions. consuming. You need to wait for the engine to cool down before refuelling. It is essential to add the right CONS amount of two-stroke oil to the petrol. • Electric chainsaws aren’t as powerful as petrol saws, • They are noisy, vibrate and can emit noxious fumes. which means they are unsuitable in large-scale The machine can get hot when used continuously. professional applications. • Petrol chainsaws require careful maintenance and must • The long, dangling cord is cumbersome and can also be be stored carefully and drained if not used for a long safety hazard. It limits your range of action and can even period. get in the way of your work.

12 Living Woods TOOLS

BATTERY-POWERED CHAINSAWS Most leading brands, such as Stihl and Husqvarna, offer new generation lithium-ion batteries that can easily match At the basic level, both battery-powered and petrol the power of small (around 50cc) petrol-driven chainsaws chainsaws provide the same functionality. They both have without any of the drawbacks. Batteries are often much a motor, bar, chain and drive gear. The difference lies is in cheaper when you buy them with a tool and some batteries their motor and the effect it has on everyday operation can be used across a range of tools from a particular and usability. Both have sufficient torque and power to saw manufacturer. through the toughest wood. COST PROS • A battery chainsaw is quiet and starts with just the push The outright cost of buying a battery saw with two batteries of a button. will be more than a standard petrol chainsaw. But petrol • It can last for several hours’ work, depending on the engines are more complex than electric motors, so there is battery pack. more to go wrong, and running costs with petrol and mixing • Battery-powered models are generally well-balanced oil are higher than electric charging costs. All saws require and lightweight. chain oil and replacement chains. Battery saws are cheaper • Battery chainsaws are much quieter and emission-free. to maintain and tend to have a longer life span. CONS THE VERDICT • Battery life – a spare back-up battery is a must. • Cost of batteries. Different arborists have different requirements and one tool isn’t necessarily better than the other. Many owners buy a Batteries are available in a range of sizes from 4.0Ah to petrol chainsaw for work in the woods and use a smaller 31.1Ah, with operating time anything between 25 minutes electric model for cross-cutting logs at home. All tools will and 18 hours. It is sensible to keep an extra charged battery require ongoing maintenance and all users should consider handy. some sort of training for the purposes of safety.

USING A BATTERY CHAINSAW

Woodland owner Mike Pepler uses a stacking 2m lengths of wood). The battery Husqvarna 536Li XP battery chainsaw itself is heavier than a tank of fuel, but with a BLi300 lithium-ion battery. the motor is much lighter than a petrol Northern Arb Supplies He says, ‘It takes just over an hour to engine, so overall the machine is lighter sell consumables: chain oil, charge this size battery from empty, using than our 50cc petrol chainsaw. It is not bars, replacement chains, as the 330W charger. It uses 1/2 to 3/4 of quite as powerful and I’d estimate that it is well as safety gear and other a battery to fill a 1m3 trailer with logs equivalent to a 30-35cc saw.’ items vital for woodland (depending on log length) – about an In a virtuous circle, Mike charges his work. hour’s work – though probably only 20 Husky at home via his solar-powered minutes of actual full power running, as system. Mike believes that the BLi300 CHAINSAW the rest of the time is handling wood. battery (with a capacity of 9.4Ah at 36V) SUPPLIERS Coppicing is lighter work than logging, and gets the same work done as a tank of fuel Manufacturers’ websites: click when working alone I’ve not managed to in his 50cc petrol chainsaw. on the links below. empty both batteries in a day (although Watch his short video showing the I spend some of the time splitting and saw being used to fell a tree. Black and Decker Bosch Dolmar Echo Husqvarna Makita McCulloch Oregon Ryobi Stihl

Living Woods Issue 44 Summer 2017 has buying advice on page 20.

Living Woods 13 WOODLAND BURIALS GOING UNDERGROUND IN SEARCH OF A GREENER AFTERLIFE

JULIA GOODFELLOW-SMITH’S regular view through the trees comes from a different angle. Would you consider a woodland burial? And if so, how do you go about arranging it?

n his first visit to our Digging and planting woodland, my dad was admiring the view through the First of all, the grave itself. It is hard Otrees. He was clearly charmed. ‘Julia, do work digging a grave. By hand, it is you think I could be buried here?’ likely to take you at least half a day, ‘Not yet, of course – after I have died,’ depending on your soil type and the he clarified. A few days later, Mike’s dad number of tree roots you encounter. asked us the same question. You probably want to find a spot that’s We immediately saw the attractions not too close to an existing tree, to of a woodland burial. Imagine a funeral avoid large roots – for the sake of underneath magnificent, cathedral-like the tree and your back. You may be trees, with bird song accompanying the able to employ the services of your eulogies and cherry blossom drifting local grave digger. Alternatively, some through the air. Imagine no restrictions people find the process of digging the on the format, style or duration of the grave themselves cathartic. Once the funeral. Imagine a funeral that starts the grave is dug, please be aware that it is healing process. Imagine being able to dangerous to both passing people and plant a tree on the grave, a tree you wildlife. You might want to securely can visit and enjoy as a living memorial. cover it to stop anyone – or anything – Another step in the healing process. from falling in. And there are other benefits too. If you are going to have people Cremations are energy-intensive and attending a funeral in your woods, you polluting. A woodland burial negates will also need to think about parking the need for any pollution to be facilities or transport arrangements. caused or energy to be used, except, of course, that associated with digging Natural burial the grave. Traditional graveyards are filling up and tend to be intensively One important but possibly difficult managed. Memorials are often made subject to broach is that of synthetic from imported stone and can become materials. Many coffins are made from unstable. composite materials full of glues such We were surprised to find that, as formaldehyde and may be lined legally speaking, it’s relatively simple to with polyester. These are things that bury someone on your own land. All Capsula Mundi is an innovative Italian burial you won’t want to introduce into your concept. An egg-shaped, organic burial pod, you need to do is make sure that you made of biodegradable material, holds ashes. woodland. For a woodland burial, it won’t be polluting any water sources In time, the company hope to produce larger is preferable for the body not to be and fill out some paperwork – see the pods that will accommodate bodies for burial. embalmed and for the clothes, shroud A tree is then planted on top of the egg, for information box for more details. families to commemorate their loved one and coffin to be made from natural There are, of course, some and continue to care for the tree as it grows. materials. practicalities to consider. (Photo courtesy www.capsulamundi.com) The burial of ashes is, of course,

14 Living Woods WOODLAND BURIALS

All the materials involved in a woodland burial – coffin, shroud, THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS from your local council, record the clothing – need to be biodegradable and therefore made from natural You must not bury a person (or larger burial in a land burial register and make rather than man-made materials. pet, such as a horse) within 50 metres a clear, detailed plan showing where (Photo courtesy Roucan Loch of any well, borehole or spring supplying the burial took place. The land burial Woodland Burials.) water for human consumption or register is not in a specific format – you used in food production. In theory, just need to record the person’s details the Drinking Water Inspectorate and and place of burial. The register and the local authority hold details of plan should be kept with the property’s private water supplies. In reality, not all deeds. boreholes and wells are registered, so you may need to ask your neighbours to be sure. Of course, if you can find ESTABLISHING A WOODLAND much easier to address and is somewhere that is more than 50 metres BURIAL GROUND not subject to any special legal from your boundaries, then you will If you want to go a step further and requirements. know about any relevant water supplies, turn your woodland into more than Thinking about woodland as they would be on your land. an occasional burial place, it’s rather burials has made me realise what The other stipulation relating to water more complex. The groundwater a wonderful gift we can give to quality is that you must not bury people requirements are more stringent, our loved ones and to ourselves. in graves that are waterlogged. The planning permission will be required Mike and I have been concerned bottom of the grave needs to be at for change of use and you will probably about how hard it would be least one metre above the water table. need an ecological survey. Planners will to dig the graves, whether we It should not have any standing water be concerned about how mourners will would damage our trees and in it when dug; it must not be dug in an get to the woodland and how much it whether we would devalue part area susceptible to flooding; or be dug is likely to impact on traffic in the area. of our woodland. But now, I into bedrock. There needs to be one Community consultation is essential think that the benefits outweigh metre of soil above the body or coffin from the start. the risks. once buried. So yes, Dad, I would be happy In terms of paperwork, you will need Environment Agency – groundwater to bury you in our woods. Once to complete a burial authorisation form requirements: www.gov.uk/guidance you’ve died, of course.

Living Woods 15 WOODLAND BURIALS

A WOODEN COFFIN People deal with grief in different ways. If it was a shock to lose my mother so suddenly, then the cost of all the arrangements was equally so. With the cheapest coffin costing over £500, I was certain that I could make one for little more than my time, and my mother, who had always abhorred wasting money unnecessarily, would have appreciated this sentiment. An old larch tree had come down and I used a Logosol timberjig to mill the timber. I saved the quarter-sawn boards for the main lengths and aimed for a simple, natural looking construction. Instead of fancy mitred joints, I just overshot the corner joints, left the bark on the waney edge of the lid and base, then added simple rope handles. I was pleased with how it turned out and I’m sure Mum would have been too. It had taken me a couple of days and cost me a pocket full of change for the fixings and the rope. More importantly though, it concentrated my mind and gave me a purpose during what was a difficult time. It’s proof yet again that working both in a wood and with wood is a great therapy.

RICHARD HARE

GREEN BURIAL INFORMATION

The Natural Death Centre provides advice East Lothian on everything from how to safely dig a www.binningwood.co.uk grave, how to organise a funeral without a Pwllheli, Wales funeral director, and the code of practice www.eternalforest.org for operating a natural burial ground. Norfolk www.naturaldeath.org.uk www.guntonwoodlandburial.co.uk Wiltshire WOODLAND BURIAL SITES www.woodlandburialscholderton.co.uk Bristol www.arnosvale.org.uk BIODEGRADABLE COFFINS AND Cumbria SHROUDS www.daltonwoodlandburial.co.uk www.bellacouche.com Dumfries www.pentiddy.co.uk www.roucanloch.co.uk www.wickerwillowcoffins.co.uk Glasgow www.greenfieldcoffins.co.uk www.craufurdland.co.uk/burial-ground www.capsulamundi.it/en Hertfordshire www.woodlandburialtrust.com Lincolnshire www.hillholtwood.co.uk/burial

16 Living Woods AWARDS WOODLANDS AWARDS 2019

Easy to enter with great prizes to be won, the prestigious Woodlands Awards are back for a third year. ANTONY MASON explains how to get involved.

ow in their third year, the Woodlands Awards continue in their mission to celebrate the hard Nwork, the initiatives, the inventiveness and the sheer enjoyment of the woodland world. And this year we are adding one new category: Best Woodland Dogs! Awards categories

There are now 15 categories altogether, divided into two groups: awards for individuals (woodland owners and users) and awards for enterprises (woodland organisations, businesses, educational programmes and so on). See the list in the New for the 2019 Woodlands Awards – The Woodlands Awards box, right. a new category of Best Woodland Dogs. sponsored by How to enter winners altogether): all entries judged to be Woodlands.co.uk of equally high merit will be awarded a first Prizes will be awarded in each Each of the categories has its own criteria prize (i.e. no second, third etc). of the following categories: for entry. Some (such as the Woodland The 2019 award winners will be Photography Award, or the new Woodland announced in September 2019. Awards for individuals Dogs Award) depend on individuals A note to past winners: the competition Woodland Blogs submitting their own entries. Some (such as rules say that winners cannot win an award Small Woodland Websites Woodland Courses) depend on personal in the same category for a second time, but Woodland Photography recommendations. Others still (such as there is nothing to stop them entering (or Woodland Sculpture Woodland Blogs) depend on a mixture of being entered) in another category. Woodland Tool these. Recommendations The main idea is that they are all easy to Prizes Whole Wood Owners’ enter. Full details are available on www. Coordinators woodlands.co.uk/woodlands-awards The prizes will be a mixture of award Woodland Hair (and/or certificates, selected woodland books and Beard) Deadline for submissions: 31 July 2019. woodland equipment and/or tools – and Woodland Dogs recognition! Any questions? Please email antony@ Awards for enterprises woodlands.co.uk Woodland Contractors Forest Schools Winners Woodland Courses Community Woods A panel of judges will draw up shortlists Woodfair Trade Stands of the best entries, and then award the Woodland Books of the Year prizes. There may be a number of winners Regional and National in each category (last year there were 54 Woodland Organisations

Living Woods 17 COMMUNITY WOODLAND FUELLING THE HEART OF THE FOREST

Community volunteers often revive long-neglected woodlands. In the National Forest, however, volunteers help manage Britain’s youngest forest. HELEN BRALESFORD of the Heartwood Community Woodfuel Group in the National Forest explains how it all works.

he National Forest is a visionary season, Heartwood serves the area of north- project which began in the late west Leicestershire and south Derbyshire T1980s and has transformed derelict around Moira, Swadlincote and Ashby-de- landscapes scarred by the extractive When I was a kid, we la-Zouch where planting began a quarter of industries of the Industrial Revolution “ a century ago – an area known as the Heart used to sneak into the into green spaces which are now of the Forest. The NFC would like to see appreciated by locals and tourists alike. woods and cut stuff the scheme expand throughout the region. As the first forest to have been created down for bonfire night Heartwood volunteers give their time in England for over 1,000 years, the and energy to help manage woodlands, National Forest has specific management and put mud on the receiving firewood in return for their requirements. Many of the 8.7 million stumps to disguise our labour. Work includes essential thinning trees planted over this 200-square illicit activity. Now we and pruning, the removal of tree mile area are reaching a stage where guards and, as the skills of members thinning is required. However, the are not only allowed have increased, the creation of long- National Forest Company (NFC) was to cut trees down, it is term management plans, writing not set up to be a landholder. Instead, it grant applications and felling licence is a not-for-profit public sector charity actively encouraged! applications. Members interested in sponsored by DEFRA, which oversees conservation build and install bat and bird the landscape of the forest and works in boxes as part of the remit. partnership with landowners, businesses, With over 50 active members, Heartwood public, private and voluntary organisations and local will run over 30 sessions this felling season. To communities. Forest owners are diverse, comprising ”complement regular woodfuel events, training days run farmers-turned-foresters, small-scale landowners, throughout the year covering everything from LANTRA corporations, and the certified chainsaw training three local authorities – to arboreal first-aid, Leicestershire, Staffordshire food hygiene (the annual and Derbyshire. Funding woodland barbecue has comes from DEFRA and become a must!), coppicing, fundraising. and all-terrain vehicle The Heartwood operation. Community Woodfuel Group The addition of a quad and has been formed to help trailer to the group’s tool with woodland management. inventory in 2018 has made Both the cash-strapped local work easier. These are used authorities and small-scale to extract timber which has woodlanders benefit from been cross-cut into metre the scheme, which was first lengths and is then divided piloted in 2014 as part of up between members at the Black-to-Green Project the end of each session. initiated by the National Despite the popularity of Forest Company and backed mechanical aids, Heartwood by the Heritage Lottery fund. remains reliant on manual Now in its fourth full labour, with many members

18 Living Woods COMMUNITY WOODLAND preferring to work using hand tools such as bowsaws and loppers. This means that those who choose to work quietly in the woods still can. Money grows on trees

Since its inception, Heartwood has steadily increased members’ skill levels and refined its management. It is now financially independent of the project that instigated it. Funding to pay for insurance, equipment and training comes from felling grants, and voluntary contributions from members cover essentials such as refreshments. A charcoal retort obtained in 2018 earns its keep, while small- scale sales of excess woodfuel provide another stream of income. For the first time in 2019, timber has been supplied to award-winning craftsman Peter Wood of Greenwood Days who is delighted to be able to source raw materials locally. ‘The frightening thing is that I started chairmaking around the time when the wood was planted and I’m now using wood from it! Full circle,’ says Peter. The group is now well-equipped to continue its work but could not have achieved this level of independence without the assistance of many generous partners. The National Forest provides on-going support and is a Leicestershire County Council at Sarah’s Wood, Moira, source of advice, as well as offering opportunities for and at Donisthorpe Woodland Park. It has also worked networking with other groups across the forest. North- with South Derbyshire District Council at Lady Diana’s West Leicestershire Ranger, Chris Conway, who taught Wood near Swadlincote. In the 2017–18 felling season many members how to fell their first tree, continues to volunteers worked for the first time with the Woodland work closely with the group. Heartwood also works co- Trust at Willesley Wood near Ashby. This proved to operatively with Community Education and Enterprise be mutually beneficial and has expanded in the current Projects(CEEP), a group that supports young people season to include work at Woodcote near Ashby. 2018 saw experiencing difficulties in their lives. Heartwood contributing to the inaugural award-winning Heartwood has collaborated in projects with Timber! Festival at Feanedock Wood near Moira where

Living Woods 19 COMMUNITY WOODLAND

Heartwood members cross-cut the fruits of a morning’s work in the woods. members demonstrated charcoal burning and supplied Another member recalls being discouraged as a girl woodfuel to other exhibitors. from participating in woodland activities and crafts. ‘At school girls didn’t do woodwork. That early Why volunteer? negativity left me feeling totally inept with tools. The opportunity to fell a tree didn’t arrive until I was into my Members are drawn to the group for many reasons. Most fifties when I joined Heartwood. I am really proud now of simply appreciate the great outdoors, but woodfuellers my chainsaw certificate!’ come from all sorts of backgrounds including caterers, Anyone is welcome to join the group whatever their social workers, managers, teachers, engineers and IT skill level. All members are given a thorough induction specialists. A few already work in forestry. and partnered with a more experienced workmate when Many come for the lure of free woodfuel and then they join. It’s proving to be a valuable scheme on every stay on for the pleasure that only outdoor work can level, both for the wood and the volunteers. give, although most have multiple reasons for their participation. Ted Tann-Watson who joined the group at its inception explains: ‘I went along to the initial meeting as a way of getting involved in and improving the local environment. Since then the fuel has become an important part of our household economy.’ Committee member Graham Bowers recalls a misspent For more information on membership of Heartwood, youth as part of his motivation: visit the website at: ‘When I was a kid, we used to sneak into the woods www.heartwoodhof.org.uk and cut stuff down for bonfire night and put mud on the National Forest Visitor Information stumps to disguise our illicit activity. Now we are not Timber Festival 5-7 July 2019 only allowed to cut trees down, it is actively encouraged!’

20 Living Woods TOOLS DRAW KNIVES THE SHARPEST TOOLS IN THE BOX

MAURICE PYLE considers one of the most simple, yet useful green woodworking tools. What makes a good draw knife?

he draw knife – what a tool! Draw holding device such as a shave horse or a knives are one of those tools pretty traditional break.’ much essential for green woodworking This rather utilitarian description fails to Tand should be one of the first acquisitions Using a draw knife say that using a draw knife on green wood when building up your toolkit. Traditional, “ is one of life’s great satisfactions. It’s a tool on green wood is simple and vital, they are normally used in that seems to liberate and soothe. Almost conjunction with a shave horse. one of life’s great everyone who uses one for the first time Typically, makers would bust a log down satisfactions. comments on how therapeutic the process into a cleft section, trim up with an axe, then is. The use of a shave horse and draw knife round up with a draw knife on a shave horse. is a necessary stage to round up a billet in Draw knives are used to prepare billets round readiness for the pole lathe, but it’s just great in section for the pole lathe, and to create when a student connects with what is an whittled chair, bench and stool components. ”incredibly simply constructed tool and sees its full potential We often get asked which tools are essential to get going in its own right. Mastering the pole lathe to make fine with green wood craft and I suppose a good axe or hatchet Windsor chairs may be the end game for some people, but must be at the top of the list, but then you need to look at with practice, a shave horse and draw knife alone can make getting a good draw knife. the components for beautiful country chairs and stools. According to Wikipedia, the definition of a draw knife is Over the years many variants have appeared, adapted in ‘a traditional woodworking hand tool used to shape wood one way or another for specific work and trades. I’ll deal by removing shavings. It consists of a blade with a handle with these variants by flagging up a range of features which at each end. The blade is much longer than it is deep. It is you might find in any one draw knife. usually pulled or “drawn” toward the user. Because a draw Traditional craftspeople such as gunmakers, chair-makers, knife is a two-handed tool, the billet needs to be held in a coopers and handle-makers, all worked with wood, but had

Living Woods 21 TOOLS

very different requirements, and surfaces such as the bottom of a Svante Djarv draw knife, with handles cranked down, a straight edge, and curved blade. therefore used a variety of draw carved bowl without catching the knife styles. bowl’s edge where it joins the sides. Bevel up or bevel down? Cutting edge curved?

The position of the handles Again, not very common. I have determines which way up the tool a small antique draw knife with a works – either bevel up or bevel curved edge and it slices beautifully down. If the handles of a draw knife even without skewing the blade are on the same plane as the blade, towards yourself. then it will normally only work effectively bevel down. In the bevel Hollow-ground back? up position, the user’s wrists will feel extremely awkward and the tool will If the back of a draw knife’s blade tend to dive deep into the wood. is hollow-ground (concave), the sharpening steel will sit flat with the Handles: dropped, or edges of the cutting edge, meaning that it will be easier to remove the cranked? burr.

When the steel of the tool beyond Hollow-ground bevel? the cutting part of the blade is curved down, positioning the hands A hollow-ground (concave) bevel is lower than the blade, the handles not essential, but it makes sharpening are dropped and the bevel is nearly an awful lot easier. Hollow grinding always up. This is a style found both can only be achieved with a (usually in some older tools and new ones powered) wheel such as a Tormek from companies such as German sharpening system. makers Ochsenkopf (Oxhead). Cranked handles are in the same Draw knives are interesting tools. plane as the blade, but are angled They are really liberating because slightly outwards. This type is best they are a simple blade and the used bevel up, but the user’s arms user is immediately in control of the are positioned in a slightly more shaving size (unlike a spokeshave or Using a draw knife with dropped handles to shape a comfortable position. plane). They can’t jam, even when billet on a shave horse. working green, unseasoned wood. I’d Cutting edge length always recommend keeping a draw knife as sharp as possible, but even if A useful length is about 20cm neglected they will remain effective. (8 inches), permitting a straight- There are some wonderful older on drawing or slicing action. This draw knives, with great steel and is perfect for work such as billet patina, but they are becoming scarcer. preparation or tenon sizing and Manufacturers such as Gransfors Oxhead draw knife, with drop-down handles, best used bevel up. creating the components for cleft Bruk, Oxhead, Hans Karlsson, Ray Iles gates. Larger draw knives of 25cm and Svante Djarv produce quality (10 inches) and above are useful for new ones, with prices starting at removing bark from small–medium about £50. logs. Smaller blades of about 15cm (6 inches) are useful for finer work. Professional green Blades: curved or straight? woodworker MAURICE PYLE runs Woodsmith A blade that is slightly curved Experience, a unique along its length is a less common business offering greenwood craft style. Using it bevel down, it works courses and specialist tools for essentially like every other straight woodcraft and small-scale forestry. draw knife, but bevel up, it’s a great www.woodsmithexperience.co.uk tools to move wood from flat

22 Living Woods BOOK REVIEW BOOK DAN WATSON is inspired by a treasure trove of green woodworking ideas.

SHAVING HORSES, LAP SHAVES, AND OTHER WOODLAND VICES

Sean Hellman Crafty Llittle Press 130 pages 400 colour illustrations ISBN 978-0993186110 RRP £16.95 REVIEW

have been coppicing and carrying out woodland crafts for over 20 Iyears, spending a considerable amount of time sat astride my trusty shave horse and thought I had a pretty good idea about how to hold a bit of wood while shaping my work. However, Sean’s book is a veritable treasure trove of ideas and inspiration for crafters of any ability. It is a practical, instructive book with plans, diagrams, and clear working guidance for making shaving horses, and other devices, the the functional, traditional, wooden book also discusses the pros and clamping devices upon which the cons of various designs, together with woodworker sits astride whilst crafting numerous modifications for a variety a piece of wood. of uses. Sean has spent most of his working Subtitled ‘A Book of Plans life hand-crafting useful and beautiful and Techniques for the Green items from green wood, learning by Woodworker,’ the book contains doing and through trial and error. He more than 400 plans, illustrations is one of the most skilled and highly and photos that make it an excellent respected green woodworkers in the reference resource and companion country who, by his own admission, to aid the selection and construction ‘fell in love with shaving horses and of a shave horse or woodland vice the tools used for making green wood building project. In fact, I would go artefacts’. The use of a shaving horse is as far as saying that this book is only one part in the process of making essential! With the inclusion of useful and it can be adapted to numerous information on tool sharpening, applications, from chair components re-handling, different knife and tool to gypsy flowers, baskets to cleft cuts and numerous other nuggets of fencing rails and many more. The use invaluable information and wisdom of a shaving horse often goes hand-in- gathered during a lifetime of green hand with the necessity to hold and woodworking, this book is a must clamp wood in other ways too, and for any novice or experienced craft this book also examines a selection of worker. It is the most comprehensive these devices. book written on the subject Sean looks at the history of shave that I have found and is highly horse use and goes on to give details recommended – check out other titles about the tools needed to construct on the Crafty Little Press website. your steed. With detailed how-to’s Now, which design should I choose for several designs of shave horse for my next shaving horse?

Living Woods 23 BOOK REVIEW NEW AND NOTED GREEN GOLD

Author GABRIEL HEMERY of the California Gold Rush. As John talks about Green Gold – his Jeffrey travelled southwards from Oregon, through Washington and novel rooted in the real California, the ’49ers started moving adventures of 19th-century north in search of new gold fields. plant hunter John Jeffrey. It was a restless and violent time, and there would have been many any readers will be familiar with challenges and temptations for the the exploits of the celebrated young explorer, who had never plant hunters David Douglas travelled beyond Scotland before. M(Douglas fir) and William Lobb (monkey puzzle and giant redwood), Tracking Jeffrey but fewer have heard of John Jeffrey. Inspired in particular by David Jeffrey did not send many letters Douglas, the Royal Botanic Garden home, yet together with the labels Edinburgh (RBGE) set up the ‘Oregon attached to plant specimens and seeds, Botanical Association’ in 1849 and I have been able to plot his 10,000- were successful in attracting investors mile route across British Columbia, and raising funds to support a three- Oregon, Washington, and California. year expedition. Among more than Despite repeated requests, Jeffrey’s 100 were several plant nurseries, and journals (which he was contracted prominent individuals and landowners, to keep in duplicate) were never including Prince Albert and the Duke of received by RBGE. His supporters Buccleuch. became evermore frustrated by his the high value of novel plants to When Jeffrey set out in1850, there increasingly scant communications, his Victorian landowners and gardeners, were high hopes that this 23-year- missing journals, and the poor quality and the significance of the clash of old would follow in the footsteps of and quantity of some of his botanical Jeffrey’s expedition with the Gold the illustrious David Douglas, with collections. Ultimately, in 1854, John Rush. It interweaves facts, taken the fruits of his labours paid to the Jeffrey was dismissed via a notice in from the minutes, letters and plant investors as dividends in the form of a Californian newspaper! But at the labels, with fiction in the form of his seeds or plants. Yet the odds were same time he simply disappeared, missing journals which I really enjoyed stacked against Jeffrey. The distances to thought to have been murdered in imagining. be travelled across British Columbia New Mexico. and the Rocky Mountains were John Jeffrey collected at least extraordinary, while the territory itself 400 specimens and the seeds of The exhibition Green Gold: Plants was challenging due to the extreme 199 species, including 35 conifer from the travels of John Jeffrey cold, high altitude, and unrest among tree species. Two plants bear his will open at the John Hope Gateway, Native American tribes. And all this name today: Jeffrey’s shooting star Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh from had to be overcome before Jeffrey (Dodecatheon jeffreyi) and Jeffrey pine Saturday 27 April until end June. Open even reached ‘Oregon Country’, (Pinus jeffreyi). He is also remembered daily from 10am. Free entry. where he was to start his plant by Mount Jeffrey on Vancouver Island, collecting in earnest. and by Jeffrey Peak in British Columbia. Green Gold: The Epic True Story of Fate held another card: the impact The title for Green Gold reflects Victorian Plant Hunter John Jeffrey by Gabriel Hemery is published in April by Unbound (£10.99 paperback / £3.99 ebook) www.unbound.com

Gabriel Hemery is chief executive of Sylva Foundation and the author of The New Sylva.

24 Living Woods WOODNOTE SYMBOLS IN TREES CLARE GIBSON assesses a tree which promises a magical and early sign of spring: the hazel.

t’s the time of year when yellow wise women became increasingly catkins, or lambs’ tails, dangle demonised. Hazel, however, became Ifrom hazel trees (Corylus regarded as an effective tool against avellana). The symbolism of the the malign influence of demons hazel is overwhelmingly positive, and witches. In his Discoverie of and not just because, as a producer of Witchcraft (1594), Reginald Scot edible hazelnuts, it represents fertility, advised, ‘Upon the Sabboth daie sustenance and plenty. Those who before sunrising, cut a hazell wand, manage to shatter a tough-to-crack saieng: I cut thee O bough of this nutshell are rewarded by the nutritious summers growth, in the name of him treasure within: metaphorically it whome I meane to beate or maime.’ is the kernel of wisdom, or of truth, According to the Brothers Grimm and this is the key to the hazel’s in Die Haselrute (The Hazel Branch), symbolism. the Virgin Mary sought the protection The Celts regarded the hazel as of a hazel tree when threatened by an the tree of knowledge, whose nuts adder, and proclaimed, ‘As the hazel- bestowed wisdom on any who ate bush has been my protection this them. The early Irish Dindsenchas time, it shall in future protect others (texts that tell of the lore of places), with magical properties in the Old also.’ This perhaps explains the old say of Connla’s Well: ‘The nine World was transferred to the New belief that hazels ward off snakes and hazels of Crimall the sage drop their World’s Hamamelis, as demonstrated other creepy-crawlies. fruits yonder under the well: they by witch-hazel water, an astringent The hazelnut was similarly stand by the power of magic spells decoction made from H. virginiana’s believed to protect against evil, as under a darksome mist of wizardry.’ bark and leaves that is still used to well as such ailments as rheumatism The hazelnuts that fell into the well’s treat certain skin complaints. and lumbago, which was why many water were eaten by salmon, which Under the influence of Christianity, people never ventured out without a absorbed the knowledge and seeds the perception of people who hazelnut safely stashed in a pocket. of inspiration that they contained. supposedly possessed magical Their association with fertility, and Anyone who then ate these salmon abilities darkened, and those who thus with love, meant that hazelnuts would also acquire hazelnut- had once been respected as sages and were often used to represent bestowed wisdom, along with the lovers and, through a baptism of gift of poetry and power of prophecy. fire, to predict the course of their This combination of well, hazel trees, relationship. Two named hazelnuts hazelnuts and salmon as a potent symbolising a courting couple were source of transcendental wisdom traditionally tossed on to a fire on recurs frequently in Celtic myth. Hallowe’en (‘Nut-crack Night’); it was said that if both burned steadily, Divine dowsing the lovers would remain ardent and constant; if either hazelnut jumped The hazel’s apparently magical or cracked in the heat of the flames, properties prompted Druids to use however, its namesake would be hazel-wood rods – the original fickle. Dispiriting as such an outcome ‘magic wands’ – in their sacred may be, the hazel’s prophetic powers rituals. Hazel remains the preferred at least meant that forewarned was wood for forked divining or dowsing forearmed. rods, which react to water or minerals Symbolically a provider of below the ground, revealing their prophecy, wisdom, protection – and presence. Although the North more – the hazel is a magical tree, American witch hazel (Hamamelis,) which is worth considering next time belongs to a different genus of tree, Detail from a woodcut, De re metallica libri XII, you examine a hazel coppice or crack some say that the hazel’s association Georgius Agricolas, 1556. (Wiki Commons) open a hazelnut.

Living Woods 25 EVENTS ROUND-UP 2019

MAY AUGUST

THE ARB SHOW SOUTH DOWNS SHOW 17–18 May 2019 17–18 August 2019 Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Petersfield, Hampshire WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WOOD 18-19 May 2019 WILDERNESS GATHERING Stowmarket, Suffolk 15–18 August 2019 West Knoyle, Wiltshire DEVON COUNTY SHOW STOCK GAYLARD OAK FAIR 16–18 May 2019 24–25 August 2019 Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW Sturminster Newton, Dorset 20–23 June 2019 WOOD FESTIVAL Edinburgh, Scotland 17-19 May 2019 SEPTEMBER Brazier’s Park, Ipsden, Oxfordshire JULY WYCHWOOD FOREST FAIR THE BUSHCRAFT SHOW 2 September 2019 25–27 May 2019 TIMBER FESTIVAL Charlbury, Oxfordshire Beehive Farm, Rosliston, Derbyshire 5–7 July 2019 Feanedock, National Forest CONFOR WOODLAND SHOW ROYAL BATH & WEST 5–6 September 2019, Longleat, Wiltshire SHOW OPUS WOOD AND CRAFT FAIR 29 May–1 June 2019 6-7 July 2019 Burrowbridge, Somerset BELMONT WOODFEST Shepton Mallet, Somerset & COUNTRY FAIR GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW 7–8 September 2019 Faversham, Kent 9–11 July 2019 JUNE Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate SURREY HILLS WOOD FAIR WEALD AND DOWNLAND MUSEUM WOODFEST COUNTRY SHOW 5–6 October 2019, Cranleigh, Guildford 15-16 June 2019 12–14 July 2019 Chichester, West Sussex St Asaph, Denbighshire, Wales

STRUMPSHAW TREE FAIR 20–21 July 2019, Strumpshaw, Norfolk

ROYAL WELSH SHOW 22–25 July 2019 Builth Wells, Wales

NEW FOREST AND HAMPSHIRE COUNTY SHOW 30 July–1 August 2019 Brockenhurst, Hampshire

26 Living Woods SPRING COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Royal Forestry Society mindful woodland management, and 11 April Livius Training Centre, connecting with trees. Boroughbridge, Yorkshire Tree Health: pests & diseases Sustainable building, renewable power, Friday 12 April, Berkhamsted organic gardening and wilderness skills. 17 April J36 Rural Auction Centre, Tutor: Adam Sharman Machynlleth, Wales. Milnthorpe, Cumbria £65 RFS members/£75 non-members Tel: 01654 704952 www.cat.org.uk 1 May The Forest Centre, Marston Grading & Measuring Timber Moretaine, Bedfordshire Friday 10 May, Herefordshire Rural Development Inititiative Tutor: Gavin Munro. 9 May Strathearn Community Campus, £75 RFS members/£85 non-members Courses Crieff, Scotland

Essential Guide to Caring for your Woodfuel and timber supply chain Firewood Production and Supply Wood training for both existing and fledgling firewood Wednesday12 June, Hampshire The Ignite Woodfuel Quality Standards businesses. Tutor: Professor Julian Evans one-day course introduces woodfuel Thursday 2 May The Forest Centre, £60 RFS members/£70 non-members. suppliers and users to the full range Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire of standards and quality assurance An Introduction to Soil Identification schemes in use in the supply chain Ignite courses cost £150+VAT per day for Foresters, Thursday 27 June and how to produce and specify the which includes the LANTRA Awards Alice Holt, Surrey correct type of fuel. certification fee, course materials, lunch Tutor: Andy Moffat and refreshments. To book a place call £125 RFS members/£150 non- 01765 609355, or email Erica at erica. members 3 April HETAS, Tewkesbury, [email protected]. Gloucestershire www.ruraldevelopment.org.uk Essentials for Measuring your Trees and Woods, Friday 12 September Lowther Estate, Penrith Tutor: Mike Jones. £70 RFS members/£80 non members

RFS Building with timber in small woods Friday 05 July 2019 Checkendon, South Oxfordshire Instructors: Ken Hume and Herbert Russell of the Oxfordshire Woodland Group £60 RFS members /£70 non RFS members

To book www.rfs.org.uk/events/ training-courses

Centre For Alternative Technology (CAT) Courses and workshops on sustainable woodland management, social forestry (OCN accredited), horse logging, Measuring the girth of a Radiata Pine, Australia. (Courtesy: CSIRO Science Library)

Living Woods 27 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Petra Billings Sylva Foundation PHOTOGRAPHS www.sussexwoodlands.co.uk Bat Conservation Trust Mike Pepler Capsula Mundi Helen Bralesford Peplers in Rye Blog Vincent Wildlife Trust Heartwood Community Woodland Maurice Pyle Julia Goodfellow-Smith Woodsmith Experience www.questforfuturesolutions.co.uk Chris Colley, Ruth Feltham, Richard Hare Simon Feltham, Antony Mason, Keeper’s Coppicing Johnny Morris, Tom Ward, Dan Watson, and the Clare Gibson, aka @MrsSymbols Woodlands.co.uk editorial team.

Andrew Johnson Northern Arb Supplies

University of California biologists Cameron Williams and Rikke Naesborg measure the trunk diameter of a giant sequoia in Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park. (Courtesy: Anthony R. Ambrose)

28 Living Woods