tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222054864298884166.post3058756549988435704..comments2023-04-02T22:44:10.750+01:00Comments on Save Thorpe Woodlands: WOODLAND WILDLIFE WATCHJohn Allawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13516900866339918866noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222054864298884166.post-67529635062408283612011-06-18T18:41:11.770+01:002011-06-18T18:41:11.770+01:00Racecourse has a relatively small area of conifer ...Racecourse has a relatively small area of conifer plantation towards it western end, and tiny patches in one or two other spots, and Belmore has a tiny patch of pines near its northern boundary, but that's about it - and there are no Xmas trees, overgrown or otherwise! They are all species planted for timber. The woods are predominantly broadleaved (see the post 'Seeing the woods for the trees')<br /><br />You're absolutely right in your comparison with Foxley Wood: the speed at which its pre-existing flora returned after the conifers were felled was something to behold. In Racecourse, similar natural regeneration has occurred where conifers have been felled, and also where forestry tractors have made big ruts through the wood. As it stands, Racecourse is very good ecologically and it has enormous potential for further improvement, given quite simple management.<br /><br />Please keep watching the blog for more news on what we've found - won't be long now!John Allawayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13516900866339918866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222054864298884166.post-49477771188375897212011-06-18T18:10:51.940+01:002011-06-18T18:10:51.940+01:00There are bits of the wood that really are overgro...There are bits of the wood that really are overgrown conifer plantations, but they are relatively small bits and if they were removed they would quickly colonise with more interesting stuff. For evidence of this on a much larger scale take a look at Foxley Wood. That recolonised vast areas of exconifer plantation, created on the site of a former proper wood, within a few years - naturally.<br />They cannot develop the bits that are currently conifer plantation for housing without wrecking the rest, that's the nub.<br /><br />MarionAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222054864298884166.post-36146204273264490592011-06-18T11:26:21.760+01:002011-06-18T11:26:21.760+01:00Welcome to our blog Jerry, glad you're finding...Welcome to our blog Jerry, glad you're finding it informative. Glad you've had a look around the wood/s too, it's quite an eye-opener! Yes, the owners really did tell people, at several public meetings during their 'charrette' last July, that the woods were confier plantations, planted after the war. On one occasion, one of the trustees said they were little more than overgrown Christmas trees! If you haven't joined Friends of Thorpe Woodlands yet, please do. Best way is to email Lorna on: lornacbeckett@yahoo.co.uk <br /><br />Please keep watching the blog - I'm hoping to keep it updated more frequently than of late.John Allawayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13516900866339918866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222054864298884166.post-39271176489375161562011-06-17T17:35:21.569+01:002011-06-17T17:35:21.569+01:00Hi, just looked at this blog for first time, it wa...Hi, just looked at this blog for first time, it was mentioned in a letter in todays evening news so I thought Id go and have a look for myself. Never been in the wood before but I was'nt expecting what I found. Its amazing. Just got back, soking wet but happy and sad at the same time. Im no expert but I have worked at RSPB reseves so I do know something and this wood is fantastic. Did they really say it was a conifer plantation - can't understnd how they can lie like this! Keep up the good work this wood MUST BE SAVED!!!Jerrynoreply@blogger.com