NETTLEHAM WOODLAND TRUST SUPPORTERS NEWSLETTER

Registered Charity Number 1129705

Dear friends

• WELCOME TO ELIZABETH HIPGRAVE: Elizabeth has been a supporter for the last two years and has kindly taken on the role of Supporters Secretary. This will be really helpful to us as the number of people linked to NWT grows. Elizabeth will look after the mailing list and so please keep her informed if you change your contact details and want to keep receiving this newsletter.

Elizabeth Hipgrave, 25 Sudbrooke Lane , Nettleham, Lincoln LN2 2RW

email: e.hipgrave@btinternet.com

2. MONKS WOOD AND THE ASHING LANE NATURE RESERVE

THRESHOLDS: Knights of Langworth have now completed the two magnificent thresholds funded by Star Energy, based on ideas developed from the thoughts of local guides, cub-scouts and primary children (Young Persons Design Challenge). Do go and have a look at these superb structures, one based loosely on Lincoln Cathedral, the other on the Humber Bridge . Spaces in the main threshold will now be planted with trees, climbers and shrubs as in the original design, and interpretation boards are being prepared in time for a grand opening in the spring of 2011. See our website for photographs and information on our Young Persons Design Challenge: www.nettlehamwoodlandtrust.co.uk Click on “Ways to Help”

NATURAL REGENERATION: Rod Newborough, our Woodland Advisor, has noticed a lot of natural regeneration (self-seeding) of Ash on the southern boundary of Monks Wood.  This has been brought about by the dispersal of seed from the adjoining hedgerow trees during the winters of 2007/2008. It takes two years for Ash seed to germinate, but other plants are also appearing. We plan to create a small fenced area as a control and then invite senior pupils and pupils in their international partner schools to do some comparative studies with similar areas in other countries. This will be funded through the British Council ‘Connecting Classrooms’ programme.

MAINTENANCE: Several stalwarts – Julia Ambrose, Les and Susie Mendel, Rod Newborough, Dennis Tate, Stephen Hartford and Chris Williams put in over 90 hours keeping the rides neat and tidy and mowing the entire woodland in the summer to give the young trees plenty of light. The latter will only have to be repeated for the next two or three years.

MAPPING: Before the growing trees obscure the sight-lines, Chris Williams has drawn the first version of a simple orienteering map for use by beginners

www.nettlehamwoodlandtrust.co.uk 

 

 

 

 

SIGHTINGS: as well as the resident hares and buzzard, we have had some exciting input from Mark Johnson, a local amateur photographer, who specialises in butterflies and dragonflies. Mark has seen Brown Argus, Common Darter, Migrant and Southern Hawkers, Comma, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Ringley, Brimstone and others.

WETLAND AND WATER FEATURES : we are planning a planting programme for the winter months for the North Field wetland which will be a combination of sowing, cuttings and new plants. We have applied for a grant for the latter. A newt hibernaculum is being considered for Beatles Pond

MONKS WOOD MEMORIAL GARDEN : If you would like to plant a memorial tree, or a tree for a special occasion, in Monks Wood, NWT can arrange this. The cost is £75 and we will care for the tree for the first 3 years until it is established. Please contact the Secretary if you would like further information or an application form, or go to our website: www.nettlehamwoodlandtrust.co.uk and click on “Ways to Help” where you can download a form

3. PC WOOD : the trees and shrubs are growing well, two and a half years after the great community planting event there in February 2008

4. WHAT ELSE HAS BEEN HAPPENING?

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW (June 2010): members of the Committee manned our new gazebo and display at the Showground

DUNHOLME FETE (June 2010) : we also attended this annual event. A picnic table donated by the Fete Committee will shortly be purchased and installed in Monks Wood

NETTLEHAM CARNIVAL (July 2010): the gazebo and the display reappeared on a busy day in the heart of the village

5. WHAT IS HAPPENING SOON?

Presentations: members of the Committee have been asked to tell the story of NWT to the Nettleham Beckside W.I. on 11 th October, and to the Lincoln branch of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on 20 th January 2011 at Whisby.

The Bishop’s Palace: the Parish Council has invited NWT to be represented on a new working group to explore ways of improving the site for the benefit of the village as a whole. Could be interesting.  

Many thanks,

Chris Williams, Nettleham Woodland Trust crw197@gmail.com

Contact: Susie, Secretary: members@nettlehamwoodlandtrust.co.uk