8th February 2010

A new coppice for Snaky Lane

Andrew Simpson and John Bucknall, two members of the Community Wildlife Group, planting one of the trees. There were plenty of willing helpers at the Snaky Lane Community Wildlife Group on Sunday 7th February 2010 to help plant 80 trees. The trees, a mixture of Hazel and Sweet Chestnut, will grow to form a small ‘coppice’ in years to come that will provide a new habitat for wildlife and maybe bean sticks for local residents.

The work was done thanks to an award from the Surrey County Council Local Committee. Keith Boulnois, Chairman of the Snaky Lane Community Wildlife Group said:

“We had a very good turnout, which made clearing the ground before planting and planting itself relatively quick. We are very grateful to Surrey County Council for making this project possible and especially to Cllr Marsha Moseley for proposing it.”

The new trees will be managed in a traditional way, they will left to grow for around ten years and then Members of the group standing in the new coppice area ‘coppiced’ or cut back to ground level. The wood this produces can then be used as bean sticks and fire wood and should also provide the materials needed for hedge laying. The process is then repeated to provide a regular crop of wood. Keith explained:

“We will probably only cut part of the area in one year so that we have a more regular crop and there are always some trees left standing for the wildlife. It will be great to be able to produce things from our own trees. As they mature we may even be able to provide some of our own Chestnut fence posts.”

The group meets on the first Sunday of every month and anyone interested in helping at future conservation tasks should ring Sue Dent on 01252 331353 for details.

More about Snaky Lane >>>
More about Snaky Lane Community Wildlife Group >>>

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For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331335.
Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS

NOTES

The seven-acre Snaky Lane wildlife area is located in the very north-west corner of Guildford Borough, and is managed by the Snaky Lane Community Wildlife Group for people and wildlife. With the help of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, the group meet on the first Sunday of each month to carrying out conservation and management work