Countryside Services Events in Norsey Wood 2006

Sunday 23rd April Bluebell and spring flowers walk

Saturday 29th April Dawn Chorus 6.30 am

Sunday 1st October Open Day

Saturday 11th November Fungus Foray

Sunday 3rd December Tree Dressing

December 2005/January 2006

Tree Dressing

The Tree Dressing event in December was a great success. A large number of children assembled their decorations in the Education centre and then followed the Mayflower Morrismen in procession to the tree which was to be decorated. Their decorations were then hung in the large sweet chestnut tree, together with those that had been made by pupils of Crays Hill Primary School. This activity was part of a spreading world-wide celebration of trees and campaign to promote the preservation, care and protection of trees.

Coppicing

Visitors to the Wood may have noticed that coppicing has started opposite last year's coppice site. Please note that, in the interest of public safety, access to the Easy Access Trail and areas nearby may be restricted from time to time, anywhere between the Main Drive and the entrance to the Wood in Break Egg Hill, via the Butterfly Ride. Visitors are asked to observe all warning signs and notices about restricted areas and to supervise closely children and dogs in those areas.

September/October 2005

Official Opening of the Interpretation Room and the resurfaced Easy Access Trail

The Interpretation Room and resurfaced Easy Access Trail were officially opened by the Chairman of Basildon District Council on 30th September. In attendance were representatives from the Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust, which had assisted in the funding of the resurfacing of the trail, the Heritage Lottery Fund, which had helped in the funding of the Interpretation Room, the designers of the displays, the local Town Council, the local press, Basildon Council  Countryside Services and the Norsey Wood Society, which had obtained the grant for the trail. Go to the pictures of the opening.

The Interpretation Room is now open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm.

Open Day

The Norsey Wood Open Day 2005 was blessed with fine weather and very good attendance. The Suffolk Punch horse proved a big attraction demonstrating traditional woodland timber moving techniques, while, once again, our old friend Phil fascinated our visitors, particularly the young, with his collection of owls. The local scouts kept everyone fed and watered, while the Countryside Services Education team and the Society attracted a large number of children with activities and a Norsey tree quiz. See a photograph taken during the open day.

July/August 2005

Scouts from many nations help with conservation work at Norsey

Youngsters camping at the International Scout camp at Hylands Park, Chelmsford this summer have helped with the deadhedge alongside the Easy Access Trail by the Information Centre. Some repairs to various bridges were also done. This help has been warmly welcomed by the Warden and members of his weekly workparty!

Employees from Ford Motors Research and Development Centre at Dunton build bridges at Norsey

These volunteers have done sterling work in the Wood recently. A path has been constructed through the Picnic site near the Centre, linking with the Easy Access Trail.

They have also rebuilt the complex of bridges and boardwalks by the stream near its exit from the Wood at the bottom of Break Egg Hill.

A new edition of the popular ‘History of Norsey Wood’ is now on sale

It has been completely revised and an extra chapter has been added, bringing it up to date. Please ask at the Information Centre (01277 624553).

Electric buggy available for use

Please ring (01277 624553) to ensure that the buggy is available and that there will be someone at the Information Centre to assist you.

Membership subscriptions

Please note that the Norsey Wood Society Membership subscriptions will increase from January 2006. The new rates will be £4.00 (£2.00 for 60+) per household.

Dog fouling

Unfortunately there has been an increase in this problem in the last few months. Visitors are requested to keep a close eye on their pet(s) whilst in the Wood. Please remember that you may not be aware what is happening if you are deep in conversation and your pet is behind you or otherwise out of sight!

Thank you for your co-operation!