Management of Norsey Wood

Management of the Wood

Norsey Wood has been managed woodland for hundreds of years. Ever since mankind started using woods for the production of timber, some system of management has been needed if a regular crop was to be maintained.

Coppicing in Norsey has been carried out for about a thousand years and there is evidence for this to be seen to the left of the path leading to the Butterfly Ride. What appears to be a large circle of Hornbeams (Carpinus betulus) is, in fact, one formerly coppiced tree (or stool) with multiple trunks! It is thought to be between 600 and 1 000 years old. The practice of coppicing is still carried out in Norsey.

Voluntary Groups

The Warden is assisted in some aspects of management by discussion at the monthly meetings of the Society's committee and by teams of volunteers.

Weekly Workgroup

This group meets each Thursday morning from 10pm to 12 noon to undertake various tasks around the Wood. These tasks are many and varied and include: clearance of the smaller material from and deadhedging of newly coppiced areas, maintenance of paths and cutting back of vegetation for the benefit of visitors, to ensure access for the Fire and Rescue Service and to allow light to reach the verges, maintenance, repair and occasional replacement of bridges, tending the tree nursery, maintenance and protection of sensitive areas, etc.

We are a friendly group of men and women - mostly retired, but anyone with time to spare on a Thursday morning will be most welcome. You are not expected to turn up every week, if this cannot be managed. The work we do is varied, as can be seen above and you do not need to be super-fit to join us! Just phone the Warden on 1277 624553 or come along on Thursday and meet the group at the Information Centre.

Survey Group

In order to monitor the health and progress of the Wood, in terms of its flora and fauna, the Warden conducts a series of surveys every fortnight from April to the end of August each year. No previous experience is required, but if you are have an interest or expertise in some particular aspect/s, for example flora, small mammals, birds, fungi, insects, spiders, mosses, lichens, pond life etc. the Warden would be very pleased to discuss this with you. You can reach her on 01277 624553.