Drayton Woods
Law Plantation at Drayton (1.211) is a diverse broadleaved woodland.
The wood contains a broad selection of native flora and fauna as well as some invasive non-natives. There is evidence of Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) coppicing at the site in the past and this may explain the purpose of it’s planting. Hornbeam is a durable hardwood much prized for the making of drays or carts.
Elm is also very common, and although the mature Elms still die off due to the Dutch Elm Beetle, there is a constant regrowth of young trees within the wood.
Also present are a small number of hazel stools, field maple, ash, sycamore and oak. There are 2 Wych Elm Trees and 2 Beech trees. There is also an interesting stand of ‘Butchers Broom’.
The wood is under private ownership and CSOLP currently holds a 5 year lease from the owner to use the wood for nature education activities. Prior to the Lease agreement the wood had become neglected and was overrun with ivy, brambles and rabbits.
We are following a Management plan to restore the woodland to good health and have planted new trees in clearings created by storm felled trees. We have planted a number of wild fruit trees to encourage birds. Bird boxes have been installed and we have started coppicing some of the hazel. We have planted hedging trees to thicken up and mark the boundaries of the wood. All our work has been accompanied by the raucous laugh of the Greater Spotted Wood pecker.
Our Forest School Base camp is on the woodland edge and has a fire circle, a canvas shelter, a green woodworking area and a compost toilet.
Drayton Woods has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Drayton-Woods/185330091506037
Do look at Hannah’s gallery for more pictures. Drayton Woods -> Gallery