Woodland workers wanted

BT award winners in the woods, from left, Simon and Emily Smith, Andy Tucker, Liz Emmerson, George Curd

A West Swindon environmental group is being encouraged by BT to tell people about itself.

The Peatmoor Community Woodland Group has been awarded £150 from the BT Community Champions' Award Scheme to update notice boards around Peatmoor Copse, which inform people of the voluntary work being done to maintain the area as an important haven for wildlife and biodiversity in the urban area.

The group has met monthly for the last 16 years to coppice the woods which were once part of the ancient Braydon Forest, once a royal hunting ground. Cutting back trees like hazel, ash, and willow on a seven year management cycle increases the life span of the trees and opens up glades in the wood to bring to life wildflowers such as bluebells. In the past the cut wood was used for many purposes such as fencing. Group members also maintain trails and footpaths so that the changing flora and fauna can be observed year round.




Organiser Liz Emmerson is always keen to appeal to people living closeby not to flytip garden rubbish and for others walking through the area to avoid dropping litter.

The woodland group meets on the first Sunday of the month, 10am to 2pm, and new volunteers are always welcome to help out. Training is provided in the use of equipment. For details call Liz on 876654.