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I first visited Pound Farm Wood in April 2000, a newly created Woodland Trust site and very much a contrast to the usual ancient woodlands that I have walked through. In January I returned to survey the progress for this walk, to what in time will be a mature woodland. For now the young trees are protected and do not yet provide the canopy of their older relatives. Pound Farm was the first large-scale woodland creation project carried out by the Woodland Trust and covers 90 hectares (223 acres) open to the public. Planting started on the former arable land in 1989 using 64,000 native trees which now cover more than half of the site. Meadows have also been created using wild flower seed mixes and 3 blocks of mature broad-leaved woodland have been incorporated into the site. Many internal hedges have been replanted, 5 ponds have been restored and a network of rides and paths provided for public access. There are two waymarked routes around the wood, the yellow route is a short circuit and the red route the longer one that is described here. There are several seats around the walks and by the ponds, and, together with other items such as stiles and gates, have been donated and bear plaques of dedication. The mixed aged broad-leaved woodland, characteristic of local ancient woodlands found on the heavier Suffolk soils, includes oak, ash, hornbeam, field maple, small leafed lime and hazel. A variety of habitats exist for wildlife such as high forest woodland, open spaces in the form of rides and glades, large expanses of wild flower meadows and ponds. From the car park pass through the gate in the deer fence and walk down the wide path ahead between the plantations, passing an information board half way down the hill. Cross the stream at the bottom and continue alongside a mature woodland on the left. The yellow route turns left here over a bridge into the trees if required. For the red route continue straight on to the top to reach a large pond, following the wide grass path left around the back and on to a long straight between the new plantations. At a crossroads of paths just before passing under the electricity wires turn right at an information board, following the red route. Continue along this path to eventually pass under the electricity wires and through a wide gap in the hedge at a crossroads of paths and a waymark post. At the next fork in the path take the left fork around the loop and then left to return to the waymark post. Areas of long grasses can be seen between the planted trees, it is a very important habitat for many species which find refuge in this dense habitat, including small mammals, reptiles and birds such as field mice, shrews, grass snakes and skylarks. Turn right and follow the wide path round to a point close to Pound Farm and a pond. Bear right across the meadow land towards the mature tree belt and turn left along the edge of the trees to the end. Turn right through a gateway at the end into the next section of grass, heading now for a poplar tree and house ahead. At a waymark post on the corner follow the path between the trees and then a section of grass to reach a footbridge over the stream. After crossing continue on the other side following the wide path uphill back to the start at the car park. A deer fence surrounds the site to protect the young trees whilst they are growing and vulnerable to damage through browsing. The meadows have been created using wild flower mixes and now supports a wide variety of plant species, these are being managed for wildlife through variations in cutting times to provide a variety of structures of habitats. The practice of hedge laying has been carried out on some of the hedges at an early stage, this will promote a thick bottom to the hedge which is important to wildlife and to retain livestock should the meadows be grazed in the future. InformationLocation: Pound Farm Wood is at Great Glemham, 22 miles north east of IpswichStart: Pound Farm Wood car park (Ordnance Survey map reference TM 326636) Length: 21/2 miles with many short cuts available onditions: Well defined waymarked grass paths, no stiles or steps, muddy except in dry weather How to get there:- Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - 08706 082608 By Road: From A12 at Stratford St. Andrew, turn off on Gt. Glemham Road. After passing The Crown pub follow road left to Pound Farm Wood (about 11/2 miles). Entrance marked with Woodland Trust brown sign. Alternative route via B1119 east from Framlingham Car Parking: Pound Farm Wood free car park Refreshments: The Crown pub in Great Glemham, otherwise in adjoining villages Public Toilets: None Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 212 Woodbridge and Saxmundham Internet: - Pound Farm Wood - http://www.wt-woods.org.uk/poundfarm Suffolk Country Walks - http://www.anderton.btinternet,co.uk
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