FOLW Gazette

Gazette Article

January 2012

There is often confusion about the definition of a wood and that of a ‘forest’. For hundreds of years a wood has meant an area of
managed woodland and, until the middle of the 20^th century, at least half of Britain’s woodland fell into this category. The woods were managed for the products that came from them by coppicing and felling timber. By 2010 most of the country’s woodland had become ‘forest’ – unmanaged, overgrown and covered in tall trees that exclude light from all areas below the canopy. Only about 3% is managed effectively.

So what, you might ask?

A well managed wood supports a vast amount of wildlife. The increase in light at ground level allows plants and flowers to thrive. These in turn feed birds and animals, creating healthy food chains. ‘Forests’ do not. Plantlife (a charity that protects wild plants in Britain) believes that between 15% and 20% of our native wildflowers are in danger of becoming extinct and that undermanaged woodland is a major cause.

Littleheath Woods are only 25 hectares in size and are being managed by the Friends. There is a good mix of native trees of varying ages, several areas of coppiced hazel where wild flowers grow. Piles of logs provide homes for invertebrates. Birds and other animals are thriving too. The rare Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Silver Washed Fritillary butterfly are two examples.

If you are interested in joining a work party or helping in any other way, then please ring 020 8651 4914.

Or come and join us on a walk:

Saturday 25^th February

Winter Walk in Littleheath Woods

10am, junction of Queenhill and Littleheath Roads, Selsdon. Wrap up warm and join the Friends of Littleheath Woods for a winter walk (about 1 ½ hours). Bus: T33, 64

Saturday 28^th April

Spring Flowers in Littleheath Woods

Meet the Friends of Littleheath Woods at 10am, at the junction of Queenhill and Littleheath Roads, Selsdon (about 1 ½ - 2 hours). Bus: T33, 64

Shirley Shephard