If you’re looking to brush up on your woodland management skills or you just want to enjoy being in the fresh air for a couple of hours, then why not volunteer for a woodland clean up in Chipping Sodbury.

The Friends of Ridge Wood Local Nature Reserve, in conjunction with South Gloucestershire Council, are inviting volunteers to help with the ongoing maintenance of the woodland. Activities to be carried out on the day include the opportunity to take part in coppicing the hazel trees, dead hedging, and tending to some recent planting.

You don’t need any experience as full instructions will be given on the day, along with all the necessary tools and gloves which are provided by the council.

Richard Aston, environmental projects officer at the council, said the coppicing work carried out by the volunteers is good for the wildlife which have made the wood their home. He said: “Coppicing is a traditional woodland management technique which involves cutting a tree at its base, with the wood taken being used for a variety of purposes such as fencing, bean poles, walking sticks and firewood. By cutting a tree at its base, it does not die but grows back with a number of stems. Once these stems grow to a suitable height they can be cut again, usually after about 10 to 15 years. Coppicing is very good for wildlife as it opens up woodland to allow ground flora to flourish.”

Volunteers should wear stout shoes and warm clothing and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Anyone who is interested in helping with the future management of the woodland, and those interested in the wildlife and historical features of the site, are welcome to join the Friends of Ridge Wood Community Group. For more information please click below or contact the council Friends on 01454 863725.
www.ridge-wood.org.uk