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Storms in the Wood

The recent storms have brought down some trees in the Wood, some of them being quite substantial. Often, the tree has become old and weak and if covered in ivy, the extra weight can destabilise  it, making it vulnerable to being blown down in particularly strong winds. A sycamore was brought down during Storm Isha on the 21st January and the fallen tree blocked the upper path leading from Cox's Walk eastern entrance. Luckily it fell during the night when no-one was around. The path was reopened  on Tuesday by Sydenham Hill Wood Conservation Officer, Sam Taylor after he had sawn off the tops of the branches which were blocking the way. On Wednesday, volunteers carried on the clearing up job.

The fallen sycamore blocking the path (photo Sam Taylor)

The path cleared and reopened (photo Sam Taylor)

Elsewhere in the Wood, volunteers have created a hurdle made of woven hazel to protect an area of wood anemones. Hurdles are a sustainable way of creating protective barriers. The hazel is coppiced in the Wood and within a few years, new growth will have replaced the stems which were removed.

The hurdle alongside the upper path.


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