Reserves report
Many exciting projects have been carried out on the Trust's
nature reserves over the past few months. As the theme of
this issue is woodlands, I am highlighting our latest activities
on one of our wooded sites. First of all, thanks must go to all
those volunteers involved in reserves projects recently,
especially Jo, Vic, lain and Sion who have carried out some
excellent work over the past six months.
Devichoys Wood charcoal project
Devichoys Wood is located just outside the small village of
Perranarworthal. between Truro and Falmouth. It was
purchased by the Trust in 19x8. Sessile oak is the dominant
tree species found at Devichoys. Beech, sycamore and sweet
chestnut also occur. Holly, hazel and birch can be seen below
the canopy. The ground flora is rich and varied. Heather and
bilberry dominate some areas, with common cow-wheat, wood
~vens, bluebell and wood anemone also flourishing.
There is evidence that the Sessile oak at Devichoys was once
coppiced. Coppicing is the practice of cutting trees to near
eround level every few years. Most native trees, such as the
oaks at Devichoys Wood, grow shoots again from the cut
stump. Traditionally. this self-renewing power of trees was
used to produce a new "crop" of wood poles. Management by
coppicing encourages regeneration and promotes a mixed
woodland age structure. Much of the rich flora and fauna at
Devichoys today is present as a result of the past history of
coppicing.
One of the sections of the charcoal kiln being installed at
Devichoys Wood.
Photo: Stuart Hutchings.
The Trust's long-term programme of active woodland
management for Devichoys involves thinning the spindly oak
stems to leave the best specimens. In the future, the
traditional
coppicing management will re-commence.
The management carried out at Deviehoys to date has resulted
in the production of much wood, which has been converted
into charcoal. Traditional methods and a kiln made from
recycled materials are used in the production process. The
Trust is grateful to English Nature, Carrick District Council
and private donors who have provided funds to carry out the
charcoal project at Devichoys Wood. Thanks must also go to
the volunteers, particularly lain Hysom, who have laboured
long and hard to produce the charcoal.
Victoria Scott
PS The Trust was delighted to receive the Duchy of Cornwall
Trophy - top award in the conservation section of the Royal
Cornwall Agricultural Association's 1996 Forestry
Woodlands Competition - for its work at Devichoys.
PPS A leaflet detailing 38 of the Trust's most popular reserves,
written by Angela Howard, is now available from HQ.
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