Woodland Heritage Field Weekend 2011 – Update

Last Updated on Friday, 12 August 2011 08:40 Friday, 13 August 2010 08:53

Due to the current situation in Wales in respect of the devastating Phytophthora diseases, which are affecting many woodlands in that part of the country, we have decided that it would be prudent and responsible to postpone our visit to Wales to another year.

We realise that many of our members may be disappointed with the change of venue, but please rest assured that the decision has been made because we need to be sensitive to how the disease is spread. We would obviously not wish to exacerbate the problem.

Day One ~ Will be spent at a private estate at Honingham, Norfolk - a profitable family run woodland operation of some 300 acres with fabulous Sycamore, Chestnut, Walnut and Christmas trees.

Day Two ~ Sotterley Estate, Beccles – another excellent forestry estate with parkland and ancient trees. Dr Tom Williamson will talk about this historic landscape and it is hoped that Sven de Vriess an Oak provenance expert will also attend. We will also visit a sawmill on the estate, as well as other interesting aspects.

Day Three (morning) ~ Weasenham Estate’s “New Wood”, the site of our very first Field Weekend. Our host will be Toby Coke, the son of our former Patron. “New Wood” has been in existence since 1890 and is considered by many to be Britain’s’ finest mixed, uneven aged woodland. Famous for its collection of rare trees and shrubs, enriched by the stunning colours of Azaleas and Rhododendron, which should be in full bloom at the time of our visit. You will also see some huge trees up to 160 ft in height in an amazing microclimate. The day will finish at 2.00pm.

Further details and information will be published in our 2011 Journal and on our website