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March 2015 - Savernake Forest
Wiltshire Tree Wardens were grateful to Steve Russell of Woodland
& Countryside Management Ltd who led a training to look at
the wonderful archaeological features hidden within Savernake
forest.
We looked at WWII ammo storage areas, burial mounds, ditches,
banks, large old boundary trees, Roman roads and trench systems
etc. There were discussions on how best to protect these features
when working within a wooded area with historical interest. Steve
spoke about the importance of using maps to identify features
within the woods, including OS maps, aerial photography and Lidar,
a detection system working on the principle of radar, but using
light from a laser. This helps to create an accurate picture of
what is on the ground such as depressions, mounds, trenches etc
and it can also provide heights of vegetation - all very useful
tools for looking into archaeology.
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November 2014 - Wilton House Garden
The Garden was opened specially for a Winter Tree Indentification
by kind permission of Lord Pembroke and the Wilton Estate. Steve
Russell of Woodland & Countryside Management led the training
on a cold wet morning ably assisted by Rich Murphy and Jim Mulholland,
the Council Tree Officers. The group of 25 enthusiasts looked
at mainly native trees and some others which could be confused
with them identifying them by their shape, branches, bark, buds,
smell and feel. It was a wonderful opportunity to have all this
expertise available to us and we also had three people who worked
on the estate for many years who filled us in on the history of
some of the plantings. It was a really memorable morning which
we hope we may be able to repeat again before too long. |
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May 2014 - Corsham
Another OPAL Tree Survey took place in the north of the county on the Corsham Estate led by Tree and Woodland Officers Rich Murphy and Jim Mullholland. Wiltshire Tree Wardens, families and tree
enthusiasts from the Corsham area took part in the survey activities
which have specifically been designed for people of all ages and
abilities to start exploring and recording local nature. Whilst
learning about local trees and gathering lots of interesting information,
people can also contribute their findings to a national research
programme investigating the condition of the nation's trees and
the factors affecting them. To find out how to take part look
at what you can do. |
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2 November 2013 - Oakfrith Wood
Steve Russell, Managing Director of Woodland
& Countryside Management and Oakfrith Woodland advisor and Trustee, led a workshop in Oakfrith Wood. The morning event provided the volunteers with an opportunity to look at the management of
the wood and to work with, talk to and learn from volunteers who
have been working in Oakfrith Wood for many years. There were
plenty of opportunities for discussion on various tree related
issues including historic and recently planted woodland, the importance
of woods, woodland management, ecology, historic features and
the importance of community engagement. This was then followed
by a practical session on hazel coppicing. After a good morning's
discussion and work, the BBQ was enjoyed by all under the cover
of the green woodworking area. |
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7/8 August 2013 - Opal Tree Survey
Wiltshire Tree Wardens, friends and Natural
England volunteers were given guidance on how to take part in
the OPAL Tree Health survey. There is concern about our native
trees particularly Oak, Ash and Horse Chestnut. The aim of the
survey is to ask volunteers to keep a look out for pests and diseases
and record them so that action can be taken to protect our trees.
In particular there are six pests and diseases that could pose
a serious threat to our trees if they become established in the
UK. Two evening sessions were run, one in the north and one in
the south of the county led by Countryside Officer Vicky Roscoe
and Tree Officer Rich Murphy in collaboration with OPAL. To find
out how to take part look at what
you can do. |
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2 March 2013 - Pruning Fruit Trees
Pruning Fruit Trees with Richard Cripps near Rowde,
Devizes - a full day training including some practical experience
using very sharp tools on the trees at Self Unlimited! |
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2 February 2013 - Tree Identification
Winter tree identification in the grounds of
Lackham College with Vicky Roscoe and Rich Murphy from the Rights
of Way & Countryside Service - a practical outdoor workshop
focusing on identifying the main features of a tree such as the
shape and form, bark colour and texture, shoot and twig colour
and the bud arrangement. Being able to identify trees in winter
is difficult because the majority of tree species native or naturalised
in Wiltshire's countryside are deciduous, shedding their leaves
during the trees' dormant period.
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24 October 2012 - Stourhead
A walk
round Stourhead with Alan Power, the Estate Manager, organised by
Shane Verrion, the Salisbury Tree Officer |
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22 August 2012 - Tree Identification
Rich Murphy with Steve Russell at the Tree Identification event at Urchfont |
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June 2012 - Formative Pruning
Vicky and Rich Murphy with Tree Wardens at the Formative Pruning Session on Harnham Slope, Salisbury |
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March 2012 - Urchfont
Jon Stokes of the Tree Council with Tree Wardens at Urchfont. |
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2010 - Longleat
Ted Green at Longleat, |
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April 2009
Jill Butler and Ted Green at a training event for Wiltshire Tree Wardens, in Savernake Forest. |
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February 2009
Launch of Wiltshire Tree Wardens at Lackham. |
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