HERTS WOODLAND FORUM
SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON WOODLAND MANAGEMENT
This directory is available at www.greatgroves.co.uk and will in due course be repeated on the Hertfordshire County Council website.
Last update 08-12-2002
INTRODUCTION
This directory is intended for those who own, or are interested in, woodlands to guide them to the various sources of information that exist in or around Hertfordshire. It has been produced and updated through the Herts Woodland Forum with the help of the Countryside Management Service. (CMS)
The addresses of all the organisations mentioned can be found at the end of this directory.
CONTENTS
Limited free advice
Advice from consultants
NGOs promoting woodland management
Training courses
Literature
· Libraries
· Bookshops and publishers
· Magazines
· Recommended reading
Goods and services
Woodlands to visit
Information on specific topics
Addresses of organisations mentioned
LIMITED FREE ADVICE
Forestry Commission, East England Conservancy
The FC regulates woodland work on behalf of the Government through a system of grants and felling licences. The Woodland Officer who covers Hertfordshire can provide advice on the administrative requirements for management and guide the owner through the process of application for grants.
Countryside Management Service (CMS)
This is a good first point of contact for landowners thinking of undertaking woodland management. A site visit is usually available with free and impartial advice on what to do next, if you wish to proceed.
District and Borough Councils
They have responsibility for tree work in Conservation Areas and sites covered by Tree Preservation Orders. These designations will affect any management work within a woodland. For addresses, see under "District and Borough Councils"
The ten Districts and Boroughs are:
North Hertfordshire DC
Dacorum BC Stevenage BC
Watford C City & D of St Albans Welwyn Hatfield DC
Three Rivers DC Hertsmere BC East Hertfordshire DC
Broxbourne BC
County Woodland Officer (Hertforshire County Council)
Mr Ian Gibbon at Environment Department
Chiltern Woodlands Project
This registered charity offers advice and help to the owners of small woodlands within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (Dacorum BC and Three Rivers DC) It publishes a newsletter, "News of the Woods" and several other publications as well as organising training and events.
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT)
Hertfordshire Wildlife Sites Project
Wildlife sites are the most important places for wildlife, identified by locally-developed criteria. Over 1,900 wildlife sites have been selected across Hertfordshire. The aim of this project is to protect, maintain and enhance the existing wildlife resource in Hertfordshire outside statutory sites. The project is co-ordinated by the HMWT in partnership with a number of organisations.
Free management advice is available to wildlife site owners from the partners. Contact Heather Sohl, Wildlife Sites Officer, HMWT, for further information. Address at end.
Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group
It offers advice on all aspects of wildlife conservation on farms and on sustainable farming. A free half-day visit and report are offered to all farmers and landowners, with follow-up advice and help with grant applications.
ADVICE FROM CONSULTANTS
A list of members of the Institute of Chartered Foresters will indicate local firms. They offer a wide range of services, including advice, arranging grants and licences, carrying out management work and negotiating land purchase.
See also the "Chiltern Wood Directory" published by the Chiltern Woodlands Project and "Tree Sourcebook 2002" by
Treesource.
NGOs PROMOTING WOODLAND MANAGEMENT
Forestry and Timber Association
This is the new body formed by the amalgamation of the Association of Professional Foresters (APF) and the Timber Growers Association (TGA). It covers the whole forest industry, including small woodland owners who are well catered for.
Small Woods Association
The SWA promotes the management of small woodlands, which in South-east England are often undermanaged. It produces a quarterly magazine, Smallwoods, and runs training courses and seminars. Members receive a useful information pack. Free information on woodland management can be given to those who contact the organisation. The SWA aims to bring together everyone with an interest in small woods.
Royal Forestry Society
The RFS aims to spread knowledge about trees, woodlands and forestry, and encourage the multi-purpose sustainable management of woodland. It publishes a quarterly journal, organises visits and events, runs demonstration sites, lobbies and advises, and maintains an extensive library and slide collection.
Continuous Cover Forestry Group
The CCFG runs courses and visits to encourage the various alternatives to clear felling.
Herts Woodland Forum
This is a forum where woodland and countryside organisations, woodland owners, interested individuals and local authorities can exchange ideas in order to (1) promote the County's Biodiversity Action Plan and Woodland Strategy, (2) explain woodland management to the public, and (3) provide advice and support training to this end.
The Forum has worked closely with the Countryside Management Service to produce this directory.
Anglia Woodland Project
This involves the six counties of the Eastern Region of England through their County Woodland Officers. It promotes good woodland management for quality timber production, biodiversity and the regeneration of the countryside. It will put woodland owners in touch with agents, contractors and potential customers.
Anglia Woodnet
The main aim of this woodland business agency is to bring into contact all parts of the forest industry with emphasis on marketing and exploring sources of funding.
St Albans Community Forest Association
It was formed in 1992 to support the creation of the Watling Chase Community Forest. It campaigns for the protection and enhancement of the Green Belt surrounding St Albans; it carries out conservation work and lays on lectures and visits.
Watling Chase Community Forest
This covers an area bounded by St Albans, Hatfield, Barnet, and Bushey. It is managed by the Countryside Management Service.
TRAINING COURSES
The five nearest agricultural and horticultural colleges which offer courses, short and long, on countryside management and forestry skills:
Herts : Oaklands College
Middx : Capel Manor College
Essex : Writtle College
Beds : Shuttleworth College
Bucks : Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
LIBRARIES
The County Library Service (Herts CC)
Local libraries will have some books on forestry, but an extensive range can be ordered through the inter-library loan system. At the Central Resources Library at Travellers Lane, Hatfield there is a reference section with a wider selection and all the publications of the Forestry Commission which is the largest publisher in the UK of books on forestry.
Technical Library at County Hall
Based in the Environment Department, this library has a more extensive collection. While intended for staff use, arrangements can be made for the public to borrow or read as reference. It has most of the books listed under "Recommended Reading" below.
Royal Forestry Society at Tring
The reference library is available to the public during normal office hours; please give a couple of days' notice. Members may also borrow books.
BOOKSHOPS AND PUBLISHERS
There are a small number of shops specialising in forestry :
· Stobart Davies Ltd, Hertford : forestry, woodscience, woodworking
· Treesource, near York : forestry
· The Tree Bookshop, Summerfield Books, Brough, Cumbria :
Botany, natural history, forestry
· Forestry Commission Publications, Wetherby (mail order)
The FC is the leading UK publisher of forestry.
· The Stationery Office Bookshop, London WC2
The UK government's publishing house and retailer. It stocks
FC titles.
· BTCV Publications & Merchandise (mail order) : practical manuals.
MAGAZINES
· Forestry & British Timber Monthly a trade journal
· Forestry and Timber News Quarterly
· Quarterly Journal of Forestry by the Royal Forestry Society
· Smallwoods Quarterly by the Small Woods Association
· Tree News Twice yearly by the Tree Council
· Continuous Cover Forestry Group Newsletter Twice yearly
RECOMMENDED READING
History and Archaeology
· Trees and Woodlands in the British Landscape, Rackham, Phoenix Giant, 1996, 1-85799-455-8, out of print
· Natural Woodland, Peterken, Cambridge UP, 1996, 0-521-36792-1
· History in Chiltern Woods, A Guide to the Identification and Management of Woodland Archaeological Features, Morris, The Chiltern Woodlands Project, 1999, 0-9535773-0-9
Textbooks
· Caring for Small Woods, Broad, Earthscan, 1998, 1-85383-454-8
· Silviculture of Broadleaved Woodland, Evans, HMSO, (FC Bulletin 62) 1984, 0-11-710154-0
· Woodland Conservation and Management, Peterken, Chapman & Hall, 1993, 0-412-55730-4
· Woodlands, Brooks, BTCV, 1980, 0-9501643-7-2
· Introducing Farm Woodlands, Johnston et al, HMSO (FC) 1988, 0-85538-353-4
· Establishing Farm Woodlands, Williamson, HMSO (FC Handbook 8) 1992, 0-11-710309-8
· Forestry Practice, Hibberd (Ed), HMSO (FC Bulletin 6) 1991, 0-11-710281-4
Botany : Tree Species
· Broadleaves, Edlin & Mitchell, HMSO (FC Booklet 20), 2nd, 1985, 0-11-710039-0, out of print
· A Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe, Mitchell, Collins, 1978, 0-00-219213-6
Tree Pathology
· Tree Doctor CD-Rom, with Handbook, Forestry Commission
Woodland Crafts
· Traditional Woodland Crafts, Tabor, Batsford, 1994, 0-7134-7500-5
· Living Wood, Abbott, Living Wood Books, 2002, 0-9542345-0-2
Policy and Law
· The UK Forest Standard, HMSO (FC), 1998, no ISBN
· Hertfordshire's Woodland Strategy, CMS/Environment Dept., 1997, no ISBN
· Tree Felling : Getting Permission, HMSO (FC), 1997, no ISBN
Case Studies
· A Wood of Our Own, Evans, Oxford UP, 1995, 0-19-854950-4
· What Happened to Our Wood, Evans, Patula Books, 2002,
09541947-0-5
· The Woodland Way, Law, Permanent Publications,
0-1-85623-009-0
Directory
· Tree Sourcebook 2002, Ryan(Ed), Treesource, 2002, 0-9543594-0-2
(Our thanks are due to Methven's Booksellers, Hertford, for providing current information on the titles above.)
GOODS AND SERVICES
Local Directories
· The Chiltern Wood Directory, Chiltern Woodlands Project
· Services Directory, Oxfordshire Woodland Project
· Green Pages - East Herts Environmental Directory, East Hertfordshire District Council
National Directories
· Forestry Contracting Association Directory 2002. There are six entries for Hertfordshire.
· Tree Sourcebook 2002, Ed J Ryan, Treesource. A very useful document.
· (the latest) Official Catalogue to the APF International Forest Machinery Exhibition. See 11 lines below.
Market Place for Buyers and Sellers
Eco-lots (formerly Woodlots and Eco-Ads) is at www.ecolots.co.uk (updated fortnightly) and is also in a bi-monthly paper version.
It contains for-sale and wanted adverts for forestry and ecology, as well as forthcoming events.
Trade Fairs
APF International Forest Machinery Exhibition.
Held in late September in alternate years, i.e., 2002, 2004, 2006, etc at different locations in the UK.
South West Woodlands Show
Held in September annually at Exeter Racecourse.
Weald Wood Fair
Held in September annually at Bentley Motor Museum, between Lewes and Uckfield, Sussex. Map Ref. TQ 485 160
Chiltern Wood Festival
Held annually at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Peter on the Bucks-Herts border.
Woods at Work
A one-day event held in Wendover Woods (Forestry Commission) to show woodland equipment and crafts. It is organised by the Chiltern Woodlands Project.
WOODLANDS TO VISIT
Countryside Management Service
Booklet : A Guide to Hertfordshire's Working Woodlands, written for woodland managers.
Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust manages a number of sites around Hertfordshire containing a broad range of habitats. These include the ancient semi-natural hornbeam woodlands in part of the Broxbourne National Nature Reserve, the chalk grasslands of Tring Park and the community woodlands of Merry Hill in Bushey. All these sites are freely available to explore on foot and more details can be found on these and other sites at the online directory at www.woodland-trust.org.uk
National Trust
Ashridge Park
Hatfield Forest (Essex)
Corporation of London
Burnham Beeches (Bucks) Map Ref. SU 956 850
Epping Forest (Essex) Map Ref. TQ 412 982
Forestry Commission
The FC has a policy of free public access to its woods wherever possible. The following woodlands are recommended:
· Balls Wood, Hertford Heath, Map Ref. TL 348 104
· Bramfield Woods, Tewin, Map Ref. TL 282 166
· (Bramfield) Park Wood, Tewin, Map Ref. TL 285 154
· Harmergreen Wood, (Old) Welwyn, Map Ref. TL 246 171
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust
See under "Limited Free Advice" above.
Royal Forestry Society
Forestry and Timber Association
These two organisations lay on visits to woodlands where the owners explain their management to members. An excellent kind of learning experience.
Access land
The Ordnance Survey's latest editions of the Landranger 1:50,000 and Explorer 1:25,000 maps show public access land edged in purple.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Far from Hertfordshire, but one of the most interesting arboreta in England.
INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC TOPICS
Biodiversity and Wildlife
· British Naturalist Association
· Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group
See under "Limited Free Advice"
· Hertfordshire Biological Records Office
· Hertfordshire Natural History Society
· Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT)
Hertfordshire Wildlife Sites Project: see under "Limited Free Advice".
Birds
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
British Trust for Ornithology
Plant Diseases
Forestry Commission, Forest Research Station at Alice Holt
Grey Squirrel Control
The grey squirrel is probably the greatest danger of all to woodland in South-east England. Current best practice is contained in the FC's Practice Note, "Controlling Grey Squirrel Damage to Woodlands". Research continues for better control. Contact : Brenda Mayle at Forestry Commission, Forest Research Station, Alice Holt.
Deer Management
· British Deer Society
· The Deer Initiative
· A deer management group is to be formed in North-east Hertfordshire. Contact : Peter Dewey, Forestry Commission, Wingrave Area Office.
Woodland Archaeology
· Archaeological Unit, Hertfordshire County Council
· Chiltern Woodlands Project
It publishes a "History in Chiltern Woods". See Recommended Reading, History and Archaeology.
Insurance of Woodlands
· NFU Mutual, office at Ware
· There are eight entries for specialist insurance brokers in the national directory "Tree Sourcebook 2002".
Land Agents for buying and selling woodland
· John Clegg & Co
· National firms who handle large properties
Farm Woodlands
· National Farmers Union (NFU)
· Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)
Health and Safety
The Health & Safety Executive produces a number of free leaflets on forest operations, as well as priced books.
ADDRESSES OF ORGANISATIONS MENTIONED
APF International Forest Machinery Exhibition, 01737 245081, www.apfexhi.org
Anglia Woodland Project, Gerry Barnes, Dept of Planning & Transportation, Norfolk CC, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH, 01603 222764, gerry.barnes.pt@norfolk.gov.uk
Anglia Woodnet, Flempton Hall, Flempton, Bury StEdmunds, IP28 6EG, 01284 728453, enquiries@woodnet.uk.com, www.woodnet.uk.com
British Deer Society, Fordingbridge, Hants SP6 1EF, 01425 655434, www.bds.org
British Naturalist Association, Herts Branch : Mrs Chris James,
56 Back Street, Ashwell, Baldock, SG7 5PE, 01462 742684,
chrisjames56@btinternet.com.uk
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, 36 St Mary's Street, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 0EU, 01344 404429, www.btcv.org.uk
British Trust for Ornithology, Thetford, IP24 2BR, www.bto.org.uk
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2JZ, 01494 522141
Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middx, EN1 4RQ, 01992 716128 & 0208 366 4442, www.capelarb.fsnet.co
Central Resources Library (HCC), New Barnfield, Travellers Lane, Hatfield, Herts, 01707 281527
Chiltern Wood Festival, The Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, Map Ref. TQ 007 936, 01494 871117, & 01494 872163 (24hrs), www.coam.org.uk
Chiltern Woodlands Project, 8 Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 9DT, 01844 271315, www.chilternsaonb.org
Clegg (John) & Co, Southern Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2ED, 01844 215800
Corporation of London, Burnham Beeches, OS Map Ref. SU 953 850, 01753 647358
Corporation of London, Epping Forest Information Centre, Nursery Lane, Loughton, Essex IG10 4RW, 0208 508 0028
Continuous Cover Forestry Group, Treasurer and Membership Secretary, Bellever, May Road, Turvey, Beds, MK43 8DT, 01234 881443
Countryside Management Service (HCC), Environment Department, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8DN, 01992 555256
County Woodland Officer (HCC), address as for Countryside Management Service above, 01992 555254
The Deer Initiative, Peter Watson, Deer Liaison Officer (Central Region), Craig yr Oryn, Llwynmawr, Llangollen, LL20 7BD,
01691 718606, central@thedeerinitiative.co.uk, www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk
District and Borough Councils
· Broxbourne BC, Churchgate, Cheshunt, EN8 9XQ, 01992 785555
· Dacorum BC, Civic Centre, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1HH, 01442 228375
· East Hertfordshire DC, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8EQ, 01279 655261
· Hertsmere BC, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA, 020 8207 2277
· North Hertfordshire DC, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth, SG6 3JF, 01462 474000
· City & District of St Albans, Civic Centre, St Peter Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE, 01727 819363
· Stevenage BC, Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage, SG1 1HN, 01438 242242
· Three Rivers DC, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth, WD3 1RL, 01923 776611
· Watford BC, Waggenhall Road, Watford, WD18 0FB, 01923 235946
· Welwyn Hatfield DC, Council Offices, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AE, 01707 331212
Eco-lots, Regional Co-ordinator, Chiltern Woodlands Project, 8 Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9DT, 01844 271315, www.ecolots.co.uk
Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warks, CV8 2RX, 0247 669 6699
Herts : Cambs & Herts FWAG, DEFRA Block B, Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 2DR, 01223 455812, cambs.herts@fwag.org.uk
Forestry & British Timber, Tower House, Lathkill Street, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 9EF, 01858 438893
Forestry & Timber Association, 5 Dublin Street, Lane South, Edinburgh, EH1 3PX, 0131 538 7111
Home Counties Region, Mr D Driver, 11 Florence Road, College Town, Sandhurst, Berks, GU47 0QB
Forestry Commission, East England Conservancy, Santon Downham, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0TJ, 01842 815544
www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-sf2lgs
Forestry Commission, Publications, PO Box 25, Wetherby, LS23 7EW, 0870 121 4180
Forestry Commission, Wingrave Area Office, The Old Barn, Upper Wingbury Farm, Wingrave, Bucks, HP22 4RF, 01296 691181 (Woodland Officer for Hertfordshire)
Forestry Commission, Forest Research Station, Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH, 01420 22255
Forestry Contracting Association, South England Office : Leslie Woodhead, Southdowns Farm, Dartington, Devon, TQ9 6DU, 01803 847911, leslie@fcauk.com.uk
Green Pages - East Herts Environmental Directory, East Hertfordshire DC, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8EQ, 01279 658512 ext 411
HMSO (The Stationery Office), 119-123 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6PQ, 0207 242 6393 & 0870 600 5533, www.tso.co
Hertfordshire County Council, Central Resources Library, New Barnfield, Travellers Lane, Hatfield, 01707 281527
Hertfordshire County Council, Environment Department, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DN;
· Archaeological Unit, 01992 555245
· Countryside Management Service, 01992 555256
· County Woodland Officer, 01992 555254
· Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre, 01992 556159
· Herts Woodland Forum, 01992 555262
· Technical Library, 01992 556008
Hertfordshire Natural History Society, Mr Trevor James, 56 Back Street, Ashwell, Herts SG7 5PE, 01462 742684, trevorjjames@btinternet.com
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, Grebe House, St Michael's Street, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4SN, 01727 858901,
Heather Sohl, Wildlife Sites Officer, 01727 858901, heather.sohl@hmwt.org.uk
Institute of Chartered Foresters, 7a St Colme's Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AA, 0131 225 2705, www.charteredforesters.org
John Clegg & Co, Southern Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2ED, 01844 215800
Methven's Booksellers, 12 Bircherley Green, Hertford, SG14 1BN, 01992 535137
NFU Mutual, see line below
National Farmers Union, Church Street, Ware, Herts, SG12 9EN, 01920 469173
National Trust, 36 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9AS, 0207 222 9251, www.nationaltrust.org
Oaklands College, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JA, 01727 737000
Oxfordshire Woodland Project, Countryside Service, Fletcher's House, Park Street, Woodstock, Oxon, OX20 1SN, 01993 814140
Royal Forestry Society, 102 High Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 4AF, 01442 822028, www.rfs.org.uk
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, 01767 680551
St Albans Community Forest Association, Penny Jones, The Yeld, Birklands Lane, St Albans, AL1 1EE, 01727 823188
Shuttleworth College, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Beds, SG18 9DX, 01767 627288
Small Woods Association, The Old Bakery, Pontesbury, Shropshire, SY5 0RR, 01743 792644, www.smallwoods.org.uk
Regional organiser : Dr J B Dixon, 40 New Road, Ware, Herts, SG12 7BY, 01920 463631, joan@greatgroves.freeserve.co.uk
South West Woodland Show, 01548 810403
Stationery Office (The), 119-123 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6PQ, 0207 242 6393, 0870 600 5533, www.tso.co.uk
Stobart Davies Ltd, Priory House, Priory Street, Hertford, SG14 1RN, 01992 501518
Summerfield Books (The Tree Bookshop), Main Street, Brough, Cumbria, CA17 4AX, 01768 341577, info@summerfieldbooks.com
Tree Bookshop (The), see Summerfield Books, above
Tree Council (The), 51 Catherine Place, London, SW1E 6DY, 0207 828 9928, www.treecouncil.org.uk
Treesource, "Lyndum", Church Hill, Stillingfleet, York, YO19 6SA, 01904 720126, www.treesource.co.uk
Watling Chase Community Forest. See Countryside Management Service
Weald Wood Fair, Weald Woodnet, East Sussex County Council, 01825 840870, www.woodnet.org.uk
Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, GL8 8QS, 01666 880220,
three miles SW of Tetbury on A433 towards Bristol
Woodland Trust, Autumn Park, Dysart Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 6LL, 01476 581111, www.woodlandtrust.org, enquiries@woodland-trust.org.uk
Writtle College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR, 01245 420705 If
your organisation is mentioned in the Directory and you would like to
correct or extend an entry, please contact Mr M. Dixon wolfric@waitrose.com,
01920 463631
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