Dean Green Team

Wildlife Conservation Group in the

Forest of Dean

Gloucestershire

Early Spring Programme 2018

Arboretum day is on the first Thursday of the month

Tuesday

27 Feb 18

Highmeadow Woods Shortstanding

( Near Christchurch Forest Holidays Campsite)

Take the road from Christchurch past the Forest Holidays main office down the hill until a sign says Bracelands Campsite straight on. Turning right here in front of a house, sign posted Public Footpath and Symonds Yat Rock Cycle trail. Go along the track for 200 yards or so until you see a forest barrier on your right, also signed Symonds Yat Rock Cycle Trail. Go through the barrier at SO559133 and follow the forest road to the work site.

Drive very slowly and with care as this is the Symonds Yat Cycle Trail.

Coppicing and scrub clearing around a pond and Wood White butterfly site

SO567133

Tuesday

6 Mar 18

Foxes Bridge Colliery Tip/ Crumpmeadow area and settling pond

Enter the forest at the wooden five barred gate by Kensley Lodge at SO625128.Immediately follow the forest road to the right and continue along until the left turn onto the old tarmac road.

Go along the tarmac road to the parking area at SO634135 at the top of Crabtree Hill

Go through the metal barrier to the right and follow forest road across the cycle trail to the work sites and pond on the right.

Scrub/tree clearance for a range of wildlife including the rare Wood White butterfly

Work site

SO638136

Parking

SO634135

Tuesday

13 Mar 18

Gorsty/Milkwall

Meet in the Darkhill car park off the Sling – Fetter Hill road.

Coppicing and scrub clearance for butterflies and reptiles

SO588087

Tuesday

20 Mar 18

Lightmoor Colliery tip and pond

From Cinderford take the speech House road and turn into the entrance to Lightmoor/Forest Products Sawmills at SO64571257.

Clearing scrub from the disused tip. This was once a good butterfly site.Also clearing around the pond.

Leave main road atSO64571257.

Go through gate at SO64281222

Park at SO64431199

Worksite SO64501191

Tuesday

27 Mar 18

Plump Hill Autumn Gentian site and Quarry

Take the A 4136 from Cinderford towards Mitcheldean. Just after the turning for the Wilderness is a laybye on the right. Turn right here and take the track to the parking area.

Mainly scrub clearing around the level parts of the quarry to benefit butterflies.

SO660168

Tuesday

3 Apr 18

Easter week, have a break and don't eat too much chocolate!

Tuesday

10 Apr 18

Foxes Bridge Colliery Tip/ Crumpmeadow area and settling pond

Enter the forest at the wooden five barred gate by Kensley Lodge at SO625128.Immediately follow the forest road to the right and continue along until the left turn onto the old tarmac road.

Go along the tarmac road to the parking area at SO634135 at the top of Crabtree Hill

Go through the metal barrier to the right and follow forest road across the cycle trail to the work sites and pond on the right.

Repairing the fence around the pond (bring eye protection and fencing tools if you have them)and for those that prefer, the first butterfly and plant survey of the year

Work site

SO638136

Parking

SO634135

Tuesday

17 and 24 Apr 18

No more work now until next autumn.

Wildlife Surveys start in May

Tuesday

1 May 18

Greathough Brook, Piano Corner (Beaver site)

11am start

Take A4136 From Drybrook and at Brierley turn right towards the Pludds. Metal barrier is on the left.

Survey of trees and other plants and any animals of the area to monitor the area after the recent felling.

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED as we will be looking at everything from frogs to birds, butterflies and trees.

The county moth recorder will also be with us.

SO621154

11am start

All tasks are led by FC Ranger or GWT Ranger staff, start at 9.45 am and finish around 3pm

For further information please telephone FC office 03000674800 (reception - only open 9-3)

or Kate Wollen 07786 526280
Email:kate.wollen@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

or Kevin Caster on 07900 050115
Email: kevin.caster@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk

Guidelines for FC/GWT volunteers- please read and take note!

• When driving on forest roads please drive at 15mph maximum – be aware of other forest users – walkers/dogs/cyclists/horse riders etc.

• Please wear appropriate work wear e.g. gloves, work boots, old clothes, bump cap (goggles available),

• Keep safe working distances from each other – 2 tree lengths when felling and 15 metres from a strimmer.

• Never work close to or under a powerline.

• Work carefully, stay safe! Avoid lone working and report any hazards, near misses or dangerous occurrences to supervisor.

• Please see detailed risk assessments at sessions.

Please bring wellington boots if you have them, as many of the sites are rather wet.
Some of the sites are difficult to find and therefore an ordnance survey map will be useful
As a general rule, we will try to do at least some work on wet days so please bring wet weather gear

There is ALWAYS a qualified First Aider on site so don't be shy about requesting help - Even minor cuts need treating to avoid infection!

2018

(Click here to see schedule for Winter early 2018)

2017

(Click here to see schedule for Winter 2017)

(Click here to see schedule for Autumn 2017)

(Click here to see schedule for Summer 2017)

(Click here to see schedule for Spring 2017)

2016

(Click here to see schedule for Winter 2016)

(Click here to see schedule for Autumn 2016)

(Click here to see schedule for Summer 2016)