Selfsufficientish.com

We've just spent a really enjoyable day with a group of like minded individuals clearing and thinning some derelict woodland. This will allow the sun to get in and revitalise the woodland floor and in turn encourage a diverse wildlife habitat. I've even managed to blag some lovely chunks of Field Maple to carve into spoons.

If you're interested in this kind of activity, look out for volunteer projects in your area:http://www.yourwoods.org.uk/

Sounds great.

Sounds great, how did you get the owner to agree?

The woodland is managed by a local woodsman on behalf of the Malvern Hills Conservators who own vast amounts of the woods and pasture on behalf of the community. Most woods around here are SSSI or AONB due to rare plants/insects/conditions and need careful management.

The wood we were clearing and coppicing was home to a butterfly that was diminishing in numbers due to the woods becoming overstood (The canopy blocking the light from the woodland floor causing loss of flowering species that they feed on).

Obviously volunteers are a cheap option for this task and there's no shortage of willing hands to help as it is so interesting.

So in effect, the owners requested help. The Woodsmen manage the woods on a daily basis in return for wood produce (Charcoal, Hazel rods, Ash Poles etc). Volunteers in turn get to enjoy the great outdoors under expert supervision and feel good about helping maintain a special environment.