Since September, monthly conservation activities have taken place in the woods with permission from the Localities Team at Wokingham Borough Council (WBC). This was under the supervision of experienced conservationists. Our sessions were fully insured, risk assessed, and very well attended by local residents.
In January, the WBC Planning Team advised us that before we could carry out any more work, we would need to make a formal application under the blanket Tree Protection Order (TPO) (20/1973) that covers this part of the woodland. We are currently in contact with a professional arboriculturist who has offered to assist us with this application. Unfortunately, the process is likely to be lengthy, but we are hoping to resume our monthly working parties in the autumn.
In the meantime, we are hoping to hold a session in March to remove some of the Rhododendron, which is an invasive species, and not covered under this particular TPO. This is dependent on obtaining the relevant permission from WBC.
We would like to thank everyone, who has participated in the conversation activities, for their support. We believe that community conservation activities are truly important, both for the maintenance of our beautiful woodland environment, its biodiversity, and for the promotion of enjoyment of natural green space by local people.
Note: The next Conservation Working Party due on 15th March 2020 is cancelled.