Work Parties

1998 - Collecting seeds

Leafield Community Woodland grew from a much simpler project aiming to involve local children in growing and planting trees around the village to mark the millenium. Rural Action funded seed collection and planting courses with John Brannan of Oxford Tree Seeds. Oak, ash, hawthorn, crab apple and wild service seeds were gathered.

1998 - Seeds sown by Leafield School children

Local forester, John Brannan, was engaged to teach the school children about raising trees from seed. He led 4 sessions; an introduction at school, collecting seeds, sowing them in pots and later, planting the young seedlings at the Community Woodland. Hilltop Garden Centre provided the materials and 140 adults and children were involved in sowing 1000 local tree seeds. As the children’s enthusiasm spread, the whole community became involved in a more ambitious plan to buy land and plant a woodland.

2000 - Planting of native trees and shrubs

Over 900 new trees and shrubs were planted by volunteers on a 1.28 acre site, purchased from Oxfordshire County Council. A glade was left open for school and village events. The first of these was a grand opening ceremony on 6th October, with an exhibition of the children’s tree project work at Leafield School.

2000 - Planting by Leafield School children

The children completed their seed sowing project with John Brannan, by planting their 100 seedling trees at the Community Woodland. Leafield School children also provided leaf designs for the noticeboard and paintings, used on fund raising cards.

2001 - Drystone walling

The Cotswold Wardens arranged a series of drystone walling sessions with John Bendall, for volunteers to rebuild a dilapidated drystone wall and enhance the entrance to the Community Woodland.

2001 - Coppicing course

David Rees and Derek McNamara led a work party to prepare the hazel trees for coppicing. The young trees were cut down to about 4 inches, so that they would sprout with lots of shoots from the base. These shoots grow into long stems which can be cut for beanpoles, use in hedge laying etc. A fence was built to protect the young shoots from damage by deer or rabbits. This was constructed with stakes and woven wands in the style used by hedge layers, to show what can be done with the products of a mature hazel coppice.

2004 - Formative pruning - pruning for timber

David Rees explained the principles of pruning for timber and then led a practical session. Ash trees were pruned, oaks left to grow and field maples will be left for wildlife.

2004 - Removing tree guards

The local Girl Guides were among many volunteers who helped to remove guards and stakes from the larger trees.

2005 - Removing tree guards

Tree guards were removed from the remaining trees, grown from seed by Leafield School children.