After a below average rainfall last year the rain returned with a vengeance to fill the ponds and turn unmade tracks to mud. The damp triggered a late flurry of fungi. The numbers using the wood increased, partly due to works in Penn Wood that have created deep ruts on the paths. At this time of year, our hardened paths attract visitors from other areas where paths have been reduced to mud.

Annual tree inspections identified hazards and remedial works were undertaken to make safe in December. It is difficult to predict unsafe trees as the problem may not be visible. Wherever possible trees are left as standing stumps to provide a habitat and wood users are reminded that felled wood is not to be removed.

Workparties in November cut back vegetation on paths. In December and January an area of Laurel was cut back and many tree guards were removed. We were pleased to welcome new faces. We only ask for a couple of hours at a time and it is amazing how much can be achieved. The next ones are Feb 4th and 5th, March 3rd and 4th.

If you have any woodland or conservation skills, particularly tree surgeons who might give us a couple of hours occaionally, please contact me on chair@pennandtylersgreen.org.uk

Litter and poo bags remain a problem. There is a persistent offender who leaves poo bags and steps are being taken to identify the culprit. We are lucky that some people help by removing rubbish but it would be better if we can get people not to leave it in the first place

Two youths often ride a quad bike and a trail bike across the wood from Tylers Green to a field on the A404. Motors are not allowed in the wood and they travel on the public roads illegally. The police have been informed. The quadbike is black with green markings. If you see it please call the police.

I had a report that a black squirrel was seen along Penn House Way in the Douglas Firs. I have not seen it but did glimpse a Woodcock flying in the same area. If you have interesting sightings please tell us and if you have photos, so much the better.

This article was written by Mike Morley and first appeared in the February/March 2012 edition of Village Voice (issue 148). To see it in its original format please select the relevant edition from the Village Voice pages of this website.