Projects – Sirhowy Hill Woodlands

Heritage Orchard Project

Administrator — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:39:19 +0000

Started in 2016, with mostly welsh heritage trees provided by Tai Calon, the orchard has survived its first winter with only one or two losses, could we have deer in the woodland?. Some of the tree guards have had chunks bitten out of them!! Jayne Hunt came last Saturday 11th march and gave them their first light pruning, and later we hope to do some wild flower planting along the margins

Simon from BTIC ( business in the community ) visited the woodlands today 14th March to look at possible projects for their volunteering day in May, proposed brush thinning in copse opposite orchard, removal of obsolete wire fencing and mending of various stonework about the site, possible clean up of top pond and putting a bench there were subjects discussed.

Woodland and Path Work

Administrator — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:11:20 +0000

Project Overview

Woodlands have been essential to people for thousands of years. They are used for timber, fuel and shelter, and more recently for public recreation as well. We know woodlands play an important functional role in securing carbon, purifying the air we breathe and also helping prevent flooding.

Historically much of the woodland in Wales has been lost. That which remains may have suffered through both lack of management or wholesale removal of trees. In addition, the planting of and or colonisation of non-native trees may have reduced the native wildlife that woodlands can support.

Our area is now among the least wooded in the UK, which as a country is one of the least wooded in Europe. This makes our remaining ancient and young urban woodlands precious and important within the landscape.

We’re committed to maintaining and enhancing the woodlands under our management, and where appropriate restoring those woodlands.

Maintaining Walking Paths & Trails

As part of our management plan, we aim to create safe walking paths and routes for everyone to enjoy; from avid dog walkers to cyclists. It is our aim to ensure that overgrowth of trees and foliage is maintained regularly to ensure safe and clear passage through Sirhowy Hill Woodlands.

By donating to this project, you ensure that we have the required tools and resources to regularly maintain existing walk paths and to create new walking paths to enable new view points for our visitors to enjoy.

New Gate Thomas Ellis Way & Fencing

Administrator — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:57:48 +0000

Proposal

Sirhowy Hill Woodlands is in much need of a new gate and fence, to help prevent off-roading vehicles from entering our premises. The entrance to Thomas Ellis way has also been a prime spot for fly-tipping and waste dumping. By introducing a gate, it will prevent vans and other vehicles from entering the grounds to dump general waste unlawfully.

Project Update

With thanks to the local community, we were able to raise the necessary funds to install new fencing and a gate. Sirhowy Hill Woodlands would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the community, for all the donations received to fund this.

Charcoal Kiln Midi Burner

Administrator — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:10:14 +0000

Charcoal Kiln MIDI for the production of charcoal on a small scale.

Sirhowy Hill Woodlands will find a kiln of this size very useful as a means of converting small quantities of low value hardwood into valuable BBQ charcoal.

The Charcoal Kiln Midi Burner was kindly donated by The Gwent Police Crime Commissioners officer. Sirhowy Hill and Friends are very happy to be in receipt of this invaluable asset.