Visit to Golden Wood & New Photos of Snail Wood

A couple of weeks ago a few members of the steering group and some 'other' members of HFL went along to the Green Light Trust's very own community woodland at Lawshall, near Bury St. Edmunds.

The wood has only been in existance for 12 years and I think we were all surprised by how mature it is. I was quite worried that it would take an age before anyone would see the benefits of ours, but having seen Golden Wood I'm even more excited by the prospects of Snail Wood and I'd like to thank Ric and Nigel for asking us over.

I've just finished uploading the latest pics of Snail Wood, we're showing the wood in 3 month intervals, so June's pics are now up in the Gallery section. I was amazed at the difference in the wood since I was last over there. The undergrowth, which was quite sparse is now huge. This is one of the great things about the whole project, getting to see nature in action and actually noticing the changing of the seasons rather than just changes in the weather.

Anyway, the photo's are now up and I've just remembered the Italy v Germany game is on tonight, so I'm off for a beer and hopefully an eciting second half. Cheerio, Tom

Self Assembly

Last Wednesday is a day that will remain etched in my memory for many years! Sam, Mandy, Emma and I (Phil Driver, representing Snail Wood), together with Ric Edelmann (Green Light Trust http://www.greenlighttrust.org/) held an assembly at Fordham Primary School to launch the Snail Wood project and plant a celebratory tree.

Ric & I talked to the children about the Green Light Trust, the importance of woodlands, and the plans for Snail Wood. Ric really engaged the pupils with the 'riddle of Ssergorp & Erutan' (can you crack it?) and the history and role of GLT. Much to our embarrassment and the amusement of everyone else, Ric unexpectedly involved Sam and I in a rap with him about caring for the environment. We also launched a logo competition asking the children to draw an official Snail Wood logo - closing date is 12 July and a winner will be presented at the school with a prize in 2 weeks time - so watch this space!

After the assembly a Rowan tree was planted in the school grounds as a symbol of the partnership between Fordham Primary and the Snail Wood project.

The children placed their wishes for the future, written on leaf shaped pieces of paper, beneath the tree. The tree was planted with help from pupils, the Head Teacher Mr. Bullock and Rose Miller (school science coordinator)

This is the first step towards a great partnership between Snail Wood and Fordham Primary and we look forward to many years of planting by the local community.

All-in-all it was a great occasion and having spent a lot of time over the last few years presenting my work to international audiences i feel qualified to say that two hundred 4-11 year-olds are a pretty intimidating crowd!


Picture (L to R, Back: Ric Edelmann, Phil Driver; Front: Rose Miller, Mr. Bullock, Sam Mayoss, Rowan Tree, Mandy O'Donnell and Emma Sutherland)