Page 52 - Phonebox Magazine May 2013

MayDay! MayDay!
What can we do (for free) on May Day Weekend?
Here’s an idea. The weather is thankfully starting to improve, and by early May the bluebells will be in full bloom at Hollington Wood
near Olney in North Bucks.
The wood, known locally as ‘The Bluebell Wood’, will be open to the public on Sunday May 5th, continuing a tradition established about 40 years ago. This is currently the only day of the year when people can roam at will in this wonderful ancient woodland. And it’s absolutely free!
It is spectacular at this time of year. A carpet of blue on the ground and everything bursting into life wherever you look: birds, bees, butterflies and the fresh green of
the lush new growth. It seems the wood contains nothing exceptionally rare but, sadly, such Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland in this part of the world is rare in itself. Comprising only indigenous species, the
wood is primeval. In the Domesday Book, a thousand years ago, it is recorded as ‘Batelswode’.
Over many centuries Hollington Wood
has been intensively managed by man through coppicing, producing a particularly rich ecology and species diversity. Striking evidence of this can be seen by the massive old tree stools some of which appear to be at least 400 years old. Despite the wood having been largely neglected for much of the 20th century, Philip Solt, the current owner has been gradually bringing the wood back into management and is now doing so full-time in partnership with John Nicholls.
Philip and John are starting a new business with the objective of enhancing the ecology of the wood through a wide range of
projects. The intention is to develop the
of the wood alongside economic activities, including firewood, woodland products and rustic construction. Philip and John will be on hand all day on Sunday 5th May to talk to visitors about the wood and demonstrate some woodland skills. You will also be able to visit our first family of Berkshire pigs, if they can be re-housed in the wood in time.
So come along and see for yourself the beauty of Hollington Wood at a magical time of year. Just make sure that you are prepared for muddy conditions. Refreshments will be available, including sausages cooked on a Kadai Firebowl.
And, if you need sustainably produced logs for your stoves and fire-bowls (in the hope of a barbecue summer!) you can now buy online and collect, or have them delivered locally. We can also supply you with hand
split poles and timber for construction
Aroto Design_Layout 1 15/04/2013 10:59 Page 1
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