Although we did not fully complete the cutting of the coppice in Cant B (West of the kissing gate), we did enjoy a very successful season this year. No Sundays were lost to the weather, despite working in near blizzard conditions on one occasion. We worked in three separate areas. The first was a tricky piece of woodland on the Northern boundary. This area falls steeply away to the boundary stream, with large trees overhanging the adjoining gardens of our neighbors. Extreme care was required to prevent damage or injury, and consequently this small area took a long time to clear.

Our main efforts after the Christmas break were in the area adjoining the football field (Cant B). This area has been previously cut by the Woodlanders, and has been in rotation for many years, and consequently the product is of a high quality. The last area worked this season was a piece of neglected coppice in the far Southwest comer of our wood. Geraldine Frewster and her Volunteer Rangers have managed to clear a sizeable opening in this area.

We were fortunate in the level of support we received this season. Our usual band of hardened volunteers turned up on a regular basis, with one or two new faces to swell the ranks. As always the 2nd. Dumngton Sea Scouts helped us cut large swathes of coppice, and to fill the kilns for a charcoal bum; they also did a sterling job of clearing the ditches in the Southern end of the wood. A group of conservation volunteers from Sussex University, known as TTie Dirty Weekenders, joined us on 27th. February, and made a considerable impact on the amount of work we were able to accomplish this year.

No matter what measurement you use there are indications of a
successful year. We had more volunteers working in the wood this year than last and in particular a larger number of young people. This year we totaled 141 adult workdays, compared to 132 last year, and we attracted 42 young people (days) compared to 34 in the previous season. All that remains for me is to thank all of those who made a contribution, and to remind everyone that the first cut this year will be on 30th. October - so put the date in your diary now!

- by Malcolm Knight