Dear Woodlanders,

I know it is a very well-used saying about time going faster as you get older but I am sure it is true, or maybe it is that as you fill your time there seems less.

The point I am making is that the last time I sat down to write to everyone was to urge you to come coppicing, remind you of the Wassail and to wish you a Happy Christmas. Now Easter is around the corner, the Wassail is a distant but happy memory, and the date for this year's is already set and coppicing may be almost finished when you read this.

The coppicing season has seen good progress made towards our targets, with a large amount cut by a dedicated band of volunteers who turn up each week, many thanks to the troops - you know who you are.

This season has to date only seen two days lost to the weather, which is worse than last season when the lost days were zero. It is quite incredible reflecting upon the fact that all the coppicing takes place between October and March that in two seasons we have lost only 2 days. This goes to show how maybe the weather patterns are changing and that the well-documented lack of water is something we ail might have to iive with.

The recent cold weather appears to be holding back the flora in the wood, compared to recent years when the last weeks of the season have seen us debating whether we might have to cut short the work in case of damaging the flowers.

Mention of the emerging flowers and all the beauty combined with the new and fresh fee! of spring leads me into a reminder about the photo competition (details later in the flyer). What a time to get out and snap that stunning shot, a warm spring morning, bird song filling the air. the first spring flowers together with those first leaves which always seem such a bright green. I am sure I must have sold you the beauty of a Sussex woodland in spring and I hope to be swamped with entries.

Spring is also a time when our thoughts turn to the gardens and all those summer flowers, fruit and veg. So when you need products, from stakes to bean sticks, why not think local, why not think about your local nature reserve and conservation charity Tottington Woodlanders (see later article re range of products) and don't forget to tell all your friends and fellow gardeners. What is the point in going organic but only to grow your runner beans up bamboo canes, which have come from the other side of the world?

With Spring having rushed by, Summer wii! be here and a very busy show season. It all kicks off with the Smai! Dote Horti Spring Sale at New Hall on May 13th, followed by a very, very busy June. So if you can help either on the day, at the event, or with transport, or perhaps you may be able to lend a hand with the unloading when we all get back from a long hard day. Do you want to have a go at making any craft items for us to sell? If you can help or want to know more please contact me on 01273 495026.

It would be so nice to see some new faces in the Summer and I can assure you that it is very enjoyable as it gives you a chance to meet interesting people, learn something new and just have fun.
I hope all the above has whet your appetite to either get out with your camera into the woodland or join us in the summer as only with your support will your local group Tottington Woodlanders carry on.

Hope to see or hear from you soon, and until the next newsletter, enjoy your wood.

- by Chris Burchell-Collins, Chairman