Ramblings from Finemere Wood

"we return to work on the drovers’ track for the final work party of the year, our favourite place."

Christmas is upon us again, and what a year it has been in Finemere Wood. The woodland workers have continued to show up, come rain or shine.

Despite being put out of action at the beginning of the year for several months, much habitat management has been accomplished, and the wildlife in our wood will greatly benefit from this.

I like to treat my volunteers at Christmas, and so we return to work on the drovers’ track for the final work party of the year, our favourite place.

Excitement bubbles as we prepare for the day. This is a project we have worked on since the group started eight years ago and there is a strong sense of ownership amongst the team.

Volunteer clearing woodland — Volunteers clearing the old drovers' track at Finemere Wood. Photo by Charlotte Karmali

This ancient track is centuries old, used by drovers who brought their animals through the Royal Bernwood Forest to graze in the meadow in the heart of the wood.

For many years the track was hidden, tall trees and tangled shrubs keeping its secrets concealed. Having revealed a section of this historic, entrancing walkway some years ago, the volunteers are now working on the final section leading to the medieval grazing meadow.

There are fun trees to cut down, tall slender silver birch, that fall where planned with one clean felling cut and a satisfying thud. There are trees to cut down that are less fun, thorny clusters of blackthorn, their limbs entwined around one another; these must be tackled section by section. And there are giant conifer trees that are left for the chainsaw gang to enjoy. Something for everyone.

Four people sitting in chairs outside eating — The volunteers enjoy their Finemere-style Christmas lunch! Photo by Charlotte Karmali

Lunch is a Christmas special of jacket potatoes, cooked in the heart of a bonfire. So delicious they taste, outside in our special place. Baked Christmas goodies and cheerful banter are shared. The perfect celebration of another year of hard work and great achievement.

And on that note, I would like to say big a “thank you” to the Finemere Team. You are an awesome bunch, and my days out with you in that gem of Finemere Wood are always happy and fun. The stresses of life and the outside world melt away whilst I am there with you. Merry Christmas, you lovely lot.