Monks Wood Celebration
Conservationists, nature lovers and nurserymen are preparing to celebrate the growing success of an exciting woodland project.
Friday, May 27 will see the Grand Opening of Monks Wood - more than 14 hectares of new native woodland, which is being created by Nettleham Woodland Trust (NWT) for the enjoyment of everyone from families to ramblers and birdwatchers and, of course, to encourage and protect wildlife.
Monks Wood, which is fast becoming a major community resource, is part of the Ashing Lane Nature Reserve, which is owned by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, and which can be found about one mile east of the A46 at Dunholme.
As well as being a leisure area for families, Monks Wood is providing education and inspiration for University students, school and pre-school parties, scouts and guides. But ultimately, the aim is that it will become a much-loved destination for anyone keen to get closer to the natural world.
Monks Wood is made up of three areas, the South Wood (eight hectares), Middle Wood (two hectares) and North Wood (4.8 hectares), along with 1.5 kilometres of woodland walks, more commonly known as "rides."
A pond and wetland area complements this new native woodland habitat, providing food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife.
A magnificent wooden "arched" entrance, designed by local young people as part of the "Young Persons" Design Challenge, fronts the South section, welcoming visitors to an area which includes a memorial garden and picnic tables. A wooden bridge, also part of the "Challenge", links the middle and north woods.
Since the start of 2009, local young people and families have planted 18,000 native trees and shrubs -supplied by the Snitterby-based British Hardwood Tree Nursery - which continues to maintain these plantings. NWT secretary Susie Mendel and Woodland Adviser Rod Newborough said the progress being made at Monks Wood is well worth celebrating.
"The official opening will start at 1.30pm and it will be attended by Joy Monk, whose husband Dennis was the late director of the Lincoln branch of WREN, (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd), her family and representatives of WREN and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust," said Mrs Mendel.
"Nettleham Woodland Trust has a 125-year lease on Monks Wood, which has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to continue doing more planting in the future and people can also get involved by perhaps sponsoring a bench seat, or planting a memorial tree, among other things."
"The Grand Opening will feature lots of fun activities, including a Teddy Bears' Picnic for younger children and their parents, attractions for local guide and scout groups, a treasure hunt, games and orienteering."
Rod Newborough said: "Monks Wood has been planted and is being maintained thanks to a Forestry Commission grant. All the planting was done by volunteers and we had family planting days.
"Trees and shrubs here include native species such as Oak, Ash, Silver Birch, Small leaved Lime, Alder, Field Maple, Wild Cherry, Hazel, Guelder Rose and others.
"The impressive wooden entrance to Monks Wood is based on a design by schoolchildren and local guides and scouts, who were inspired by the nave in Lincoln Cathedral."
British Hardwood Tree Nursery managing director Andrew Henderson said: "We supply trees and shrubs to customers all around the UK, including landowners, sports grounds, highway projects and even the Royal Parks, but we get particular satisfaction out of helping with projects in our home county.
"The trees and shrubs chosen for Monks Wood were selected primarily for their amenity value but they will also provide an increasingly rich habitat for wildlife, birds and insects as the woodland matures over the years.
"Larger species such as Oak and Ash have been concentrated towards the centre of the woodland blocks and medium-sized ornamentals - such as Wild Cherry and Rowan closer to the edges - with the shrub allocation towards the woodland and ride edges," said Mr Henderson.
"Working with Nettleham Woodland Trust, since the project's inception, has been a pleasure. It is a shining example for anyone considering a planting scheme, of how a woodland should be planned, planted and, most importantly, maintained."
