November 2025 Meeting Report:

Our November speaker was Richard Cripps who gave a talk on Britain’s woodland heritage explaining the importance of diverse trees in the development and change in woodland over thousands of years, bringing with him many species for us to look at.

9000 years ago, woodland was colonised by only about 35 native species which included only 3 conifers- Yew, Juniper and Scots Pine. Invading forces over the centuries, and the isolation of Britain from continental Europe, have seen the introduction of species which have become naturalised eg Rhododendron, Sweet Chestnut ,Larch, Beech and Hornbeam being some examples. 

Woodland types are determined by the number of tree species and management of them. Climax vegetation has the largest number of woody plants, particularly the oak. Secondary woodland is cleared of regrowth and evolved in lowland situations and is regularly cut down for timber eg. Cherry which matures in 40 – 50 years, Ash 80 years and Oak 150-200 years. Farmed and urban woodland also provide timber for construction and fuel.

Overseeing these areas are The Forestry Commission and The Woodland Trust.

Woodland is not all about trees however, and smaller plants are important for wildlife and the protection of trees.  Examples Richard gave are Hops, which are supported by non-native Elm trees, Holly, Box, Ivy Dogwood and Clematis.  Clematis is also known as travellers joy, as travellers would use it as firewood when resting on their travels.

Other plants important for the protection of woodland are those which produce thorns deterring larger animals. Examples are Brambles, Hawthorn, Berberis and Blackthorn.

We were very grateful to Richard for stepping in at the last minute and very much enjoyed his presentation. 

Jacky