Silently does it
On a Saturday in February the CMS and Three Rivers District Council held an open day in Carpenters Wood in Chorleywood. Local people flocked to see Silent, a Clydesdale horse working in the Wood.
Silent has been helping to clear logs from thinning work that had been done on a conifer plantation in part of the woodland. He has been working in the wood over the past few weeks.
Darren Monk, Trees and Woodlands Officer at Three Rivers District Council said:
“We wanted to make the work as environmentally friendly as possible and to promote the traditional ways of managing woodlands. The use of horses minimises the damage to the woodland floor and paths that machinery would cause. In addition, Silent is able to get to places that a tractor would not be able to reach.”
The CMS also had an exhibition outlining the proposals for the future management of the woodland. As a result of the open day the CMS and TRDC are hoping to set up a Friends of Carpenters Wood as there is so much local feeling for the woods.
The Friends of Carpenters Wood will work in partnership with TRDC and others to help make decisions about the wood and shape its future. There was some interest in holding practical tasks and undertaking some of the management work themselves.
Isabel Crozier, Assistant Manager at Countryside Management Service said:
“Local people can really make a difference to a greenspace when they form a Friends Group. They can apply for grants and implement some of the aspects of the management plan themselves. It’s also an opportunity for people to meet other local people and learn new skills.”
If you are interested in joining the Friends of Carpenters Wood or commenting on the draft management plan for the wood please contact Isabel Crozier on 01727 848168 or email isabel.crozier@hertscc.gov.uk.
