The strength and energy of 16-21 year old men can be invaluable when considering the labour involved in the management of our woodland. Half a day coppicing at the RSPB plantation, in fact it was 1.5 hours as we struggled to get going, followed by heavy rain which cut the day short, witnessed tumbling overgrown hazel and the development of a dead hedge, achieved by lads with 21" bowsaws. Ten level 1 students were given woodland management guidance by four level II students, overseen by Rangers and College staff to provide means and method allowing important interaction between young men and the land. The most important factor in all this is that these young men have a strength and vitality, whose recognition is long lost; some thrived, some were enthusiastic, some asked questions, some just got on with it, some messed about, one worked with his arm in a sling and barked orders when the College tutor was 'talked over' and all went away hungry and wet. Their achievem...
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The RSPB woodland at Cannon Hill Park was planted in 1989 to mark the centenary of the RSPB and the City of Birmingham Further site details can be found in the Cannon Hill Park site conservation plan from 2008 Two trees within the woodland plantation predate the 1989 plantings, these being a 150+ year Oak and a 100 year old Sycamore, other than these all trees were either planted in 1989 or have developed from self sets since that date. According to a report from 2008 the area is said to be approximately 5 acres. Canopy species includes stands of - • Oak 10% • Hazel 10% • Ash 25% • Scots Pine 10% • Silver Birch 25% Other significant canopy cover consists of - • Aspen 5% • Alder <5% • Cherry <5% • Hornbeam Other species include - • Lime • Prunus spp. (Blackthorn, Plum) <5% • Willow spp • Wayfaring Tree • Yew • Larch • Sycamore • Spindle • Rowan • Apple Re-growth and self set species include ...