Millennium
Copse
Many of the trees planted in November 1999 have emerged from their shelters, -
a most encouraging sight! A survey of the original planting this September showed
that more than 80% are growing healthily, some 8% having died over this last
year. The principle reason for this years losses has been voles building nests
in the bottom of the shelters and gnawing thru the bark and/or stem of a small sapling.The
bad weather and the FMD crisis in the spring of this year prevented us from
replacing the trees lost in the first year but plans are now in place for a
replanting the most affected areas later this year. |
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The pond below the railway embankment has
made a colourful display this summer, surrounded by flowering irises, buttercups and
campion.
The water level remained high until late summer when the spring feeding it dried out -
still rain is on it's way............... |
The luxuriant growth of the grass reminds
what a prolific meadow the Millennium Field used to be. Our thanks to Justin Crawford for
cutting the main pathways to make access easy for walkers. While this was
done there was a spectacular display of vole-hunting by a Kestrel, often diving in front
of Justin's tractor after his prey!
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| The Wyvern Copse Only partial planting was undertaken at the start of this
year. It is hoped that this will be completed later this year. However we have
installed a new gate and stile at the lower end of the field so that there is now a thru
pathway down the field. |
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The Trust is funded by subscriptions from members and by
maintenance grants from the Forestry Authority. Valuable technical support is also
provided by Somerset County Council, the Woodland Trust and the Somerset Wildlife Advisory
Trust. Subscription rates are:-
 Annual
Membership £2.00
OAPs and those
in full time education £0.50
Life
Membership £25.00
Corporate or
Family Membership £5.00
Anyone wishing to support the Trust should contact Wg Cmr N
Marshall 01963-440851.
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