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Woodland Users' Questions Answered
If anyone has any questions about the woodland or our activities please ask us by e-mailing the Group contact address pwcg@martlesham.org.uk
What was the bat found near the woods?
On the 5th June 2008, the King family found an injured bat on their way home from school near the control tower. They contacted a member of the group who has experience with bats. He came and collected the injured bat who now had the nick name of "Bobby the bat". The bat intially was examined and found to have a tear in its left hand wing membrane with a small puncture midway in the left side of the upper torso (probably a cat). The bat was a common pipistrelle ( Pipistrellus pipistrellus), and after a week was well enough to fly, and left our care on the evening of the 12th June.
Why do we clear leaves from some paths?
We have over the years cleared the main paths around the wood from leaves and fallen branches, some users have asked why? Firstly, not everyone is able to move easily through the leaves without falling over and as the leaves decompose it makes it slippery under foot. Secondly, some animal owners (dog & horse) leave their animal's calling cards for people to tread in, they can be hidden amongst the leaves on the path. Lastly, it defines the path so that users do not unnecessarily leave it damaging the flora which grows there. We try to keep the paths well maintained and clear so everyone can enjoy a pleasant walk.
Is the Ivy harming the trees?
The question has arisen from a few woodland users about the Ivy growing on the trees through out the woodlands, if it has a detrimental on them. Since the Group has started, this question has been asked of many of the arboricultural officers who have visited the woodland and they all have answered in the same vein. This being "yes and no", although the Ivy has no direct effect while it is young, it can cause competition as both get larger and fight for light and water. Most of the tree damage suffered in the woodlands has been due to vandalism (note that a Tree Preservation Order is on the woodland and persons can be fined for damage to the trees or parts of), fungi, and wood boring beetles. The Ivy helps with protective cover for much wildlife so with this aim we are allowing it to grow.
What's the large fluffy bird in the north of the woods?
Strix aluco
There has been a young tawny owl in the woods with its mother. The fledgling is about 5 weeks old and was first seen on Sunday 6th May 2007. Tawny owls are nocturnal (active at night) but the mother & youngster sometimes can been seen in the pines between the revetment and the pond. You can watch them from a distance (but do not disturb them as it's illegal). In the evening you may hear the male call with a "hoot". Both adults "kewick" and the young makes a loud "churp" sound. If you have any questions please e-mail the Group (see 'Group Organisation & Contacts' page).
What strips young trees and cut down branches of bark?
When rabbits and deer are hungry they will strip young trees and cut down branches of bark as well as cropping tender tips of young trees. You may even notice the roots of more mature trees that poke above the soil being chewed. This is the reason we protect all of our newly planted trees with tree guards.
What are the piles of chippings for?
We continually try and improve the surface of paths in the Woodland. Elite Tree Services offered us a large quantity of chippings for this purpose which we gratefully accepted. However, it does take a lot of moving and the piles will be with us for a while. Tree roots were becoming exposed on the current paths and people were tripping up and complaining. To bury these roots the chippings are being laid 4 - 6 inches deep which will take time to bed down. This will probably initially cause some other complaints, but please bear with us, it will be much better soon.
What are the sandbag remains in the woodland?
During the second world war the Americans built E-shaped revetments to give aircraft some protection in case of attack. This photograph taken in 1945 from the Control Tower, shows two P51's using the revetment which is now the Control Tower car park. The next years Group project is to try and refurbish the two remaining revetments in the woodland. This may prove difficult as children love to slide down the banks, youngsters and adults see them as a BMX challenge, we have even had horses up on them and vandals seem attracted by them. However, as these are believed to be the only remaining examples left in Suffolk we feel it is a worthwhile project.
Do not forget the old paths
Several users have commented on problems pushing prams etc through the sand we are laying to improve the surfaces. Unfortunately it takes about 3-4 weeks for the sand to settle, but hopefully this picture will convince users that it is an improvement, memories are sometimes short regarding what the paths used to be like!! However, we will try and ensure the sand is more evenly spread.
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