Who owns this woodland, who’s paying for it?
It’s privately owned by me, Gavin Spittlehouse. I bought the field in 2024 in order to plant a woodland. The cost of planting the woodland is funded by grants from the Forestry Commission.
I live a few miles away in Bristol. I’m here quite frequently but I have no intention of ever living here, it’s for woodland not for development.
Is this a good place to plant a woodland?
I think so. It’s an area which would benefit from more woodland, there isn’t very much in the surrounding areas.
It’s a slope of compacted clay soil where the run-off causes soil erosion and goes very rapidly into the stream at the bottom. From there into the Chew and to Keynsham and Bristol which both suffer flooding during wet periods.
The land has been used for agriculture for generations but it’s quite poor, agricultural grade 4, and it was only used for grass not for food crops.
It’s a beautiful area and a patchwork of woodland will enhance it. I checked carefully with the neighbouring landowners and residents and I planned the woodland so that it detract from views of the valley. I think the woodland will enhance the site for users of the footpath which runs through it.
Why are you planting a woodland?
Because I can! I like woodlands and I care about the climate and nature. I was lucky enough to be able to afford to buy this piece of land.
What kind of trees and shrubs are you planting?
About 40 species, of which the most dominant will be Oak, Hornbeam, Alder, Small-leaved Lime, Sweet Chestnut, Aspen, Hazel, Willow, Wild Cherry and Wild Service.
Almost all are native species but we have included are which are naturalised or non-native, such as Sweet Chestnut. Most are deciduous broadleaves, but some are not including Scots Pine and Holly.
Why do you need a deer fence?
Deer will nibble the tops of trees as they grow, preventing them from gaining height. Many smaller woodland sites use 120cm high plastic tree guards to protect the trees. At our scale it’s preferable to use a fence, saving a lot of plastic.
The fence might also protect the trees from rabbits. We started planting before the fence was up so we’ve used various 60cm rabbit guards, we might be able to do without these for future planting.
The deer fence won’t be here forever. It will probably take up to 5 years for trees to reach a height where they will no longer be vulnerable to deer. The deer fence will be removed when it’s no longer needed. The timber fence posts will probably last about 10 years before they rot through. The steel fencing will be recycled (or reused elsewhere).
The fence will not exclude badgers. Any badger runs that are evident when the fence is erected will have badger gates (a bit like cat flaps) to allow access. After that, if badgers want access they will probably just tunel under the fence, We will spot this and fit badger gates for them to use. There are no badger setts within the fenced area (at the time the fence is being erected).
Is the woodland open to the public?
It’s privately owned but there is a public footpath through the woodland which provides public access. We welcome walkers.
The deer fence includes two self-closing pedestrian gates for footpath users to enter and exit.
What if I see a deer inside the deer fence?
Please contact us urgently! The deer won’t be happy, s/he has plenty of food but no water supply, no cover and no friends. Please don’t be tempted to leave the gate open for the deer to escape, it’s more likely that other deer will go in.
How many trees and shrubs are you planting? Where are they from?
Our detailed plan is for 25,935 trees and shrubs. They will be planted over successive winters from 2024 to 2027. Any that don’t grow will be replaced the following winter.
We planted about 11,000 trees and shrubs in the first winter, with a lot of help from our friends.
Most of our trees and shrubs come from UK tree nurseries but we will grow a few from seed.
Our agreement with the Forestry Commission requires us to source our trees from providers who meet strict biosecurity standards to avoid spreading tree pests and diseases. This means that we can’t accept donations of trees.
Anything else?
We will gradually add to this website. If there’s something that you’d like to know please let us know.