How much work does it take to manage Blackwater Carr? June blog

Some prospective buyers have expressed concern that looking after the woodlands might be challenging ir too difficult.

The first advice we were given was not to try and do everything at once. That is the recipe for despair and discouragement. It is best to take on small projects and see the effect of what you have achieved.

We come to the woodlands twice a month in the summer for two days. Usually we get away with once a month in the other seasons.

There are big jobs like the gate, the bridge, the track the shed and the yurt. Mainly they are one off jobs, although we worked on the track 4 times to get it right! We employ people to do these jobs.

There are sporadic big jobs like coppicing the willows and cutting the wildflower meadows. We employ people to help us and hire the equipment necessary.

Looking after the woodlands is only as hard as you want to make it. We have had a variety

of lovely volunteers to help us over time.

Next steps for the woodlands to move it on :

a) begin clearing dykes by 20. metres clearance, 20 metres keep etc.

b) thin the branches on the track by the middle dyke to allow more light.

c) have fun and enjoy nature.

Each time we come to the woodlands we use our trusty lists.. It is such a pleasure to tick off the tasks. We then create the lists for the next time. With a ride on mower the paths are cut in 2 hours.

Mainly the work is straightforward enough as we, a couple in our 70s can still do it.