A Walk Through Raydon Great Wood: Restoration, Wildlife and Wellbeing
- Lynda Croft
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
On this first day of Mental Health Awareness Week we thought it would be appropriate to share with you our visit last week to Raydon Great Wood. Fresh air, exercise and the wonders of trees. Nature’s own prescription!
We invited 50 local people to join us for an evening walk around this 200 acre ancient woodland near Hadleigh, Suffolk, guided by our full-time woodsmen, Graham and Steve, alongside consultant ecologist, Juliet Hawkins.
The Woodsmen, Graham (left) and Steve. Juliet Hawkins, ecologist.
Raydon Great Wood dates back 100s of years but its recent history includes its use as an ammunition dump during WWII. The remains of the railway platform and network of concrete roads can still be seen in the wood. Although the roads are not aesthetically fitting for the wood, they provide much needed ease of access for the woodsmen.
Raydon Great Wood has been a labour of love for all involved since it came into the Heathpatch stewardship nearly 30 years ago. At that time, the wildlife seemed to have moved out, following the clear-felling of many parts and the restocking with non-native conifers, hybrid poplars, red oak and sycamore by the previous owners. James Buckle's vision was to restore the wood to as close to ancient woodland as possible, which has involved gradually clearing the non-native species and allowing more traditional varieties to seed and regenerate the wood.
The expert-led tour took in freshly coppiced woodland with a detailed explanation of how this ancient practice rejuvenates the woodland by allowing light to reach the floor and extending the lifespan of the trees, all whilst providing a sustainable source of firewood. New shoots grow from the stumps, other plants grow in the light and life returns to the shadows.
Graham, who has worked for us in the wood since 2013, explained how the smaller branches are left on the ground to protect new shoots from the nibbling deer and provide an excellent habitat for insects, slow worms and small mammals. Each season brings different work in the wood, from coppicing and clearing to monitoring regrowth and wildlife.
We moved on to older coppiced areas where the results of the hard work were clearly visible, with new shoots and seedlings thriving and the air alive with birdsong. Steve, who joined the team in 2016, shared how woodland management requires patience, with some changes taking years to become noticeable. Some of their work will benefit future generations more than the present one.
The walk also took in a couple of the many ponds scattered throughout the woodland, each supporting its own rich variety of life. These carefully restored ponds provide vital breeding grounds for amphibians and insects and attract birds and mammals to drink. The ponds form an important part of the woodland ecosystem, adding yet another layer to the biodiversity that has returned to the wood. It was however interesting to hear how harmful pet dogs can be to such ponds. Everyone loves to see a dog enjoying wild swimming but did you realise that flea and worming treatment applied to their skin is disastrous for pond life?!
Juliet Hawkins has been involved with the restoration of the wood from the beginning and added her considerable knowledge to the walk, pointing out species of fungi and sharing stories of the rare beetles and butterflies now found in the wood following the decades of careful management.
Juliet’s Monitoring Plan of surveys provided the information and inspiration to edit and design this glorious book, ‘Raydon Wood 1999-2022. A celebration of 20 years of restoration management’.
Copies of the book were available at the end of the walk for those who wanted a deeper look into the history and work in the wood.
Following nearly 3 decades of incredible hard work, amazing results have been achieved. A wonderful selection of wildlife and plant life have returned to the wood, although the wildlife was a little shy on the night with 50 pairs of boots stomping past them.
It was lovely to receive so many emails after the walk appreciating the opportunity. Here are just a few of the lovely comments received:
"It was fascinating to see and hear about the amazing work
the team are doing to restore this precious ancient woodland."
"Thank you so much for organising the Raydon Wood
walk yesterday. I really enjoyed it."
"Please thank all the team for a very enjoyable and informative evening."
"Thanks for an enjoyable and informative evening yesterday;
do please pass on my thanks to all who worked to make it so."
"What an incredible walk that was yesterday evening.
We both thoroughly enjoyed it and were totally
engrossed in the whole experience."
Centre photo: Bugle - a ride-side species flourishing. (c) Frances Browne
The walk was a wonderful reminder
of the value of nature,
not just for wildlife,
but for people too...
NB: It is important to note that Raydon Great Wood is not open to the public outside organised visits. It is a working woodland, with chainsaws and heavy machinery in regular use, making it unsafe for general access. Deer management also forms an essential part of the work. While this can be a sensitive subject, controlling deer numbers is essential to protect new growth and ensure the woodland continues to regenerate. The venison is supplied to The Bildeston Crown, ensuring a further sustainable use of the resource.
