It was another dull, grey and damp day on Saturday. On arrival I immediately noticed a large rotten birch tree had fallen over and lay in pieces on the ground. It’s too far gone to be any use for firewood so eventually I’ll move some of it into the cleared area I’m working on to add some interest and habitat for insects and fungi.

I’ve figured that winter is the time to get on with some work in the woods. It’s not a time for sitting around but an ideal opportunity to crack on with something useful. Clearing overgrown brambles remains a priority. When spring arrives I don’t want to risk shredding birds nests or new wild flowers that might be emerging so the more I can get done now, the better. As growth dies back, it’s easier to see what you have got. Where brambles are thick, they have suppressed most other growth but on careful inspection, I found numerous young ash, hawthorn, elder and other saplings. In order to avoid chopping them off with the brushcutter, I took time to scrutinise the small area to clear, then marked the saplings by tying a small piece of brightly coloured wool around the top of the stems. That way I can see them as I approach with the cutter. I need to get some tree guards soon to protect these young trees. Clearing the bramble will make them more accessible and easier to spot by the deer.

After 45 minutes of clearing I decided a rest and a brew was in order. I had put my reading glasses in my coat pocket and now they were gone. A black case is not easy to find among the shredded foliage and earth. Luckily I spotted them and have made a note to mark the case with some bright paint to make them easy to find. I have come close to losing a few things even though I try to be careful. I realise now why a lot of woodland tools are orange coloured. So that’s a little job for home – mark as many of my woodland tools and items with something bright.

I finished my ramshackle woodstore – now it has a roof and is ready for some logs when I can thin some trees. Still waiting for my felling licence from the FC though. It just needs some deadwood branches stacking around it to disguise it and make it less conspicuous. It’s bigger than I intended and for now, could offer some protection for me in a sudden shower.

I did take some time to sit for a while and observe my wood. Not much wildlife this time but I was rewarded by two buzzards circling just above my trees where I sat. All in all, another enjoyable day in my woods.