Oxfordshire Woodland Group

The OWG examined a small arboretum at Swinbrook during June 2015 and found this to be an interesting piece of woodland, comprising about half an acre+ taken out of the park, and judging by the size of the main trees this appears to have been planted soon after the war (1950's). Various shrubs have been planted since, and some are now being shaded out. There some fine specimen copper beech, lime, beech, walnut, horse chestnut and a number of silver birch (6) that could do with being removed. On the edge is some elm suffering from dutch elm disease.

The main problem for the owners to tackle is that there are a lot of dead lower branches which need to be removed and the crowns lifted on all the trees. There is some large hazel which will need coppicing and a few shrubs cutting back. A curving figure of eight path is to be mowed through the trees to help create a very pleasant walk so the different wild flowers and bulbs can be better enjoyed.

The owners would like to undertake some of this work themselves but recognise that they might need help from some volunteers and so any OWG people in this area should get in touch with our local Trustee Martin Jarret to find out more.

Ken Hume - Trustee OWG