In reviewing the progress of the past two years we must acknowledge the large amount of voluntary time, help and goodwill of individuals and organisations - we are most grateful for this.

The Holyford Woodland Trust was formed in April 2002 out of the original Holyford Woodland Preservation Society, there are eight Trustees and a very active committee of enthusiasts who have met every 2 months making decisions and initiating courses of action which have laid the foundations for plans for the next 5 years. The freehold of the Woodland was vested in the East Devon District Council who in turn leased the Woodland back to the Trust for 125 years.

The decision was made to apply to English Nature for Nature Reserve Status.
The qualifications are: -

· Land in the ownership of Local Authority.
· Land to have Public Access.
· Ecological Survey with Recommendations;
· 5 year Management Plan.

An Ecologist was employed by East Devon District Council and his survey was presented to the committee with a proposed management plan for discussion. After much deliberation and several meetings the committee agreed to the management plan.
It was decided to fell an area of the conifers in 'The Hangings' to allow natural regeneration and provide open glades with woodland rides. This work is to be started in early Autumn 2004.
The area known as 'Bridewell Coppice' was identified as old woodland pasture with a number of veteran oaks. It was agreed to fence this area and restore it to wood pasture with cattle allowed to graze at controlled intervals.
As part of the plan to open more woodland to the public a number of permissive paths are planned, see map. Work on one of the paths through Holyford Coppice has been carried out by members of the Axe Valley Conservation Society. Work is to continue on this path through Bridewell Coppice this winter - further working parties are planned for Sunday January 25th and Saturday February 29th starting at 10am from Horriford Farm - HELP WELCOME - For details or offers of help please contact Donald Campbell 01297 445084 or Colin Pady 01297 552316.

We hope to announce the granting of Nature Reserve Status early in the Spring.
BLUEBELL DAY first celebrated in 2002 has become a regular fixture for the 1st Sunday in May when the Bluebells are at their best - date for your diary Holyford Bluebell Day May 2nd.

Other notable projects which have been started in the woods are:-
· Preliminary survey of plants, insects, lichens and mosses.
· Bird Nesting Box Scheme by the Axe Valley Conservation Society.
· Bat Roosting Box Scheme.
· Dormice Survey.

The main aims of the Trust are to maintain the woodland in it's natural state and to encourage wildlife in the many varied habitats while maintaining safe public access. We hope that, with sensitive management these aims can be achieved.
More comprehensive news and greater details will be available on Bluebell Day.

December 2003