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A visit to Downton Gorge in May 2025
A visit to Downton Gorge in May 2025
On Sunday 18th May 2025 the Tree Group arranged for a group of 14 to be shown round the Downton Gorge National Nature Reserve by Senior Reserves Manager, Simon Cooter.
On Sunday 18th May 2025 the Tree Group arranged for a group of 14 to be shown round the Downton Gorge National Nature Reserve by Senior Reserves Manager, Simon Cooter.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunny morning. Perfect for a walk through this fascinating landscape.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunny morning. Perfect for a walk through this fascinating landscape.
Downton Gorge has a rich history and Simon started by telling us how the area had been an important iron foundry in the 16th to 18th centuries when the oaks were coppiced to make charcoal for the many furnaces.
Downton Gorge has a rich history and Simon started by telling us how the area had been an important iron foundry in the 16th to 18th centuries when the oaks were coppiced to make charcoal for the many furnaces.
When the iron industry moved to Ironbridge the estate came into the hands of Richard Payne Knight. Richard was part of the early Picturesque Movement. This movement moved away from the landscape arcitecture approach of people, such as Capability Brown, which re-engineered the landscape on a grand scale and had been done previously in many large estates. The Picturesque Movement idea was to enhance the natural landscape by making surprise views and vistas. This preserved the ancient woodland soil and flora and enabled Simon to point out many interesting plants.
When the iron industry moved to Ironbridge the estate came into the hands of Richard Payne Knight. Richard was part of the early Picturesque Movement. This movement moved away from the landscape arcitecture approach of people, such as Capability Brown, which re-engineered the landscape on a grand scale and had been done previously in many large estates. The Picturesque Movement idea was to enhance the natural landscape by making surprise views and vistas. This preserved the ancient woodland soil and flora and enabled Simon to point out many interesting plants.
We enjoyed overlooking the gorge and woodland from vantage points made by Richard Knight. A stop by the river for a drink gave time to question Simon about the reserve and the difficulties they have with its management. Deer are a constant problem as they browse any new growth and stop trees from regenerating. Any new planting needs a lot of protection. Simon had thought there were about 600 deer in the reserve but a recent infra-red aerial survey counted 1,800!
We enjoyed overlooking the gorge and woodland from vantage points made by Richard Knight. A stop by the river for a drink gave time to question Simon about the reserve and the difficulties they have with its management. Deer are a constant problem as they browse any new growth and stop trees from regenerating. Any new planting needs a lot of protection. Simon had thought there were about 600 deer in the reserve but a recent infra-red aerial survey counted 1,800!
The other part of the Downton estate is managed as a pheasant shoot which can also cause problems for managing the Nature Reserve.
The other part of the Downton estate is managed as a pheasant shoot which can also cause problems for managing the Nature Reserve.
Our group was joined by a local wildlife photographer, Terry Moore, who saw a deer watching us as we walked by and a goshawk who flew through the trees! It made us realise how little attention we use to notice these things and what a rich wildlife habit we were walking through.
Our group was joined by a local wildlife photographer, Terry Moore, who saw a deer watching us as we walked by and a goshawk who flew through the trees! It made us realise how little attention we use to notice these things and what a rich wildlife habit we were walking through.
Everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
Everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
AGM and Talk on Hedgrows Heros
AGM and Talk on Hedgrows Heros
Tuesday 8th at 7.15pm in the Methodist Church, Watling Street South
Tuesday 8th at 7.15pm in the Methodist Church, Watling Street South
CPRE Shropshire’s hedgerow project is now in its fourth year and since the winter of 2021 has planted 18km of new, native, mixed species hedgerow in the Shropshire countryside with the help of volunteers. One of those volunteers, Jon Kean, plays a key part in the project as hedge creation lead, and is involved in doing site assessments. Jon will be sharing his knowledge about the project and trees at our meeting. His talk will cover how to care for hedgerows to benefit wildlife and some of the possible uses of excess growth, including low technology methods of making biochar to use as a soil enricher. Jon runs a permaculture forest garden at Tankerville, has propagated native trees and planted a small wood. He has an extensive knowledge of fruiting trees and has a MSc in Habitat Management & Creation.
As well as hedgerow creation the project has run hedgelaying training, coppice management workshops, field names walks and talks, hedge walks/talks, hedgerow management and hedge surveying workshops, arts activities and provided hedgerow kitbags for schools and hedge lessons for primary schools in the Shropshire Hills. They have created short films including (this year) “The Hedgelayer” which has had over 64K views on You Tube – following a day in the life of a South Shropshire hedgelayer.
Hedges are planted on a variety of sites, from working farms (livestock and arable) and smallholdings to community land, playing fields and churchyards. Hedge whips are sourced locally from Bucknell Nurseries and they aim to plant hedgerow trees amongst the hedgerows. Hedge mixes are normally based around hawthorn and hazel to suit local conditions. Planting takes place between December and early March and there is always a need for volunteers.
Hedgelaying training and coppice management workshops will be available this year, as well as biochar production sessions and arts workshops. You can sign up for the Hedge Bulletin for updates and news: https://www.cpreshropshire.org.uk/hedgerow-project
Come and join us to learn more about this fascinating project and all about trees and hedgerows. You can join the Tree Group on the night. See our website: http://www.churchstrettontreegroup.co.uk
As well as hedgerow creation the project has run hedgelaying training, coppice management workshops, field names walks and talks, hedge walks/talks, hedgerow management and hedge surveying workshops, arts activities and provided hedgerow kitbags for schools and hedge lessons for primary schools in the Shropshire Hills. They have created short films including (this year) “The Hedgelayer” which has had over 64K views on You Tube – following a day in the life of a South Shropshire hedgelayer.
Hedges are planted on a variety of sites, from working farms (livestock and arable) and smallholdings to community land, playing fields and churchyards. Hedge whips are sourced locally from Bucknell Nurseries and they aim to plant hedgerow trees amongst the hedgerows. Hedge mixes are normally based around hawthorn and hazel to suit local conditions. Planting takes place between December and early March and there is always a need for volunteers.
Hedgelaying training and coppice management workshops will be available this year, as well as biochar production sessions and arts workshops. You can sign up for the Hedge Bulletin for updates and news: https://www.cpreshropshire.org.uk/hedgerow-project
Come and join us to learn more about this fascinating project and all about trees and hedgerows. You can join the Tree Group on the night. See our website: http://www.churchstrettontreegroup.co.uk
Bluebell Walk in Helmeth Wood
Bluebell Walk in Helmeth Wood
Sunday 28th April 2024
Sunday 28th April 2024
Meet at Crossways, near the Methodist Church, at 2.15pm. We will be walking up to Helmeth Wood. £2 non-members, £1 members.
Meet at Crossways, near the Methodist Church, at 2.15pm. We will be walking up to Helmeth Wood. £2 non-members, £1 members.
Join us for a special springtime treat.
Join us for a special springtime treat.
AGM and talk by Rachel Glover from the AONB
AGM and talk by Rachel Glover from the AONB
7.15pm on 11th October 2023 at the Methodist Church Hall
7.15pm on 11th October 2023 at the Methodist Church Hall
As part of their ongoing programme of meetings and talks, the Church Stretton Tree Group October meeting will include a talk on ancient woodlands in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Rachel Glover, Natural Environment Officer for the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership team will be speaking to the group about a project currently running in the area, focusing on the identification and restoration of these woodlands.
As part of their ongoing programme of meetings and talks, the Church Stretton Tree Group October meeting will include a talk on ancient woodlands in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Rachel Glover, Natural Environment Officer for the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership team will be speaking to the group about a project currently running in the area, focusing on the identification and restoration of these woodlands.
Ancient woodlands are some of the most valuable natural assets and home to many vulnerable and threatened species. The Strettons have several such woodlands on the doorstep, such as Helmeth Hill and Gough’s Coppice.
Ancient woodlands are some of the most valuable natural assets and home to many vulnerable and threatened species. The Strettons have several such woodlands on the doorstep, such as Helmeth Hill and Gough’s Coppice.
Ancient Semi-Natural woodland sites cover almost 5% of the AONB designated area, including 23 sites that are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Ancient Semi-Natural woodland sites cover almost 5% of the AONB designated area, including 23 sites that are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Project work is currently underway to work closely with woodland owners to provide advice and guidance about the long-term management of these woodland sites, to ensure their longevity as wildlife rich habitats, alongside a sustainable source of hardwood timber in some cases.
Project work is currently underway to work closely with woodland owners to provide advice and guidance about the long-term management of these woodland sites, to ensure their longevity as wildlife rich habitats, alongside a sustainable source of hardwood timber in some cases.
The evening talk will include information on the project background; the importance of these woodland sites; possible restoration measures and approaches and wider updates on the work of the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership.
The evening talk will include information on the project background; the importance of these woodland sites; possible restoration measures and approaches and wider updates on the work of the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership.
Tree Identification and Body Language of Trees
Tree Identification and Body Language of Trees
Terry Merchant met 19 of us at Rectory Field and began by getting us to look carefully at the holm oak at the enterance. As he told us what he could see had happened to this magnificent tree over the many years of it's life it started to rain. A few people decided to leave us but most stayed hoping it would be a quick shower. Unfortunately the rain got heavier but we walked up the field to look at ash trees. The afternoon was cut a little short by the rain but we had all learnt a lot about how to look at trees carefully and try to work out what they can tell us.
Terry Merchant met 19 of us at Rectory Field and began by getting us to look carefully at the holm oak at the enterance. As he told us what he could see had happened to this magnificent tree over the many years of it's life it started to rain. A few people decided to leave us but most stayed hoping it would be a quick shower. Unfortunately the rain got heavier but we walked up the field to look at ash trees. The afternoon was cut a little short by the rain but we had all learnt a lot about how to look at trees carefully and try to work out what they can tell us.
Visit to Nant Valley Woodland
Visit to Nant Valley Woodland
On 16th April 2023 the owners of this woodland showed a group of members round and told us of their plans for the area. It was a fasinating visit and showed the hard work the owners have put in. We were also treated to tea and cake at the end of the walk round!
On 16th April 2023 the owners of this woodland showed a group of members round and told us of their plans for the area. It was a fasinating visit and showed the hard work the owners have put in. We were also treated to tea and cake at the end of the walk round!
Nature in the Strettons launch
Nature in the Strettons launch
On 28th February 2023 the Mayor of Church Stretton, Andy Munroe, opened the Nature in the Strettons exhibition in the library. It was also the launch of Nature in the Strettons and their website: https://natureinthestrettons.org.uk/
Nature in the Strettons is a colaboration of the many different nature and wildlife groups in the area. We hope to work together to help people new to the area to find groups they are interested in. A blog will be developed to share news from the different groups and coordinate the timing of meetings to try and avoid clashes.
Tree and Hedge Planting in Rectory Field
Tree and Hedge Planting in Rectory Field
In November 2022 and January 2023 members of the Tree Group and other volunteers planted some trees and a native hedge in the top part of Rectory Field
An application was made to the Woodland Trust for the hedge plants and we received 315 whips, with canes and spiral guards, with a good range of species for the benefit of wildlife and year round colour including hawthorn, rowan, hazel, blackthorn, cherry, silver birch, dogwood, oak and dog rose. It was a challenging task working at the top of the field and clearing the site before we could plant, but the result is a credit to the hard work. It will be necessary to look after the young plants until they are established as the area has a lot of bramble and bracken. The hedge follows the boundary from the gate at top car park right up to the seat and the access to the wood.
The hedge planting is complementary to an earlier hedge we planted in the lower part of Rectory Field. Although there are some failures many of the plants are getting established.
At the top area of Rectory Field we have also planted three Scots Pine. A Field Maple, Hornbeam (lower down) and Alder Buckthorn (by the pond) have also been planted as well as two Oaks in the lower field, funded by the Tree Group.
Many thanks to all who helped this worthwhile project.
Tree Group AGM held on 26th October 2022
Tree Group AGM held on 26th October 2022
This was our first AGM and indoor meeting since the 2019 AGM. Our Chairman Hilary Hymas welcomed everyone and reminded us of the outdoor events we have been running. These have been well attended and enjoyable. A copy of the minutes for the meeting can be found here.
This was our first AGM and indoor meeting since the 2019 AGM. Our Chairman Hilary Hymas welcomed everyone and reminded us of the outdoor events we have been running. These have been well attended and enjoyable. A copy of the minutes for the meeting can be found here.
We welcomed Dougald Purce, Tree Officer and Woodland Amenity Officer for Shropshire Council who gave a talk on Trees, Carbon and Climate Change. During the Covid lockdown Dougald had looked at the value of tree planting as a solution to our carbon consumption. He did calculations that showed that we would need to plant four times the land area of the UK with trees to offset our total carbon emissions. So tree planting can help but is not a total answer. We need to use less carbon not continue to increase our emissions. A thought provoking talk.
We welcomed Dougald Purce, Tree Officer and Woodland Amenity Officer for Shropshire Council who gave a talk on Trees, Carbon and Climate Change. During the Covid lockdown Dougald had looked at the value of tree planting as a solution to our carbon consumption. He did calculations that showed that we would need to plant four times the land area of the UK with trees to offset our total carbon emissions. So tree planting can help but is not a total answer. We need to use less carbon not continue to increase our emissions. A thought provoking talk.
There were some excellent tree books for sale which had been donated to the Tree Group by Lorna Dormor in memory of her husband, Ian Dormor. Ian was a founder member of the Tree Group and he did a lot of work mapping the trees in Rectory Wood to understand how the woodland had been changed and developed over the centuries. In past years he led some very popular walks round local woodlands for the Tree Group. Money raised will go to Tree Group funds.
There were some excellent tree books for sale which had been donated to the Tree Group by Lorna Dormor in memory of her husband, Ian Dormor. Ian was a founder member of the Tree Group and he did a lot of work mapping the trees in Rectory Wood to understand how the woodland had been changed and developed over the centuries. In past years he led some very popular walks round local woodlands for the Tree Group. Money raised will go to Tree Group funds.
Local amateur wildlife photographer, Terry Moore, set up a display of his wonderful photographs which were greatly admired.
Local amateur wildlife photographer, Terry Moore, set up a display of his wonderful photographs which were greatly admired.
Visit to Downton Gorge National Nature Reserve June 2022
Visit to Downton Gorge National Nature Reserve June 2022
On a lovely summer morning we were led around Downton Gorge by Senior Reserve Manager, Simon Cooter, who had to raise his voice above singing blackcaps to tell us about this fasinating landscape. The gorge was the site of a large iron works from the 1500s until the industry moved to Ironbride in the 1700s. The furnaces were fired by charcoal produced from coppiced oaks some of which are still standing. Richard Payne Knight inherited the land and built Downton Castle and was a founder of the Picturesque movement of landscape design. He wrote poetry about this including the phrase "With secret skill, and counterfeit neglect".
On a lovely summer morning we were led around Downton Gorge by Senior Reserve Manager, Simon Cooter, who had to raise his voice above singing blackcaps to tell us about this fasinating landscape. The gorge was the site of a large iron works from the 1500s until the industry moved to Ironbride in the 1700s. The furnaces were fired by charcoal produced from coppiced oaks some of which are still standing. Richard Payne Knight inherited the land and built Downton Castle and was a founder of the Picturesque movement of landscape design. He wrote poetry about this including the phrase "With secret skill, and counterfeit neglect".
Simon told us of the challenges of managing the site as it is leased from the Downton Estate which runs pheasant shoots on the surrounding land. Deer are a problem for woodland regeneration. Some areas have been successfully fenced but it is difficult to keep muntjac out. Several interesting plants such as Herb Paris, Common Twayblade and Oak Fern were pointed out. Along the way we passed old oak trees and some very large limes that could have been coppiced or possibly planted in a clump to make spectacular specimens.
Simon told us of the challenges of managing the site as it is leased from the Downton Estate which runs pheasant shoots on the surrounding land. Deer are a problem for woodland regeneration. Some areas have been successfully fenced but it is difficult to keep muntjac out. Several interesting plants such as Herb Paris, Common Twayblade and Oak Fern were pointed out. Along the way we passed old oak trees and some very large limes that could have been coppiced or possibly planted in a clump to make spectacular specimens.
The walk took three and a half hours and was enjoyed by all the group.
The walk took three and a half hours and was enjoyed by all the group.
Tree Group Visit to Cudwell Meadow and Brockhurst Wood on Saturday 30th April 2022.
A group of twenty people both members and non-members enjoyed a walk across Cudwell Meadow hearing about the different habitats in this wetland area which is now a wildlife site for the community.
A group of twenty people both members and non-members enjoyed a walk across Cudwell Meadow hearing about the different habitats in this wetland area which is now a wildlife site for the community.
We then walked up through Brockhurst Wood where bluebells were in full flower.
We then walked up through Brockhurst Wood where bluebells were in full flower.
Saturday 25th April 2020 - Bluebell Walk
Saturday 25th April 2020 - Bluebell Walk
This proposed event will not take place this year but we hope to repeat it in future years. Hopefully some of you will be able to venture into Helmeth Wood on your own to see the spectacular vistas of bluebells in late April and May.
This proposed event will not take place this year but we hope to repeat it in future years. Hopefully some of you will be able to venture into Helmeth Wood on your own to see the spectacular vistas of bluebells in late April and May.
Saturday 20th June 2020 at 2.00pm - Guided visit to Coppice Leasowes
Saturday 20th June 2020 at 2.00pm - Guided visit to Coppice Leasowes
If the current restrictions are lifted there will be an afternoon walk round the Coppice Leasowes Local Nature Reserve in the company of Janet Martin and Dr Ian Dormor who have been closely involved with the management of the site for many years. The site is owned by the Town Council. The walk will provide an opportunity to learn more about the features of the reserve and future management challenges and how you can get involved.
If the current restrictions are lifted there will be an afternoon walk round the Coppice Leasowes Local Nature Reserve in the company of Janet Martin and Dr Ian Dormor who have been closely involved with the management of the site for many years. The site is owned by the Town Council. The walk will provide an opportunity to learn more about the features of the reserve and future management challenges and how you can get involved.
Wednesday 23rd October 2019 - AGM and Talk:
Wednesday 23rd October 2019 - AGM and Talk:
Andrew Allott on Woods and Trees of the Marches .
Andrew Allott on Woods and Trees of the Marches .
Andrew is a former Head of Biology at Shrewsbury School and the author of Marches, volume 118 in the New Naturalist series. He owns 24 acres of woodland at Hopesay, south of Church Stretton, which is managed to promote biodiversity and carbon capture. He is also a compulsive grower of trees from seed.
Andrew is a former Head of Biology at Shrewsbury School and the author of Marches, volume 118 in the New Naturalist series. He owns 24 acres of woodland at Hopesay, south of Church Stretton, which is managed to promote biodiversity and carbon capture. He is also a compulsive grower of trees from seed.
This was an interesting talk and discussion. Andrew suggested that all areas of bracken and heather on our hills, were once oak woodland and we should be replanting these with woodland trees. So this would give us plenty of room to plant trees. Andrew is growing tree species from all over the world to make his woodland more resiliant to climate change and disease. An approach which we could also use.
This was an interesting talk and discussion. Andrew suggested that all areas of bracken and heather on our hills, were once oak woodland and we should be replanting these with woodland trees. So this would give us plenty of room to plant trees. Andrew is growing tree species from all over the world to make his woodland more resiliant to climate change and disease. An approach which we could also use.
Saturday 6th April 2019 - Wetlands and Brockhurst Walk review:
Saturday 6th April 2019 - Wetlands and Brockhurst Walk review:
This was a great success with forty of us walking along the new boardwalk with Isobel and Mike Carter and then up the hill to the grounds of Brockhurst and the woodland on the slope to the west with Paul and Frances Eade.
This was a great success with forty of us walking along the new boardwalk with Isobel and Mike Carter and then up the hill to the grounds of Brockhurst and the woodland on the slope to the west with Paul and Frances Eade.
One email of thanks said "I was most impressed by the level of planning you had done to be able to cope with forty people and the talks you gave. The amount of information you gave between you was enormous. "
One email of thanks said "I was most impressed by the level of planning you had done to be able to cope with forty people and the talks you gave. The amount of information you gave between you was enormous. "
Saturday 4th May 2019 - Bluebell Walk :
Saturday 4th May 2019 - Bluebell Walk :
This was an lovely afternoon walking round Helmeth Wood enjoying the bluebells and other plants. With the hot then cold weather of spring this year it was not certain when the bluebells would be at their best. In Helmeth Wood which is on a hill that has north, south, east and west facing slopes you can usually find a fine display of bluebells anytime in April and May.
This was an lovely afternoon walking round Helmeth Wood enjoying the bluebells and other plants. With the hot then cold weather of spring this year it was not certain when the bluebells would be at their best. In Helmeth Wood which is on a hill that has north, south, east and west facing slopes you can usually find a fine display of bluebells anytime in April and May.
Some Tree Group past events and activities
Some Tree Group past events and activities
Since 2008 the Tree Group has organised a wide range of guided walks, meetings and other events to get more people involved and to share our passion for trees and the benefits they bring to our environment and our community. We have taken advantage of local, easily accessible woodland such as Rectory Wood and Helmeth Wood as well as visiting woodland further afield. We have had talks from visiting speakers with subjects such as veteran trees, tree pests and diseases, wood as a fuel, forest gardening, trees and wildlife, managing and restoring ancient woodland, hedge laying and tree protection and the law. Other community woodland groups have also been generous with their time and have come to give talks about their projects and have hosted visits from the Tree Group. We have had sessions on identifying trees, understanding the body language of trees and have had really informative guided walks and talks from staff from our local National Trust and from the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership.
Since 2008 the Tree Group has organised a wide range of guided walks, meetings and other events to get more people involved and to share our passion for trees and the benefits they bring to our environment and our community. We have taken advantage of local, easily accessible woodland such as Rectory Wood and Helmeth Wood as well as visiting woodland further afield. We have had talks from visiting speakers with subjects such as veteran trees, tree pests and diseases, wood as a fuel, forest gardening, trees and wildlife, managing and restoring ancient woodland, hedge laying and tree protection and the law. Other community woodland groups have also been generous with their time and have come to give talks about their projects and have hosted visits from the Tree Group. We have had sessions on identifying trees, understanding the body language of trees and have had really informative guided walks and talks from staff from our local National Trust and from the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership.
Some years ago the Tree Group organised a series of Family Events based in Rectory Wood and Field which involved planting tree seeds, storytelling, making dens and a camp fire, mini-beast hunting and tree identification to name just a few of the activities, generously funded by the Woodland Trust.
Some years ago the Tree Group organised a series of Family Events based in Rectory Wood and Field which involved planting tree seeds, storytelling, making dens and a camp fire, mini-beast hunting and tree identification to name just a few of the activities, generously funded by the Woodland Trust.
Other initiatives undertaken by the Tree Group have included tree and hedge planting and starting a tree survey to plot significant trees in our area. This is an on-going project which is still developing.
Other initiatives undertaken by the Tree Group have included tree and hedge planting and starting a tree survey to plot significant trees in our area. This is an on-going project which is still developing.
Measuring the sweet chestnut tree in Rectory Field
Bluebell walk in Helmeth Wood 2018
Studying the Body Language of Trees in Rectory Field with Gareth Jones and Terry Merchant
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