You cannot miss that parched land and wilting plants, shrubs and trees. The wood is clearly stressed. Significant branch drop has happened in a variety of trees. We have cleared where these have blocked paths. This is something widely reported, including by the BBC here.
Thankfully, although it is the school holidays we have not had a fire. The picnic area has been cleared to discourage barbeques and fires. However, we are seeing some discarded bottles. Please carefully pick up any glass items to reduce the risk of glass focussing sunlight and causing a fire.
You will see areas we have mown to keep down nettles and brambles. We have focused on areas where bluebells grow to give them a better chance of thriving. The heat has helped with even the hardy nettle wilting.
The heat has meant we have been quiet in the wood in recent weeks. We will keep paths clear and tackle the undergrowth in a couple of areas. In September/ October we will resume coppicing and other tasks. We divide the wood into zones, ensuring some areas are left alone to mature, while others are given help to thrive. It is a cyclical approach.
