Paupers Wood

Invitation to a Paupers Wood Conservation Day

2011-10-30T12:22:00.001Z

Hi,

The Paupers Wood Project will be running a conservation day on Sunday the 6th of November, from 11am - 3pm. At this time of year the trees and perennials are shutting down for winter, and it's a good time to be planting for next year, so that's what we'll be doing. We'll be planting flowering bulbs such as bluebells and snow drops, and also fern rhizomes, which is something we've not tried before.

The day is open to all so please come along to help. Feel free to bring children too, but be aware there will be tools on site so you'll need to keep an eye on them (the children not the tools!). We'll also be providing hot veg. soup to keep you going.

The entrance to Paupers Wood is through the privet hedge on Nell Lane opposite Siemens, near the junction with Princess Road - see attached map.

Hope to see you there!

The Paupers Wood Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-19T20:39:00.008+01:00

THE PAUPERS WOOD
EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday 23rd April
11.00am to 3.00pm
Nell Lane, West Didsbury,
parking at Siemens building opposite.

Come and explore the wood as it wakes up after winter! There will be a treasure hunt, a toddler's egg hunt, willow weaving, and a greenwood pole lathing demonstration. You can bring a picnic, and a boiled egg to paint, or have your face painted!

Everyone is welcome to this free event, but children must bring an adult with them.

Paupers Wood Conservation Day

2011-02-19T10:56:00.001Z

The Paupers Wood Project is running a conservation day next Sunday, the 27^th Feb, from 11am - 3pm. We will be removing saplings to allow the right trees to grow, planting a few young trees in bare spaces, generally tidying up and enjoying being in the Wood. The day is open to all, but be aware there will be tools in use so children should be supervised.

Come along and join in, bring a picnic if you like.

Hope to see you there!

Coppicing & greenwood craft for beginners

2011-02-18T13:08:00.000Z

Paupers Wood, West Didsbury, Manchester

offers a day of coppicing & greenwood craft for beginners

Sunday 13^th March

10am to 4pm

This is a hands-on course teaching the basic techniques and purposes of coppicing combined with cooking over an open fire and the creation of greenwood products to take home. The course will have a maximum of 15 people attending and will be run by Leonie Morris & Mary Maclachlan who are Forest School Practitioners.

Vegetable soup and bread will be provided but please bring any other food you might need. It is advisable to wear for the wet just in case.

There is a £26 charge for the day. For more information and to book please contact Leonie via our email address.

Conservation Day 1st August, 11am to 3pm

2010-07-26T21:09:00.001+01:00

Paupers Wood is having a general conservation day this Sunday from 11am - 3pm. We will be monitoring the Wood's biodiversity, identifying & removing saplings to allow the right trees to grow into very big trees, generally tidying up and enjoying being in amongst the trees. The day is open to all, but be aware there will be tools in use so children should be supervised.

Please come along and join in, maybe bring a picnic.

Saturday 3rd April - The famous Paupers Wood easter egg hunt!

2010-03-23T08:01:00.001Z

BACK AGAIN BY POPULAR DEMAND!

THE EASTER EGG HUNT AT PAUPERS WOOD

Saturday 3rd April

11.00am to 3.00pm

Nell Lane opposite Siemens, West Didsbury

Come and explore the wood as it wakes up after winter! Try finding all the eggs to win a prize, or have a go at some wood based craft activities.

Everyone is welcome to this free event, so tell your friends, and bring a picnic if you'd like to. Children must bring an adult with them.

Paupers Wood is next to the new flats at the Princess Parkway end of Nell Lane. There's a gate in the hedge opposite the entrance to Siemens. Parking will be available in Siemens' car park

Thanks from Paupers Wood

2010-03-08T13:35:00.001Z

We had a very busy day's hedge planting on Sunday, though it seems there was as much time spent making and eating firecakes in the sun as digging and planting!

Thanks very much to all the 50 or so volunteers who joined in, we hope plenty of you will come back for future planting and also just to have a wander round on our open days. The next is our famous 'Easter Egg Hunt' which this year is planned for the 3rd April, put the date in your diary and there'll more information soon...

Hedge Planting (and other stuff) at Paupers Wood this Sunday!

2010-03-03T08:10:00.001Z

This Sunday, 7th March, we'll be planting some hedgerow plants in the space cleared on the last woodland management day. This is part of our biodiversity plan to replace non native species with native, wildlife supporting ones. They will include dogwood, blackthorn, crab apple and hazel and we have about 200 to plant!

There will also be other things to be done as usual, but for a change this is a child friendly management day - we won't be putting on any special activities, but neither will we be doing any particularly risky jobs so feel free to bring them along if you need to.

We'll be there from 11-3, look forward to seeing you then.

Reminder: Woodland management day

2010-02-08T20:45:00.001Z

Hello all,

Just a reminder that our second woodland management session of 2010 will be this Sunday, 7th Feb. We'll be there from 11am - 3pm and will be doing some more sapling clearing, coppicing, litter picking, splitting logs, and putting up bird boxes.

As with our January session the event is not designed for or suitable for young children as we will be using tools, ladders etc. Any older children who want to help with sapling clearing will need to be closely supervised by their grown ups.

If you can come on the 7th then remember to bring suitable clothing, a snack and a hot drink if you'd like to stay for a while, and we'll aim to get a fire going to sit by too.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Sarah B.

Second Woodland Management Day

2010-01-22T12:17:00.001Z

Hello all,

Our second woodland management session of 2010 will be in two weeks on Sunday, 7th Feb. We'll be there from 11am - 3pm and will be doing some more sapling clearing, coppicing, litter picking, splitting logs, and putting up bird boxes. A number of volunteers enjoyed a bracing afternoon doing some of these tasks on the 10th of Jan and got quite a lot done despite the snow, so well done all of you!

As with our January session the event is not designed for or suitable for young children as we will be using tools, ladders etc. Any older children who want to help with sapling clearing will need to be closely supervised by their grown ups.

No photo for you this time as I didn't make it to the last session, but hope to get there this weekend so will maybe send one out to you all next week. If you can come on the 7th then remember to bring suitable clothing, a snack and a hot drink if you'd like to stay for a while, and we'll aim to get a fire going to sit by too.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Sarah B

Woodland Management Day

2010-01-03T17:31:00.002Z

Hello, and Happy New Year to all our volunteers.

We're starting 2010 with a woodland management session a week on Sunday, 10th January. We'll be there from 11am - 3pm and plan to be doing some sapling clearing, starting a coppicing cycle (for those who, like me, don't know what that means, we can find out together on the day), splitting logs, and putting up some bird boxes.

The event is not designed for or suitable for young children as we will be using tools, ladders etc. Any older children who want to help with sapling clearing will need to be closely supervised by their grown ups.

The wildlife is surprisingly lively at the moment - there was lots of birdsong when we visited yesterday, and a few interesting and photogenic tree fungi (see attached) to see while we're there. So bring suitable clothing, a snack and a hot drink if you'd like to stay for a while, and with our combined bushcraft skills we should be able to get a fire going to sit by too.

Look forward to seeing you,
Sarah B

FSC Friday in Paupers Wood

2009-09-19T12:35:00.000+01:00

Download the flyer for FSC Friday (25th September) in Paupers Wood. Forest School Leaders; Sarah, Ali and Mary will be hosting all sorts of fun activities in support of the Forest Stewardship Council see: http://www.fsc.org/fscfriday.html and it is FREE for all.

Hope to see some of you there.

Paupers Wood Open Afternoon

2009-06-06T12:20:00.001+01:00

We're taking part in Didsbury open gardens day this Sunday 7th June in aid of St Mary's Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society.

If you'd like to take the opportunity to visit the wood we'll be there from around 12.30 to 5. No special activities, but lots of time to enjoy the wood!

If you don't have a programme we'll have a collecting box for a small donation to the charities above, if you'd like to visit other gardens we suggest you visit Delia's florist in Didsbury Village where you can buy a programme.

Hope to see you there!

BAT & MOTH NIGHT THIS FRIDAY!!

2009-04-29T19:02:00.000+01:00

Dear All,

Sorry for the extremely late notice:

Things that go bump in the night.

Something new in Paupers Wood. On Friday 1st May 2009 at 8pm, Paupers Wood Project will be hosting a Bat and Moth night. The evening will involve a walk through the wood and a discussion by experts on each of these animals as well as any other creepy crawlies encountered.

Moths.

An assortment of moth traps, which are special light boxes, will be scattered about the wood to attract the moths. The traps can be set at dusk and can attract moths from 50m or more away. Scientists have yet to discover why moths are attracted to lights, but they think that it may have something to do with their navigation system. Moths use both the moon and geomagnetic forces to help them navigate. Different species of moth fly all year round so let’s see what we can find.

Bats

Before Withington hospital was demolished a bat survey was carried out and Pipestrelle bats were found. More recently the brown long-eared bat has been identified. All bats are protected so re-housing for the bats has been made part of the developers planning agreement. Paupers Wood had more than 20 bat boxes erected in their trees. A few of these have been used by bats (and Great Tits). However, bats prefer roof spaces to trees for roosting and will mainly use the wood for foraging. This is part of the reason the small woodland is so important for the local wildlife.

There are nearly 1,000 different kinds of bats and they are some of the loudest mammals on Earth. Seventeen species live in Britain. Bats communicate and navigate by echolocation. By emitting high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects and back to their ears, bats can locate objects in total darkness. Even if we do not see any bats on the evening we should be able to hear them using a special device which turns their high frequency sounds into sounds our human ears can hear.

The best weather for successful moth trapping is a warm, cloudy, calm night. For bats it is similar so please keep an eye on the weather. Whilst waiting for sunset there will be discussions on the animals and anything identified will help with the woods biodiversity survey. If it is raining we will postpone so contact Mary on 07790 368117 to check.

Back again by popular demand - The Easter Egg Hunt!

2009-03-14T21:05:00.001Z

BACK AGAIN BY POPULAR DEMAND!
THE EASTER EGG HUNT AT PAUPERS WOOD
Saturday 11th April, 11.00am to 3.00pm

Come and explore the wood as it wakes up after winter! Try finding all the eggs to win a prize, or paint your own egg.

Everyone is welcome to this free event, so tell your friends, and bring a picnic if you’d like to. Children must bring an adult with them.

Paupers Wood is next to the new flats at the Princess Parkway end of Nell Lane. There’s a gate in the hedge opposite the entrance to Siemens. Parking is available in Siemens' car park.

phone: 445 3520
email: pauperswood@gmail.com
website: www.pauperswood.com

Forest School adult & child group in Paupers Wood

2008-10-26T10:02:00.001Z

Just to let you know that we are starting a Forest School adult and child group in Paupers Wood on Wednesday 4th November at 1pm. Please call Mary on 0161 445 3520 for further details. All proceeds will go to South Manchester Forest Group to cover the costs of insurance, courses, teaching materials, tree safety etc. It is a not for profit venture.

If you are interested in your child getting involved in Forest School activities then we are considering other times, dates and ages. Please get in touch for further details and to let us know what would suit you. I will be starting up a Forest School mailing group so if you would like to be emailed further information then I can add you to this list.

Thank you,

Mary

Paupers Wood 'seed gathering' day 18th October

2008-10-02T09:48:00.001+01:00

THE ALTERNATIVE

SEED GATHERING DAY

Come for a walk in the woods. Hunt for seeds and conkers.

The seeds will grow into the wrong trees (non-native) so stick them onto a collage to make a picture instead!

Saturday 18th October

1.00pm to 4.00pm

on Nell Lane opposite Siemens

Make a bird feeder, hit a piñata, complete the treasure hunt or just take in the wood with a biscuit (or two).

A great family fun event.

Bushcraft this weekend

2008-09-29T22:44:00.001+01:00

Hello,

Due to late cancellations we have a couple of places available on the bushcraft course this weekend (4th & 5th). I did the September course which was great fun so can recommend it highly and successfully created fire by rubbing sticks (only took a couple of minutes too!). Paul is a Ranger and Forest School Trainer and split the group into those with a Forest School leaning and those who wanted to learn bushcraft or just have a good refresher.

The course runs from 9am to 5pm both days in Paupers Wood, West Didsbury. It is excellent value at £50.

If you would like further information then please email or call 0161 445 3520.

Mary

Paupers Wood autumn conservation day

2008-09-09T21:56:00.000+01:00

This Sunday 14th September we'll be working in the wood on a number of tasks - planting some oak saplings, doing some 'giant weeding' out of some non-native saplings, spreading some wood chippings along pathways, and as usual some ivy clearing and litter picking too!

Bring your sandwiches and a drink and make a day of it if you'd like - we will be there from 12-4pm, and will also be very glad if anyone can join us afterwards for a drink in the Metropolitan.

For more information call 445 3520 or email pauperswood@gmail.com

Paupers Wood Summer Fete

2008-08-01T16:19:00.002+01:00

We're really excited about our second annual free summer event! It will be held on Saturday the 9th of August between 12 and 4pm. There'll be fun for children of all ages as well as entertainment for the grown ups in the shape of some local musicians.

Crafts
Treasure hunt
Live music
Story teller
Piñatas
Face painting
Cakes & refreshments

You're all very welcome, as usual, to bring a picnic and to invite everyone you know. We hope to see you there!

Mary, John, Juliette, Sarah, Mike and Sarah

Paupers Wood Summer Festival August 9th or 10th - take part?

2008-06-16T11:20:00.002+01:00

Hello all,

We have started to plan our summer open day event and would like to have a mini festival in the wood. As we'd like to get more people involved in the organising of this and in making it happen we are looking for any of you with festival style talents who would be willing to help plan, or to come and entertain the visitors or help get the wood 'dressed' for the day. Amateur (or professional!) storytellers, community artists, and others please let us know your ideas and availability.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Paupers Wood Project

BTCV volunteer Day in the Woods

2008-06-16T11:19:00.002+01:00

BTCV are helping us with a day of conservation in the woods on Tuesday 17th June. We will be digging the extension to the bog area, pulling out as many sycamore and Norway maple saplings out as we can, putting up bat boxes and heeling in some 600 tree saplings (oak, alder, hawthorn, birch, scot's pine and perhaps wild cherry).

There will be tools supplied but you should bring your own lunch. A good pair of gloves can be useful.

Start time is approx 10am. Even if Katie (from BTCV) and her van have not arrived by then we will be there to let anyone in.

Hope to see you there despite the short notice!

Bat survey this Friday 13th June

2008-06-09T22:55:00.001+01:00

Paupers Wood is having the benefit of an ecologist carry out a
baseline survey so that we can, firstly, ensure that the management
and development of the wood is carried out sustainably and
appropriately and, secondly, to develop the tools we need to monitor
the impact these woodland management activities and school and
community access activities have on the site.

As part of this a bat survey will be carried out. If the weather is as
good as it is now then it will be a very good night for it and you are
invited to join in. If there is an interest then the ecologist will
do a briefing prior to the survey.

If you are interested then please email back as soon as possible so
arrangements can be made to meet up.

Paupers Wood taking part in Didsbury Open Gardens Day

2008-05-28T07:47:00.004+01:00

We are very pleased to be taking part in the Didsbury 'open gardens' day on Sunday the 8th of June. The wood will be open from 12pm - 5pm and (as with Bradley Fold allotments and Fletcher Moss Gardens) entry is free as usual, as is parking at Siemens car park opposite the wood.

There may be some limited activities for small children but the focus is for you to just come along and enjoy the wood for yourself. Feel free to bring a picnic too if you'd like to.

For the private gardens you will need to show a programme, cost £5. Proceeds will go to St Anne's hospice. For more details see this downloadable leaflet.

Hope to see you there,
Mary, Sarah, Juliette, John and Sarah.

2008-03-06T12:54:00.008Z

Back by popular demand! Paupers Wood presents:

THE EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday 22nd March
11.00am to 3.00pm
Nell Lane opposite Siemens, West Didsbury.

Come and explore the wood as it wakes up after winter! Try to find all the eggs, or paint your own egg - we’ll also have storytelling and crafts.

Everyone is welcome, so tell your friends, and bring a picnic too if you’d like to. Children must bring an adult with them.

Paupers Wood is next to the new flats at the Princess Parkway end of Nell Lane. There’s a gate in the hedge opposite the entrance to Siemens. If you’re driving here you can park in the Siemens car park.

For more information call 445 3520 or email pauperswood@gmail.com.

Paupers Wood Composting Toilet?

2008-02-13T22:22:00.001Z

Can anyone help us with advice on choosing, constructing and 'operating' a composting toilet in Paupers Wood? We would like to install a very basic facility for use by small children and possibly adults when the Forest School groups start in earnest. We think it could be a great demonstration project that we'd be happy to show other people.

Please contact pauperswood@gmail.com or phone 0161 445 3520 if you think you can advise and we can discuss it in more detail.

Paupers Wood Conservation, Saturday 16th February

2008-02-13T22:16:00.001Z

This Saturday we will be working in the wood on a number of tasks - preserving various wood carvings and sculptures, mending a fence, doing some 'giant weeding' out of some non-native saplings, fixing the willow wall structure, and marking out an area in preparation for developing a bog habitat on the site. As usual there is bound to be some ivy clearing and litter picking too for those who enjoy it!

Bring your sandwiches and a drink and make a day of it if you'd like - we will be there from 11-3, and will be very glad if anyone can join us afterwards for a drink in the Metropolitan.

For more information call 445 3520 or email pauperswood@gmail.com.

Watch the chips fly! Chainsaw Sculpting in Paupers Wood.

2007-10-17T09:04:00.000+01:00

Come and see award-winning chainsaw sculptors in action, giving our old trees a new lease of life.

We have to cut down some sickly trees, so Simon and Tim will be carving them into a storytelling seat, woodland wildlife and who knows what else?

Saturday 27th October 11am to 4 pm
Nell Lane, West Didsbury, opposite Siemens.

Site Preparation Morning

2007-10-17T06:23:00.000+01:00

Calling all volunteers! In preparation for our open day on the 26th October, this Sunday 21st from 11am we will be doing some site preparation ready for the following week, which will include spreading chippings made from felled branches along the paths and clearing, creation of habitat piles from smaller branches, and various smaller 'housekeeping' jobs.

It would be great to see you if you can make it - we'll be there at least until 1pm and possibly longer. Come and work up an appetite for that Sunday lunch!!