Recent volunteer efforts at the Arboretum

The Arboretum’s volunteer programme has begun in earnest after the Christmas and new year break. Last year’s efforts saw a huge area of Rhododendron ponticumcleared, producing a fantastic new view of the bluebell wood. The year’s quota of planting within the wood was also undertaken with a diverse range of native species such as oak, field maple, hazel, spindle, guelder rose, wayfaring tree and crab apple planted. In time this will form an interesting mosaic of tall canopy trees with a mixed ‘shrubby’ understory.

Rhododendron clearance

Bluebell Wood planting

January’s work has been focused in the coppice, with an area of approximately 70m²of hazel cleared. The cleared material has produced stakes and binding rods (also known as Ethering), which will be used for this year’s hedge laying works.

Volunteers coppicing hazel

As always, a huge thanks to our volunteer team for all their hard work and I look forward to seeing you all on the last Wednesday of the month.

Please CLICK HERE for volunteering opportunities at the Harcourt Arboretum or alternatively email karl.ofthouse@obg.ox.ac.uk