<< News >> Rollrights latest: Tree Trimming, Sculpture, Wheelchair Access
Submitted by KarinA on Saturday, 19 January 2002 Page Views: 1356
EnglandPlans for upcoming conservation and maintenance at the Rollrights Stone CircleDear All,
I write to inform any interested persons that tree surgery will be taking place at the Kings Men Stone Circle at some point during the next two months. There are also plans for access improvement listed further down.
The works are to remove dead branches, and diseased and/or dangerous trees.
This is on the advice of the County Tree Officer, County Ecologist and Tree Surgeons. We have been warned that some of the trees constitute a safety hazard and under Health and Safety regs we have no choice but to follow best advice and begin remedial works at the first opportunity. Please note that none of the trees at the site are under preservation orders.
That's the official bit out of the way - now to the background and future plans - As some of you that have visited the site will have seen many of the trees surrounding the stones are either self - seeded (as in the Ash and understorey species) or tall, leggy Larch which were planted by the previous owners family in the last 50yrs (some older Scots Pine but that's staying!). The wooded areas have not been 'managed' at all under the previous owners and thinning out of the larch in its early years never happened. As a result we have overcrowded trees, some of which are spindly or beginning to lean dangerously.
The Trust is not planning any drastic changes, the first stage of the woodland management is to ensure safety, after this the trees will be looked at with a view to thinning out the stragglers in order to promote healthy growth of the rest. It is also necessary to thin out existing trees in order to make room for replanting.
(now for the good bits)
The Trust is intending to replant where possible (after thinning etc) with Yew, Beech and Holly. These are considered to be the best species to thrive locally and will require less in terms of long term care once fully established. We intend keeping a lot of the Ash, the existing Rowans and Oak tree as well as the hedgerow species. Replacing an introduced species with a range of native species will greatly increase the habitat value of the
woodland. Other future plans include creating a small nature reserve with provision of bat and owl boxes in the wooded area behind the Warden's Lodge, this will be fenced off to the public until it has time to establish. Plans for the area of trees to the West of the circle include forming natural paths through the trees, the planting of snowdrops, bluebells and other woodland flower/plants. It is hoped that some of the larch due to be felled at both ends of these trees (where the trees face directly onto the circle) will be cut to a max height of 10ft and the boles turned into sculpture. The trees are being felled because they are leaning and would land on the circle if bought down by high winds! Ideas suggested for this so far include rough
carved dryad type figures or primitive head carvings though no firm plans have been agreed to date (any wood carvers/sculptors interested get in
touch). Other works planned for the near future include installing a wheelchair accessible kissing gate (in black strap metal) to the circle, improvements/repairs to the path into the site and past the Warden's Lodge and the creation of extra entry points though the trees into the circle to
spread the wear and tear on the ground.
This all sounds pretty drastic but believe me it isn't really, just a few basic improvements we have been trying to get off the planning stage for some time.
I think that about covers it for now - so I'll sit back and wait for the furore! In the meantime
if anyone wants to help sponsor the new trees or think of ways to pay a sculptor I'd love to hear from you ;-)
Karin
http://www.rollrightstones.co.uk
General Enquiries and Information
phone/fax 01295 277244
PO Box 333. Banbury. Oxon. OX16 4RX
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