Queens Wood contracted Iain Loasby of Rivenwood Coppice to do some coppice work in the ancient woodland remnant to continue the revitalisation of this old woodland management system. The wood consists most of hornbeam and oak. The project continues the idea to coppice the hornbeam to produce wood for sale and for on-site charcoal making.

This year, the area being coppiced is on a slope and in order to reduce the disturbance to the ground it was decided to employ horses to help move the timber. Iain was helped by his colleague Christian, but needed Matt of Hawthorn Heavy Horses to come and help clear the felled wood. Matt brought along “Roy”, a Suffolk Punch and “Joe” a Shire to help with the work.

Both horses proved adept at transporting the timber in difficult conditions. The “Friends of Queen Wood”, together with some of Iain's friends, came along to help with the work in the woods. In spite of the inclement weather it was great fun to be working alongside such animals. Finally, “Joe” was to help move a chipper to help with a separate area of the wood that was being cleared of holly to help regeneration.

From the start of February, they have been working in another of Haringey's ancient woodlands, Coldfall Wood, which is also made up of mostly hornbeam and oak. Due to the weather we have experienced this Winter, it has been a godsend to be able to employ these fine animals to reduce the disturbance to these woodland areas and of course the horses have been a great hit with the public.

On Tuesday, 11^th February, the The Conservation Volunteers were given a chance to work with these Working Horses.

There will be another chance to see one of the horses working in Coldfall Wood tomorrow, Thursday, 20th February. 

Queens Wood Pictures and Videos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47046427@N03/sets/72157639657469705/

Coldfall Wood Pictures and Videos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47046427@N03/sets/72157640688328965/