Coldfall Wood
An activity with Haringey Conservation Volunteers
Activity date: Thursday 30th May 2024
Start time: 10:00
Finish time: 15:00
Activity description
We'll be carrying out assorted management and repair tasks around this ancient woodland. (Staff member Izzy will be covering this session on behalf of Clare) Please sign up via the link: https://mailchi.mp/1b8bf51c1cd3/may-2024-newsletter-12714703
Meeting place
Meet: Entrance on Creighton Avenue opposite Beech Drive N2 9BJ
what3words meeting point: ///bucks.stews.back
Activity location
Coldfall Woods, Creighton Avenue Muswell Hill, N2 9BL
Site description
Coldfall Wood is a fascinating area of ancient woodland covering 14 hectares on the western edge of the borough and is a Green Flag award winner.
The wood has historically been managed through coppicing, where trees are felled and new growth from the stump is then harvested on a rotation of around every 15 to 20 years. The number of years between each cut depended upon what the wood was needed for ie firewood or broom handles.
The tradition of coppicing at Coldfall Wood has recently been revived through small scale felling in the 1990s and more recently with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Capital Woodlands Project. However instead of using the cut trees for fire wood or to make products it has been left to decay naturally. The dead wood is an important part of what makes woodland healthy. It makes great homes for beetles and other insects and fungi. These provide food for woodland creatures like birds and hedgehogs.
Another advantage of coppicing is that it allows in light for wildflowers and other plants, attracting butterflies and other animals. An additional 150 plant species have been recorded since coppicing in November 2006.
In addition to coppicing the Capital Woodlands Project have helped fund new bridges, benches and the creation of a reed bed to help filter stream water to treat pollution. The Coldfall Wood nature trail for school children has been created so that they can discover the wildlife in this wonderful woodland, and children from Coldfall Primary School regularly litter pick in the Wood.
Contact
Izzy Knight
Telephone: 07870678571
Email: izzy.knight@tcv.org.uk
Website: www.tcv.org.uk/haringey
Please bring
- packed lunch
- suitable outdoor clothes
- suitable outdoor footwear
Further info
Volunteers must be 18 and over, or contact us for a parental permission form. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. No previous experience required - just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in! Group sizes are limited, therefore BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. For further info and booking, contact Clare at c.street@tcv.org.uk
Site Facilities
- Nearest Toilets - Muswell Hill Sports Ground
