New Habitat Boxes for Invasive Species.

For some time now the Caninus Poopus Bagus species has been steadily invading Heartwood Forest.

It has been known to hang around high up in hedgerows & trees, apparently seeking out it’s natural habitat.

Scientist have discovered that unfortunately it is unable to find its correct habitat without the careful guidance of

another well known species to Heartwood, Homo Sapien Caninus Owner.

Fortunately help is now at hand and TWO Habitat Boxes are now available in the car park area to

correctly house the Caninus Poopus Bagus.

A happy ending .

Heartwood Rainbow.

Today it was overcast & drizzling, then the sun came out, followed by windy stormy weather
and more rain, then more sunshine & a beautiful sunset.

Our British weather is certainly not boring.

A few photos of a lovely rainbow. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is Heartwood..

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Businesses get involved at Heartwood

The winter tree-planting season at Heartwood Forest is now in full flow and tens of thousands of trees have been planted with the helping hands of local businesses. From international companies like Disney, big UK wide businesses such as Sainsbury’s and small local based businesses like Rowlington Lilley, workers have teamed up with the Woodland Trust, putting on their welly boots to plant freshly nurtured tree saplings.

These business team building days for small or big groups, enable staff to work together to transform an area from bare land to woodland that will support many species of wildlife in years to come. It’s a great way for companies to get involved in the local community, build rapport within a team and allow staff, from the very top of the company to day to day workers, to equally contribute towards a common feel good goal.

If you think a company you work for or own would be interested in participating, please contact Louise Neicho on heartwood@woodlandtrust.org.uk to find out more.

Staff from Tesco getting stuck in!

Wicked the musical gets our vote

You may remember last year and for the second year running, the producers of Wicked the Musical invited us to London for a fundraising day all in aid of Heartwood Forest.

It was a fabulous day with live performances, face painting, fun and games, karaoke and lots of donations from their loyal fans.

If you haven’t seen it yet we cannot recommend it enough, the Sunday Telegraph calls it a West End phenomenon! And if you have seen it you’ll be as crazy about as we are so why not get voting in the WhatsOnStage.com Awards 2012 and make this year an award winning year for this spectacular musical.

 Follow the link below and scroll down to the penultimate Category #25.

www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk/vote

 Some of the fun and games we had at the Wicked Day 2011:

Our fundraising face painted trees!

Creative energy flowed throughout the day

Cast members signing autographs

 

Did you see us on Country Tracks?

Last Sunday’s episode of Country Tracks was all about Hertfordshire and what would a visit to Hertfordshire be without a visit to Heartwood Forest?!

If you missed it check it out on the BBC website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b019g3j7/Country_Tracks_Hertfordshire/

 

Heartwood Forest Wildlife Notes – December 2011

Heartwood Forest Wildlife Notes

December 2011

The regularly sighted Short-eared Owls, have again been the wildlife highlight this month. Continuing the owl theme Barn Owls and Little Owls have also been reported. A late afternoon walk at Heartwood Forest can prove very productive for owl watching.
The mild weather continues to contribute to there being smaller than expected flocks of thrushes and crows about, although the arrival of much needed rain should help with survival rates of newly planted trees.
There are still plenty of birds to be seen with Kestrel, Buzzard and Red Kite not being difficult to find.
Skylark, Linnet and Yellowhammer are also around in good numbers.
Visitor numbers seem on the increase but dog walking tends to be the most popular activity. Hopefully with the new car park opening shortly a few more ‘wildlife watchers’ will find time to visit.
If you see any interesting wildlife at Heartwood Forest please let me know so I can report it in these notes.

Geoff Horn
geoffrhorn@yahoo.co.uk

Broken your New Year’s resolution already?

Heartwood Forest might be able to help! If you want to get fit and get lots of fresh air in 2012 then why not volunteer at Heartwood?

Each week volunteers get together to plant trees and look after Heartwood Forest. There’s always plenty of banter and new friendships to be made, with no experience necessary why not give it a go and make volunteering one of your New Year’s resolutions?

Get in touch with Louise at heartwood@woodlandtrust.org.uk to find out more.

And the winner is…

Will you be joining us tomorrow?

Don’t miss the Santa Hunt in Wick Wood

Tuesday 27 December

Suitable for children of all ages

 Find 5 different Christmas tokens and bring them back to be exchanged for a modest chocky treat.

Venue:   Wick Wood, Marshals Drive, St Albans Al1 4RQ welcome table atMarshals Drive entrance

Date:   Tuesday 27 December 2011

Entry:  50 pence – All proceeds go to the Woodland Trust

Time:    10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Further details: Pam Farley 01727 864871

Christmas wishes from the Heartwood project team

The Heartwood project team would like to wish all of our volunteers, supporters and followers a very Merry Christmas. Without you this ambitious project simply would not be possible so thank you for your continued support throughout the year.

 The tree planting season which started on 14^th November has already seen over 47,000 trees planted, that’s over 7,800 trees per week! Thank you to everyone who’s been involved, whether it’s planting trees, distributing our posters and leaflets, helping at events or just enjoying the site.

There’s still a way to go though and with 53,000 trees to plant before the end of March we’ll be thinking of plenty of ways for you to get involved:

Why not bring along your school to one of our school planting events or maybe your company would like to get involved? If you have time during the week you can plant trees with our weekly work parties or if weekends are better we’ll be holding our final community event of the season on 17^th March.

 Merry Christmas and we hope to see you in the New Year!