A comprehensive exploration of the natural history and management of trees and woodlands. This course is a series of illustrated lectures and field excursions. You’ll be visiting some of the finest ancient woodlands in Suffolk and Essex. There will also be a visit to Staverton, one of the finest medieval parks in England.

Within reach of Flatford there is a rich variety of ancient woodland. Much of the time will be spent in the field, discussing woods in terms of their history, the effects of past management, their current and future management. During the week we hope to visit Hatfield Forest, Cressing Temple Barns, Bradfield Woods, Arger Fen, Spouses Grove, Bonny Wood, Chalkney Wood, Frithy Wood and Staverton Park. A programme for the week will be available on the first evening. There will be evening lectures to introduce and complement the field excursions.

The course, although directed towards woodland management, will also cover how native woods are managed and perpetuated. It will look at coppicing and other management practices and ride management; the reproduction of trees; Parkland and ancient tree management, tree decline and premature deaths. This course will be of interest to woodland owners, managers, foresters, contractors, parkland owners, owners and managers of ancient trees, historians, biologist, and anyone concerned with the management and conservation of woodlands. This course is run in memory of Professor Oliver Rackham who led the course for many years.

To find out more, please visit our website: https://www.field-studies-council.org/courses-and-experiences/static-courses/ancient-trees-of-the-british-landscape/

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