Oxenhall’s Woodlands

Drawing on his memories and experience as Chief Forester for the woodlands of Oxenhall and its surroundings, John Anderson recalled in 2013 the evolution of forest management over the previous century.

From the felling of broadleaved trees in the 1960s, to the planting of fast-growing conifers for pit props in the mines, he remembers the more recent returning of woodland to its natural state. This can benefit  people and wildlife but also include timber production. He also recalls the older ways of forestry before the 1960s. 

Maps from the Onslow Estate pre-1913 and working maps from the 20th century and photographs of the foresters, their tools and machinery are included as well as the threats to the future of our beautiful woodlands…