New Residents

Last night we set up two camera traps having noticed new earthworks in the arboretum! You can imagine how pleased we were when we saw the footage!!

Recent volunteer efforts at the Arboretum

The Arboretum’s volunteer programme has begun in earnest after the Christmas and new year break. Last year’s efforts saw a huge area of Rhododendron ponticum cleared, producing a fantastic new view of the bluebell wood. The year’s quota of planting within the wood was also undertaken with a diverse range of native species such as oak, field maple, hazel, spindle, guelder rose, wayfaring tree and crab apple planted. In time this will form an interesting mosaic of tall canopy trees with a mixed ‘shrubby’ understory.

Rhododendron clearance

Bluebell Wood planting

January’s work has been focused in the coppice, with an area of approximately 70m² of hazel cleared. The cleared material has produced stakes and binding rods (also known as Ethering), which will be used for this year’s hedge laying works.

Volunteers coppicing hazel

As always, a huge thanks to our volunteer team for all their hard work and I look forward to seeing you all on the last Wednesday of the month.

Please CLICK HERE for volunteering opportunities at the Harcourt Arboretum or alternatively email karl.ofthouse@obg.ox.ac.uk

Willow Weaving with Tom Hare

Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th February 2013 -  - 10:00am - 4:00pm

We're really excited that one of the first events of our 50th Anniversary year sees Tom Hare coming to the arboretum to run a course on willow weaving. Not only will you get the chance to learn the basics of willow weaving, your handy work will help towards developing an outdoor story telling "magic circle" which will be used for our school groups and visitors alike to come and enjoy.

If you only have one day to spare, that's absolutely fine, otherwise you can book for the full three days and see the structure come to life. The course runs Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th February, 10am - 4pm. Tickets are £60 per day and I would advise that you book soon as spaces are beginning to run out!

If you require any further details CLICK HERE or call on 01865 343501

Fern Gully

Catching some morning sun, whilst admiring Fern Gully

Despite the weather last week, the team has continued working hard, with Fern Gully being the focus of their efforts last Wednesday.  With Rich at the helm, he set about weeding, pruning and mulching Fern Gully, and as a result, it now looks fantastic. Whilst its covering in frost brought its own beauty and seasonal interest, this area will really come into its own come the spring! 

Welcome!

The Serpentine Ride

Welcome to the all new Harcourt Arboretum blog! As the blog develops, this will be the place to find out about the plants, people and exciting projects and more importantly, how you can get involved!