We welcome Hugh Milner to tell us about our wonderful Ancient Woodlands and trees on Friday 18th October. Sympathetic management of ancient woodland can create ecological impact, enhance biodiversity and benefit ancient trees. All welcome, Froyle Village Hall doors open 6.30pm, AGM starts at 7pm, talk starts 7.30pm, entrance free for members, £3 non-members, teas and coffee.

Hugh worked for many years at nearby Alice Holt for the Forestry Commission as Head Forester. He says ancient woods have been his passion for nearly 30 years, quite a transformation from his commercial career. Hugh has visited some of the woodlands in Froyle, many of which are SINCs (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation), see map.

Think of an ancient tree and words that might come to mind are gnarled, knobbly, huge, bent and hollow. These sorts of characteristics are just as important as the actual age of the tree. The Ancient Tree Forum has information about the descriptions of old trees, whether they are Ancient, Veteran, Heritage, Notable or Champion. All support a wide range of wildlife including fungi, invertebrate, lichens and birds. They are irreplaceable in our lifetime.

A 1771 survey of woodlands and coppices on sundry estates in Froyle can be viewed at the Hampshire Record Office, reference 49M68/172 or download .pdf (5MB). Locally there are no trees in Froyle mentioned in the Woodland Trust’s inventory. The nearest are the Yew in Bentley churchyard, girth 3.97m and the Neatham Manor Oak, girth 9.08m. It would be brilliant to find trees in Froyle that could be added to this national inventory.

2nd Oct update: Please note there is a change of speaker as Jon Stokes is unavailable.