Hi all and welcome to our latest Smithills update Staffing Russ Hedley will be leaving us in July, after four years’ working on the project. Russ’s guided walks business has gone from strength to strength (and anyone who has been on one of his walks will not be...
Spring sees the emergence of bluebells, which are a beautiful addition to many of our woodlands. We invite everybody to enjoy this amazing floral spectacle which sees the woodland floor carpeted in vibrant blue flora. Langley Wood is one of the woods at Heartwood Forest...
Hello I wanted to let you all know that I have made the very difficult decision to leave the Trust and become the next CEO of the RSPB. I love the Trust deeply and have had the most amazing and wonderful time working with you all over...
We still have spaces on our next Scotland Volunteer gathering. It's at Portmoak Moss in Fife, and with the theme of biodiversity, we'll be hearing from members of Portmoak Moss Community Woodland Group, who look after the moss and are very knowledgeable about its ecology and...
The first Scotland volunteer networking event of 2019 was a great success. Fifteen volunteers, four members of staff and renowned arboriculturalist Donald Rodger shared the day together in the beautiful village of Garvald, at the Whittingehame Estate and Pressmennan Wood. After the usual update from me on volunteering...
Looking after your Mental Health It's Mental Health Awareness Week from 13-19 May 2019, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. Poor mental health can be an issue for people of any age and background. It can take many forms and be difficult for others to spot. It...
We have a number of fantastic wildlife monitor volunteers in the SE and there are many groups who are busily using their expertise to record the species found throughout the region. This important data collection supports our knowledge of the difference made by the work...
Another fine day if rather cold. A lot has happened since our last working party, the primroses have disappeared and the bluebells are in full splendour. It is good to see that the hawthorn we rather hacked around (unintentionally) two years ago in our efforts...
Heartwood Forest has been an accredited VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction since 2016, and this year saw another visit from the assessor to look at improvements made since then, and whether the site would remain an accredited attraction in the scheme… …Well, there was never any...
Dear northern volunteers! The past year of so has seen some big changes with our volunteering in the Trust and in the North region, with the introduction of a new framework for improved recruitment and risk management procedures, improved policies, and better information and communication. And...