2001-02: Sheet Field Wood
In 2001 an area of rough land adjoining the playing field south of the Village Hall and allotments was being used at the time for bonfires and as a dumping area for rubbish. It was identified by the parish tree warden and others as an ideal location for the creation of a small community woodland. The land in question was owned by Waveney District Council who were very happy to give permission for a portion of it to be used in this way.
The tree warden made a successful grant application to the Tree Council in June 2001and additional funds for the project were supplied by the Parish Meeting. During the following winter, local landowners prepared the land to be ready for the 146 trees that were planted volunteers in February 2002. The wood was named Sheet Field Wood, the land being part of the larger field called Sheet Field on the tithe map of 1840.
Sheet Field Wood is composed of a diverse mix of trees and shrub species including ash, field maple, oak, hornbeam, large and small leaved limes, crab apple, hazel guelder rose wild cherry, wild pear and spindle. Located in the centre of the village Sheet Field Wood has become an attractive landscape and recreational feature, well used by parishioners. It also provides a valuable habitat for a range of woodland species.
In the years since it was planted the trees have grown vigorously and become rather crowded and shaded. The dense woodland canopy has been opened up, some coppicing done and a number of dead or dying trees felled and mature trees thinned or removed to create extra small glades. Some extra pathways are now maintained and mown periodically during the year to improve accessibility, while keeping the blackthorn under control is a continuing struggle.
