Tulgey Woods is a magical woodland in the heart of the city of Plymouth.

Management Objectives

Management Objective 1. To enhance and maintain the wildlife value of the woodland and associated habitats.

Management Objective 2. To permit public access for the purpose of informal recreation whilst not degrading the nature conservation interest of the site.

As we move forward, we would like to:

• continue to care for the wildlife.
  
  
• provide a welfare facility for volunteers and visitors.
  
  
• plant an orchard with companion planting, following permaculture principles.
  
  
• open the woodland to nice people by providing paths, benches and controlled access.
  
  
• promote use of the woodland assets, from chopping firewood to whittling spoons and creating custom art instillations.
  
  
• host seasonal events and guided tours.
  
  
• provide outdoor exercise facilities.

Tulgey Woods Spring Update 20019

Management Objective 1. To enhance and maintain the wildlife value of the woodland and associated habitats.

We are very happy to report that there has been a noticeable increase in wildlife activity since our work here began four years ago.

The coppicing and bracken management have lead to an increase in flowers and the insects that feed on them. The sparrow hawk now has a clear run through most of the length of the woods but he's quick so you have to be lucky to spot him. The owl has returned (so we hear) and the buzzards are now a daily spectacle, either circling high over the bracken free fields or perching on their new favourite vantage point - the dead elder at the top of the main field. We saw our resident foxes mating in the twilight some weeks ago and so we look forward to new arrivals if all goes well. This increase in the carnivores bodes well as it suggests their food sources are healthy.

We have planted several hundred native trees and a few surprise, feature trees as well as a small orchard.

We have identified two locations perfect for wildlife ponds and hope to have them both cleared, lined and filled by the autumn rains this year.  We feel we are on target with this management objective and look forward to watching the results emerge from the work we have done.

Management Objective 2. To permit public access for the of informal recreation whilst not degrading the nature conservation interest of the site.

We had hoped to be able to create paths and provide public access throughout the woods this year. Unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful in attracting quite enough volunteers to complete this work. The paths are only about 30% done and so short of an influx of strong volunteers or bringing a mini digger onto site, we estimate it will take us at least another two years to finish this by hand.

We continue to suffer vandalism on the bottom path and continue to find evidence of the woods being used for drug dealing and possibly other nefarious purposes. Our concern is that as we add paths and seating, this will attract more objectionable use. We are still considering our options on how to overcome this and we may need to resort to more robust fencing to secure the path and woods. Until we have resolved this situation, access to the wider woods continues to be restricted to donators and volunteers only.

On a positive note, litter and dog mess have all but disappeared since we closed the southern, Seymour Road exit with just the occasional incident spoiling things. A big thank you to the dog walkers for being responsible owners. You know who you are.

Our very best thanks go to our volunteers who have made the biggest jobs smaller and made the impossible, possible; Ashley, Justine, Pete, Ethan, Milo, Bradley, Owen, Thomas, Nick, Chris, Scarlet, Alfie and Tray.

If you have any concerns or see anything suspicious in Tulgey Woods, please let us know.

Sid and Sam Remmer 07779 000027