We have worked hard over the past 6 years in rewilding the woods, cleansing them of litter, creating coppiced glades, planting wildlife enhancing plants, reducing fires and vandalism, beating the bracken, placing nest boxes and building brash piles. Entirely made possible with the help of like minded volunteers.
So far so good.
Now it's time to shift up a gear and really make the difference.
One of our quiet successes has been the creation of a small pond, hidden under a butterfly bush in a seldom visited area, surrounded by a guard of brambles. We visit it no more often than once every couple of months and for the last two years it is clear that no one else has has disturbed it either. Badger and fox tracks reveal their presence and birds abound in the area feeding on the insects and enjoying the cool peace that the little pond provides.
For the Wildlife and For Us.
We would like to upscale the water feature within the woods by creating a larger pond with reeds and wildlife friendly planting. The new habitat will allow new species to survive which will interplay with the existing ecology, creating a richer, more diverse and stronger system. Such systems evolve to be more resilient and more able to cope with environmental change.
We hope that increased bird and wildlife sightings will promote a feeling of well being and pride in the local community.
For Education.
A small, but managed water flow will be required to keep the system healthy and sustainable. Our project will achieve this by using renewable energy to pump the flow.
We will use a mix of technologies to complement each other and act as a showcase for future innovation. Surplus generating power will be used to lift water to a retaining tank, from where it can be released later to recover that power, acting as an efficient natural battery. The electricity will also power wifi-connected wildlife video cameras within the woods that will stream their images online providing interest and education to all.
For You and Me.
The mindful solitude that can be gained by walking in a peaceful woodland has known, therapeutic benefits. Understanding this, we will make the woods accessible in this way, providing footpaths, signage and seating for those of us who may benefit.
About the Money
Until now the Tulgey Woods project was owned and funded by husband and wife, Sid and Sam Remmer. The next stage requires more resources than they can bring to bear and so the project has been given over to a Community Interest Company (CIC) in the hope that grants and kind donations may allow the project to succeed more quickly.
As a CIC, there is an asset lock in place meaning that all assets or funds raised must go towards the project.
Our directors are well known in the community and bring knowledge, vision, experience and integrity.