 |
Pound
Farm Wood
Pound
Farm was the first large-scale woodland creation project carried
out by the Woodland Trust and covers 90 hectares (223 acres) and
is open to the public. Planting started on the former arable land
in 1989 using 64,000 native trees that now cover more than half
of the site. Meadows have also been created using wild flower seed
mixes and 3 blocks of mature broad-leaved woodland have been incorporated
into the site. Many internal hedges have been replanted, 5 ponds
have been restored and a network of rides and paths provided for
public access.
There are two way marked routes around the wood; the yellow route
is a short circuit and the red route the longer one that I have
described here. There are several seats around the walks and by
the ponds, and, together with other items such as stiles and gates,
have been donated and bear plaques of dedication.
The mixed aged broad-leaved woodland, characteristic of local ancient
woodlands found on the heavier Suffolk soils, includes oak, ash,
hornbeam, field maple, small leafed lime and hazel. A variety of
habitats exist for wildlife such as high forest woodland, open spaces
in the form of rides and glades, large expanses of wild flower meadows
and ponds.
From the car park pass through the gate in the deer fence and walk
down the wide path ahead between the plantations, passing an information
board half way down the hill. Cross the stream at the bottom and
continue alongside mature woodland on the left. The yellow route
turns left here over a bridge into the trees if required.
For the red route continue on straight to the top to reach a large
pond, following the wide grass path around the back and on to a
long straight between the new plantations. At a cross roads of paths
just before passing under the electricity wires turn right at an
information board, following the red route. At the second path crossing
the path passes through a wide gap in the hedge to the start of
the extension loop. Either continue on around the loop and return
to the gap in the hedge or turn left before the gap to continue
the walk.
Areas of long grasses can be seen between the planted trees, it
is a very important habitat for many species which find refuge in
this dense habitat, including small mammals, reptiles and birds
such as field mice, shrews, grass snakes and skylarks.
Follow the wide path round to a point close to Pound Farm and a
pond. Bear right down across the meadowland towards the mature tree
belt and turn left along the edge of the trees to the end. Turn
right through a gateway into the next section of grass, heading
now for the white house ahead. Cross the access track to Pound Farm
and on to reach a footbridge over the stream. After crossing continue
on up the other side following the wide path uphill back to the
start at the car park.
A deer fence surrounds the site to protect the young trees whilst
they are growing and vulnerable to damage through browsing. The
meadows have been created using wild flower mixes and now supports
a wide variety of plant species, these are being managed for wildlife
through variations in cutting times to provide a variety of structures
of habitats. The practice of hedge lying has been carried out on
some of the hedges at an early stage, this will promote a thick
bottom to the hedge, which is important to wildlife, and to retain
livestock should the meadows be grazed in the future.
Information:
Start:
Pound Farm Wood car park, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 326636
Length: 2 1/2 miles with many short cuts
Conditions: grass paths, no stiles or steps
By Road: A12 north to Stratford St. Andrew, turn off left
for Great Glemham. In the village turn left after the Crown Inn
and follow signs for Pound Farm Wood (1 1/2 miles approx)
Car Parking: Pound Farm Wood free car park
Refreshments: The Crown Inn, Great Glemham
Map: Ordnance Survey Pathfinder sheet 212 Woodbridge and
Saxmundham
|
