Immediate Plans
Development and maintenance of the Community Woodland of ‘Mask Wood’ is fast becoming our most demanding and ‘core’ activity. During the course of this year, volunteers will regularly mow the Permissive Paths around ‘Mask Wood’; please keep to the mown paths to avoid causing damage to the species-rich grassland areas, which were cut in the late autumn and winter to promote wildflower growth.
As you walk around, you will see piles of coppiced branches which have been cut from Goat Willow, Hawthorn and Blackthorn, to prevent them shading-out wildflower growth. Yorkshire Dales Rangers have used some cut willow to plant in Westmorland Dales becks to counter erosion of banks. The remainder has been piled up to create habitat for invertebrates, as well as potential nest-sites for species like Dunnock and Winter Wren.
Application has been made for funding to create a pond in the field immediately south of ‘Mask Wood’ and to erect stock-proof fencing around part of that same field in readiness for additional tree-planting there; our hope is that planting will take place during next winter. Permissive Footpaths will be eventually be extended to the pond area and the additional woodland. We have also sought funding to install additional, ‘special’ nest boxes for species such as Kestrel, Nuthatch and Treecreeper, as well as for equipment to identify and monitor mammals using the woodland. It is also hoped that we may be able to install an ‘interpretation-board’ in ‘Mask Wood’ to provide more information on species to be found there.
And on your walks around the village of Great Asby, look out for our two demonstration ‘wildflower-plots’, to see how you could promote growth of wildflowers in your own garden. The established one is by the site of the former telephone box, next to ‘Stepping Stones’; the second will be on the bank of Asby Beck, close to the Almshouses.
If you would like to become part of the Volunteer Team maintaining and extending ‘Mask Wood’, as well as taking part in other planting opportunities as they emerge, please contact Asby Tree Group’s Secretary, Keith Cooper, at
