|
 The Bluebell Wood is approximately 2 acres of mature woodland located in the centre of Crowborough.
Visitors will see a spectacle of native bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta if they visit the site during their flowering season in April/May.
The site is flat and makes a pleasant short walk having a 1km circular path running around the site. Much of the woodland canopy is composed of mature oak and there is a variety of others smaller trees, shrubs and flora.
In the aeriel photograph you can see that the wood is located between Waitrose car park and Crowborough Library with Old Mill Court and King's Court for neighbours.
The Site’s History
The site is owned by Wealden District Council’s Housing assets department but is currently managed by Crowborough Town Council’s Ranger Emma Newman with the help of volunteers from Crowborough Conservation.
Work began in 2009 with management of trees and invasive species and control of bramble/path clearance. A number of benches were installed in 2010 for use by the many people who escape to the site from neighbouring flats or for peace and quiet during their lunch breaks.
The 2006 ecological survey highlighted the features of most ecological value as:
• Mature trees, especially those with ivy-clad trunks, dead branches, crevices and flaps of loose bark, which can provide roost sites for bats
• Fallen and standing deadwood, which is valuable for a range of wildlife
• Typical woodland wildflowers such as bluebell, pignut and wild daffodil
• Potentially good bird-nesting habitat in trees and shrubs.
• A range of plant species rich in nectar and pollen that can provide food for invertebrates (such as butterflies and bees) and small mammals.
Threats to the site
The obvious threat to the site is the fact that it sits in a prime town centre location for development. Crowborough Town Council’s management agreement with Wealden District Council expires on March 31st 2013.
|
