CCFG visit to Morton Hall

By invitation from Andrea Mason

THEME:

The Morton Hall Estate woodlands comprise some 86 ha located to the west of Retford in north Nottinghamshire. They originate from nineteenth and twentieth century plantations on marginal agricultural land.

Our main management objectives are:

1) To maintain and enhance the landscape values of the woodlands;

2) To increase the production of quality timber;

3) To increase biodiversity value and to conserve existing ecological features;

4) To increase woodland resilience against the impacts of climate change and other hazards;

5) To manage the woodlands to make a profit.

CCF type regimes were introduced into the management of old broadleaved stands at Morton over 40 years ago. We use a system of small gap plantings to introduce structural and species diversity. We have a wide range of species present in the stands and use the tree collection in the pinetum to help advise potential future plantings of alternative species. We also use ESC climate predictions to attempt to future-proof our plantings. Control of browsing animals since the 90’s has increased natural regeneration in many parts of the woodlands.

For more information please see this link to a Quarterly Journal of Forestry article. 

Rendezvous time – 9.30 hrs, Saturday 16^th May 2026

Meeting point – Morton Hall Woods, nr Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 8HW.

Carpark facilities – There is one toilet near the carpark. 

Terrain – The walking is mostly on well-managed rides. There is a possibility of car-sharing to visit the second location. 

What to bring – Suitable in-forest footwear and waterproofs. For biosecurity, please ensure footwear is clean before arrival.

Lunch and drink – As we will be picnicking in the forest, please bring your own lunch, drink and snack requirements. 

Finish time – Back to the carpark by 16.00 hrs.

Booking – is essential. To allow for good discussion and facilitate logistics, places at the meeting will be limited in number. Priority will be given to CCFG members, and there will be a waiting list if numbers exceed this so please let us know if you cannot make it. To book, please click this link. 

For any queries, please contact Polly Spencer-Vellacott, CCFG Administrator. 

CCFG visit to Fingle Woods, Devon

By invitation from the Woodland Trust

THEME:

An opportunity to discuss the early stages of the transformation to CCF as part of the woodland restoration project at Fingle Woods. We believe we have selected a number of stops to demonstrate how a well-managed conversion from a partially neglected conifer plantation to a more structurally varied woodland and ecologically diverse habitat can be achieved. We are at the initial stages of that conversion but it’s a good time to discuss the speed of that conversion and how the blend of economic and ecological factors are influencing that speed, as well as the impact that the topography and deer pressure have on its success.

For more information please download a map of the visit and Fingle Woods CCFG visit programme. 

Rendezvous time – 9.30 hrs, Thursday 23rd April 2026

Meeting point – Fingle Woods

Carpark facilities – We would like to share vehicles during the day to reduce vehicles. Please indicate during booking if you have a vehicle that is 4WD or with high ground clearance and you would be willing to drive it with others. Composting toilets are available at the meeting point. 

What to bring – Suitable in-forest footwear and waterproofs. For biosecurity, please ensure footwear is clean before arrival, although a biosecurity station will be set up for cleaning on arrival. 

Lunch and drink – As we will be picnicking in the forest, please bring your own lunch, drink and snack requirements. 

Finish time – Back to the carpark by 16.00 hrs.

Booking – is essential. To allow for good discussion and facilitate logistics, places at the meeting will be limited in number. Priority will be given to CCFG members, and there will be a waiting list if numbers exceed this so please let us know if you cannot make it. To book, please use this link. 

For any queries, please contact Polly Spencer-Vellacott, CCFG Administrator. 

Date:	Thursday 19th March 2026
Location:	Online over Zoom
Description:	The 2026 AGM will be on Thursday 19th March 2026 at 4pm. All members are warmly invited to attend.
Booking:	You can book to attend the AGM HERE
Contact:	You may pass on your apologies to administrator@ccfg.org.uk.