Hazel Hill Wood

Recently I had the chance to visit the magical Hazel Hill Wood

Hazel Hill wood, near Salisbury, is a 70 acre ancient woodland plus wildflower meadow.

The setting is completely off the grid with electricity from photo-voltaic systems, compost toilets, running water from a ground water capture system and heating powered by wood burning stoves.

On set dates throughout the year they hold volunteer conservation days and family conservation weekends. A few weeks ago I spent the day there, doing a mammal survey.

On arrival Charley met us and with a map in hand we set off around the self-guided paths which twist and turn through the mixture of oaks, beech and ash trees.

Back at the The Oak house, once we had a quick bite to eat and familiarised ourselves with the area, we set off again on a more structured walk of the wood.

During the day we spotted one hare, 2 fallow deer, a herd of 6 Roe deer and 2 Muntjac deer.

Mid-afternoon we met back up with Charley and a few volunteers that were working in over in Wild West area. Charley had brought along a stove to make hot drinks, as well as cake. Much needed after a a few hours wildlife surveying.

It was a great day and if you fancy volunteering at Hazel Hill Wood – here’s the link – http://www.hazelhill.org.uk/volunteer-conservation-days/

The Round House where you can sleep undercover.

The Oak House

The Forest ark. One of the places you can stay.

Charley lighting the stove

Badger snuffle holes

Yellow Staghorn fungi