Netherclay Community Woodland, Bishop’s Hull, Taunton
Grid reference: ST 207 252
Access: By the footpath Near Netherclay House, or from the layby on Netherclay, off
The woodland area is easily accessible by wheelchair users and pushchairs, although the established footpath along the southern river bank is more difficult with a tricky footbridge to negotiate to get to it.
Parking: There is parking for about 2 cars in the layby.
Description
The following is taken from the Taunton Deane Website:
“The site comprises agricultural land purchased in April 2003 by the Borough Council with grant aid from 'Entrust' and support from Bishops Hull Parish Council for the establishment of a Community Woodland.
The land is fairly level and comprises of mainly rye grass and thistles The northern and western boundaries are formed by new fencing and hedging, the eastern boundary by a well established hedgerow adjacent to the lane and the southern boundary by the River Tone. The land is well served by several public rights of way. The Council has planted small native trees on the land in early 2004 with the help and cooperation of local residents. Species include oak, ash, lime, black poplar, dogwood, hazel, guelder rose, wayfaring tree and alder buckthorn. This planting has been generously supported by the Forestry Commission under the Woodland Grant Scheme.
Little is known about the site's existing fauna and flora at present, although it is known locally that otters and badgers visit the site.”
My updates:
12 July 2007 : I have only recently discovered this site and it seems to have much potential – it’s rather like a little bit of the Quantocks right on the edge of town.
The photographs below were taken in July, 2007.
The planted woodland area is beginning to mature, with trees up to 2.5m tall, and currently resembles a birch/hazel sere in a succession from grassland to woodland. As such it is at present a good site for warblers. Whitethroat and chiffchaff abound and can be heard singing. Other bird species present in reliable numbers are: bullfinch, greenfinch and chaffinch; blue, great and long-tailed tits; robin; dunnock; blackbird; song thrush. The mature hedgerow on the eastern boundary holds willow warbler and blackcap. House martin and swallow feed low over the River Tone.
I will add to this as I get more familiar with the site, including mammal and insect information.
View towards the Netherclay layby
View north
More information: http://www.somersetwildlife.org/news_208.php
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