Karl Curtis from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust recently led a guided walk around Oakley Wood, talking about woodland management. Here is Liz Sheehan’s report of the event…

On a bright, dry October 22nd Karl led two walks in Oakley Woods. After some refreshments he took Warwickshire Wildlife members on an introductory tour along the main paths.

Later he led a second walk for Friends of Oakley Wood members and friends. Karl talked about the benefits of woodland management, which in the long term makes woodlands resilient to climate change and disease. He explained how healthy woodland supports wildlife, some of which we saw, including Fly Agaric toadstool and the Dor beetle (one of Britain’s largest dung beetles). The latter is one of Karl’s favourites and performs an important function for those pets whose owners forget their doggie bags!

Karl emphasised the need for long term planning and defended the recent tree felling and ride widening projects, with the resulting muddy paths and increased bramble growth, as an inconvenience to be borne for the sake of future generations of people and wild life.

We enjoyed the leaf colours. About 35 of us walked including little ones in push chairs to older friends who might be receiving pensions.