Ashmans Wood

Welcome to Ashmans Wood

Ashmans Wood is a new woodland that we have planted under the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) overseen by the Forestry Commission. Covering 2.1 hectares, we’ve planted 19 UK native species—Oak, Holly, Hornbeam, and more, to ensure year‑round interest.

Note: While Horse Chestnut and Sycamore aren’t strictly native, they are now naturalised and enhance woodland diversity.

The First Year 2024

Over the past year, Ashmans Wood has shown strong growth across most tree species, with particularly healthy growth from the Horse Chestnut and Willow trees.

Chestnut growth

We have seen new wildflowers starting to appear and a good mix of different grasses. We have also noticed a good variety of birds and especially butterflies and bees. Birds that have been noted include :

We will try and keep a note of any newer birds if they appear. Wildlife has started to make a home inbetween the saplings, noticeably a pair of partridges and some hares. Unfortunately, we are also seeing some interest from larger deer as well, resulting in quite a lot of damage to the Cherry and Willow trees this spring.

Cherry Damage

The rate of failures for the first year has been quite low at less than 4% of all trees planted. The long and wet spring in 2024 really helped to establish the saplings and the mild winter did not seem to provide too much of an issue. All the failed saplings were replaced before end of February 2025.

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The Trees

Each sapling is planted 2.5 m apart and protected in green tree guards shielding them from rabbits, pigeons, and deer for the first 3–5 years. The tubes also act like mini‑greenhouses, aiding upward growth.

Taller species occupy the centre, with smaller trees around the perimeter, creating a graduated treeline. Species selection matches soil moisture—White Willows in the wet northeast corner, for instance.

We aimed to design for multi-seasonal interest: blossom in spring, lush texture in summer, vibrant colour in autumn.

  • Spindle
  • Dogwood
  • Blackthorn (Sloe)
  • Hawthorn
  • Hazel
  • Field Maple
  • Holly
  • Common Alder
  • Small‑Leaved Lime
  • Hornbeam
  • Beech
  • Aspen
  • Wild Cherry
  • English Oak
  • White Willow
  • Horse Chestnut
  • Sycamore
  • Walnut
  • Silver Birch
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Care & Recycling

At each tree’s base is a plastic mulch mat to suppress weeds and retain moisture. No manual watering is needed, as roots access groundwater.

Tree guards and mats will be collected and recycled later. Plastic pegs biodegrade after 5‑7 years and don’t require removal. Failed saplings will be replaced during the first five years; after that, nature takes its course.

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Tobitt’s Farm (Historical Site)

The roadside area by the hedge and gate remains unplanted. It marks the former medieval/post‑medieval Tobitt’s Farmstead, a protected site per Maldon District Council. It must remain undisturbed for potential archaeological survey.

Ashmans Wood Google
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Further Reading

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Contact Us

Email us with any questions or comments:

info@ashmans‑wood.co.ukRef: Google Map Image