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"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s (and women’s) hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. " Robert Louis Stevenson The WoodlandThe Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) were first planted by Henry James Pye in the 1780s. They form the outer ring. Some of the original Scots Pine still exist, so are more than 200 years old. It is said they are some of the best Scots Pine in the south of the British Isles.
The trees around the tower are broadleaf trees. Majestic Beech, Sweet Chestnut and Sycamore as well as oak, ash, rowan, cherry. Many wild flowers and plants can be found. These are just a few.
and in the Autumn some fabulous fungi
In 2018 Julia Haynes carried out a plant survey at the Folly. She found over 70 plant species
September 2018 survey |
The Folly Woodland is privately owned by the Faringdon Folly Tower Trust.
It is not public land but we allow the general public to have permissive access. Dogs are welcome in the woodland. Please pick up after your dog. The dog bins are at the start of each path. The fields surrounding the Folly woodland are private property and farmed by a local farmer. Please keep off. There are many bird species living in the woodland, and others visit as they migrate.
In 2015 Noah Walker, Faringdon carried out a British Trust for Ornithology Survey ( BTO). His pictures and list of birds can be found on BTO Survey page.
Woodland Development
In the Spring of 2011, with funding from Community Spaces, over 80 young pine trees and over 100 shrubs and deciduous trees were planted. These will improve the biodiversity of the woodland as they grow and mature. Gaps in the outer ring of Scots Pine now have new trees and more species of deciduous trees have been planted in the inner ring. Over 200 shrubs- hawthorn, hazel, dog rose, blackthorn- have also been planted. All to encourage the flora and fauna. Woodland management plan |
