Events · 25 November 2025
Sunday 14th December between 11:00 and 14:00 (weather permitting) An really popular event last year, when we enjoyed beautiful sunshine. This is an opportunity to take time to chat and enjoy hot drinks and mince pies in a beautiful setting, Take a look round the Copse with most of the leaves fallen and the architecture of our wonderful trees revealed. There will probably be the chance to purchase a few last-minute Christmas gifts, Hopefully we can pick some Holly and Ivy and you may wish to...
Community · 09 November 2025
Do you enjoy ‘The Watches?’ (Springwatch and Winterwatch). If so, and you are a regular viewer, you will know that each programme offers a ‘Mindful Moment.’ This is usually a short video of a peaceful scene or event. There are no voices, only natural sounds (water, birds, animals). Essentially it is all about the natural world, encouraging you to relax, even if only briefly, and to tune in to nature. A link to some examples of the science behind the benefits of taking time in nature is...
01 November 2025
Today a small group of us gathered at the Copse and planted a beautiful red-berried Rowan tree in honour and memory of my wonderful late husband, Allan. Massive thankyous to the skilled digging and planting team – Richard, Keiron and Ellis - the tree looks perfect just where it is. Thank you to Linda for organising the welcome hot drinks at the end, when we were more than a little wet (and some of us, very muddy). And thank you to Irene and Iona for being there. And Sam whose cold meant she...
Community · 16 March 2025
The Copse hosted a fantastic local cub scout troop on Sunday 16th March. Whilst the Copse is a usually a place of quiet and wildness, it was wonderful to see it come alive with enthusiastic young people and their scout leaders. So much energy and commitment.
18 June 2024
There was so much appreciation and enthusiasm for Hutchcomb‘s Copse when we held an Open Day on the 1st of June. Our small, two-acre wood was looking lovely, it’s wildness emphasised by Nettles and Cow Parsley alongside the animal tracks, and huge green canopies of leaves over our heads. We were delighted to raise money from entrance fees, teas and cakes, and received some generous donations. Thank you to everyone who kindly contributed, including by offering time and physical work in the...
17 May 2023
Our visit today included meeting a colleague from the Thames Valley Environmental Recording Centre (TVERC), introducing her to the Copse, and then enabling her to carry out a baseline survey. This Spring survey, along with a further one in late Summer, will help us to understand the trees, plant, and animal life in the Copse. We plan to invite species specialists to come and survey too – examples include Bat, Reptile and invertebrate groups. If you have survey experience and want to help at...
15 April 2023
A group of us spent a couple of pleasant hours in the copse - we were on a mission to lay reptile mats, identify birdsong, and look for butterflies. It seemed like the warmest day of the year so far. It was a perfect morning - the woodland floor had new growth including some baby nettles (they'll grow and get meaner no doubt!) but the paths were still easy to find and follow. The trees were just starting to come into bud. Hutchcomb's Copse seemed to be breathing in the sunlight and bursting...
25 March 2023
Saturday’s visit on March 25th marked the point when from this day forward, days are longer than nights. What wonders will we see as the season develops?
12 March 2023
With the meteorologists telling us spring had arrived it was good to see evidence of it in our most recent visit to the Copse. Lovely blue skies and sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for Hazel catkins. Hazel is abundant, previously being coppiced. Records from 1852 (see below), as well as 1870 and 1877 show that the coppiced wood (underwood) was a valuable commodity offered for auction. The coppiced stands are now grown tall again.