Find out more about volunteering opportunities and activities. 

How to get involved

Navigating Funding Streams and Shaping the Future Work of Our Project.

Oak sapling 

Funding Streams and Future Work

Funding streams and future work will involve a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, seeking new funding streams and &nbsp;supporting ongoing activities.A finance plan will seek to ensure the availability of funding for project maintenance. This plan may include a combination of funding sources, such as grants, donations, partnerships with environmental organisations, and potentially, contributions from Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) credits.A new Forestry Commission Management Plan is being developed to guide the long-term management of the three ancient woodlands. This plan will outline strategies for sustainable forest management, habitat conservation, species recovery, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing resilience to climate change. Co-production with the Friends Groups and the community will play a key role in implementing and overseeing the management plan.The management plan will align with the new Local Nature Recovery Plan, which outlines the broader conservation and restoration priorities for the local area. By integrating with this plan, the project can contribute to the overall ecological recovery efforts and benefit from potential funding opportunities or collaborative initiatives.

The successful 2022 bid for the Rewild London Fund helped us deliver the following:1. Monitoring: to assess the progress and effectiveness of the project&#39;s outcomes. This involves tracking biodiversity indicators, habitat health, and community engagement levels. The monitoring progress was overseen by the project team, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.2. Fixed Point Photography: a monitoring tool to capture visual evidence of changes in the project sites over time. This technique helps track habitat development, vegetation growth etc.3. Community-Led Days: engaged local communities in ongoing conservation efforts, habitat management activities, and data collection. By involving the community, the project ensured a sense of ownership and continued stewardship.

Read about ecological data and the wonderful key wildlife species.

Ecology and Wildlife Data

Ecological Data  and Wildlife Species

Learn about some of the key species in the ancient woodland.

Lesser spotted woodpeckerUK Conservation status: RedThe smallest and rarest of the three woodpecker residents in the UK.<ul><li>Breeding 2008 -2019 in woodlands, Haringey&nbsp;</li><li>Seen 2021 in a woodland, Haringey</li></ul>

Tawny OwlUK Conservation status: Amber&nbsp;Round head and round body, this owl &nbsp;can be heard in late autumn through winter in the night. They stay in their territory once established.&nbsp;<ul><li>Breeding 2008 Queen&#39;s Wood</li><li>Breeding 2019 Coldfall Wood</li></ul>

HedgehogRecords show a population of hedgehogs are using the ancient woodlands. They need piles of leaves or thick undergrowth to hibernate in winter.&nbsp;

Slow wormThe slow worm is a legless lizard, neither a worm nor particularly slow except when hibernating. They are much smaller than a snake and can blink with their eyelids. Deadwood habitat in the woodland can support them.

The rufous-shouldered longhorn beetle needs decaying wood, fungi and flowers, especially hawthorn.<ul><li>Seen in May 2021 Coldfall Wood</li></ul>

Lacquered BracketThis saprophytic fungi is also known as Ling Zhi (China) and Reishi (Japan).&nbsp;<ul><li>Last seen in Queen&#39;s Wood on 11/11/2015</li></ul>

Broad-leaved HelleborineA tall woodland orchid. The nectar can contain a kind of alcohol due to a fungus. Some bees and wasps can get &#39;intoxicated&#39; after visiting the flowers. Species data provided by Greenspace Information for Greater London CIC (2022)

<a class="fr-green" href="https://www.haringey.gov.uk/contact/privacy-statement">Privacy statement</a>

Read about the details of the Rewild London Grant project: Haringey's Ancient Woodlands 

Rewild Project - Ancient Woodland

Following the successful bid for the Rewild London Fund, Haringey has commenced ambitious plans to restore three ancient woodlands within the borough: Bluebell Wood, Coldfall Wood, Queen&rsquo;s Wood and Highgate Wood.<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1682009994/projects/64415d8037ebefbdcd3214b7/igzatzl8mwdlsh5vkdql.jpg" alt="Trees in Haringey's Ancient Woodland" class="fr-fic fr-dii">This partnership project involve the collection of evidence on the condition and quality of these woodlands through surveys and data analysis. These findings will then inform short term management objectives that can act as stepping-stones to deliver longer-term goals (20-30 years) to be laid out in new a 10 year management plans for each wood. This evidence will also be shared with GiGL to integrate into their London wide datasets.<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1682013203/projects/64415d8037ebefbdcd3214b7/vwkepwjzdkclcnoy1gv7.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Supporting the Council&rsquo;s declaration of a Climate Emergency, many of these management objectives will work to increase the resilience of these woods to the impacts of climate change and ecological degradation. By managing the carbon footprint of the woodlands, protecting and promoting biodiversity, and helping to educate everyone in Haringey about their value, we hope to make great enhancements to the overall sustainability of the sites.

Throughout the project, we promoted community participation along with a range of volunteering opportunities to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife, climate change and wellbeing and to increase green skills amongst locals. Another major aim of the project is to provide inclusive woodlands that all communities in Haringey can benefit from, so that usage and enjoyment of our woodlands reflects the communities living in Haringey.

TCV Family Day - Ancient Woodland Chanllenge

During July &amp; August and October half term 2022, TCV ran the Ancient Woodland Challenge &ndash; Family Day sessions which lasted 2 hours.

The events aim to get children from local schools to engage with and experience the sites. Children and their families were taught about the woods, their soils as well as the plants and animals that live there.&nbsp;

Five challenges to learn about/look after the woods are provided for the children to complete and included leaf art, litter picking, woodland health check, nature storytelling, mini-habitat building. After completing the challenges, the children pledged to be Ancient Woodland Protectors and are given a wooden medal to decorate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Other members of the public who are using the woods are also engaged. In total, 232 people including 121 children participated in the family engagement days in three woodlands.&nbsp;

Soil Survey 

Read about soil survey conducted in 2022<a href="https://haringeyancientwoodland.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/soil-survey/step1"> here</a>

Ecological Data

Read about ecological data analysis <a class="fr-green" href="https://haringeyancientwoodland.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/ecology-and-wildlife-data/step1">here</a>

Introduction to three ancient woodlands in Haringey - Bluebell Wood, Coldfall Wood and Queens's Wood. 

Haringey's Ancient Woodlands

Ancient Woodlands in Haringey

Woodlands are home to a wealth of wildlife. Centuries of undisturbed soils, mature native trees and accumulated dead and decaying wood have created the perfect environment for communities of fungi, insects, birds and mammals, some of which are only found in ancient woodlands.Haringey contains four ancient woodlands; Queens wood, Coldfall wood, Bluebell wood and Highgate wood (which is managed by the City of London).

Bluebell Wood

Bluebell Wood is a small remnant of Tottenham Wood, just over an acre in size, which in 1619 covered 157 hectares of London. Dominated by sessile oak, the wood is home to a variety of wildlife including midland hawthorn and wild service tree &ndash; an ancient woodland indicator species.

Coldfall Wood

Coldfall Wood is an ancient woodland of around 14 hectares close to the western border of Haringey. The wood is predominantly oak standard above hornbeam coppice and contains streams that flow through the wood.

Queen's Wood 

Queen&rsquo;s Wood is an ancient woodland of 21.54 hectares. Designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1990, the wood is predominantly oak and hornbeam. The scarce wild service tree is scattered throughout the wood and ground flora is particularly rich for somewhere so close to central London.

Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity Conservation

A recent Habitat Condition Assessment review of our Ancient Woodlands highlighted in the SINC report described the woods as being &ldquo;in poor condition&rdquo; suffering from soil erosion due to the excessive footfall (leading to compaction and loss of flora) and flash flooding.Climate change is expected to have a number of impacts on UK forests including soil moisture deficits limiting growth in some areas; greater water table fluctuations limiting rooting depth and increase the risk of windthrow; tree disease and pest outbreaks; and greater risk of fire (2010, Forestry Commission research note).We are engaged with external partners such as the Woodland Trust and other experts to draft new management plans for these sites to put things in place to restore Haringey&rsquo;s Ancient Woodlands ensure their long-term protection. Council officers also work closely with &lsquo;Friends&rsquo; groups and volunteers under the guidance of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), to coordinate works such as coppicing and the clearance of invasive species.Haringey Council seeks to develop its Ancient Woodland strategies for habitat restoration and flood management to include within the new Management plan and should consider;<ul type="disc"><li>Coppicing: The benefits to overall plant diversity by the introduction of coppicing regimes (Bevan 1992) will lead to an increase in the availability of deadwood and a greater diversity of habitat, especially for invertebrates.</li><li>Protection: In addition to coppicing activities, consideration should be given to protecting areas of woodland. The use of dead-hedging but in areas immediately adjacent to access points, more robust fencing types are likely to be needed as these are the areas experiencing the greatest damage.</li><li>Education: An opportunity to provide education to the role of coppicing and the reason for fencing certain areas.</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Dog-walking: Dog walking was evident as a major source of recreational pressure.</li></ul>

We are fencing small areas to help restore the soil and habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy. 

Conservation Areas

We are fencing small areas to help restore the soil and habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy.&nbsp;Ancient woodlands take many centuries to develop. They are home to irreplaceable wildlife but only 2% of UK ancient woodlands remain. Our ancient woodlands suffered from hugely increased footfall. By fencing heavily trampled ground we create Conservation Areas for flora and precious soil organisms. Reduced trampling will allow plants, young trees, and mycelia to grow back, providing habitat and food for birds, invertebrates and small mammals.

Location of the Conservation Areas

Benefits of the Conservation Areas

Restore: Wood Anemones and other ancient woodland plants.Benefit: Mycorrhizal fungi, such as Bluefoot Bolete, link to tree roots in healthy soil.&nbsp;Help: Hedgehogs foraging and hibernating in the undergrowth and leaf piles.&nbsp;

Find out more about improvement of soil condition <a href="https://haringeyancientwoodland.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/soil-survey/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>

To find out more about the woods, the activities taking place in them and how to get involved, please go to these respective webpages and social media:

Get involved

To find out more about the woods, the volunteering and family activities taking place in them and how to get involved, please go to these respective webpages and social media:&nbsp;

<ul id="isPasted"><li>Friends of Queen&rsquo;s Wood &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fqw.org.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.fqw.org.uk/</a></li><li>Friends of Bluebell Wood &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BluebellWoodLondon/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BluebellWoodLondon/</a></li><li>Friends of Coldfall Wood &nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://coldfallwoods.co.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://coldfallwoods.co.uk/</a></li><li>TCV, Haringey &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tcv.org.uk/london/haringey/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.tcv.org.uk/london/haringey/</a></li><li>LB Haringey &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haringey.gov.uk/environment-and-waste/nature-and-conservation/conservation/ancient-woodlands" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.haringey.gov.uk/environment-and-waste/nature-and-conservation/conservation/ancient-woodlands</a></li></ul>

Explore the current condition of the soil and the opportunities and challenges. 

Soil Condition in Haringey's Ancient Woodlands

<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":1.2,"335562766":4,"335562767":0,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' id="isPasted" lang="EN-US" style="text-align: left;">All four woodlands are experiencing similar pressures of increasing foot traffic leading to loss or thinning of the litter layer&nbsp;in sensitive areas, i.e. steep slopes or areas of heaviest use or unsanctioned / desire paths.

<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":1.2,"335562766":4,"335562767":0,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' id="isPasted" lang="EN-GB">Resulting in direct loss of soil carbon storage and most diverse and dense microbial habitat.<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":1.2,"335562766":4,"335562767":0,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' lang="EN-GB">Indirectly results in soil compaction / surface smearing which reduces infiltration rates, increases surface water run off&nbsp;intensity which in turn drives further erosion and loss of litter layer.<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":1.2,"335562766":4,"335562767":0,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' lang="EN-US">Naturally shallow (relative to grasslands) topsoil layer within ancient woodland soils are vulnerable to erosion /&nbsp;compaction once exposed, highlighting the sensitivity of the soils within ancient woodlands.

<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":1.2,"335562766":4,"335562767":0,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' lang="EN-GB">Pockets of low disturbance were noted in all woodlands, which had the least degraded soil profiles with the thickest&nbsp;litter layers, least compaction and likely highest infiltration rates and capacity.<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":1.2,"335562766":4,"335562767":0,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' lang="EN-US">These soil profiles represent an upper level of quality (litter layer depth, microbial biodiversity and carbon content) that&nbsp;may be targets for areas of highest levels of degradation.

Woodland Soil Opportunities

<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":0.9,"335562766":4,"335562767":10,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' id="isPasted" lang="EN-US">Results indicate the site soils support a highly diverse population of micro organisms, fungi and bacteria .<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":0.9,"335562766":4,"335562767":10,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' lang="EN-US">Management practices should aim to maintain intact areas and limiting most damaging practices.

<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":0.9,"335562766":4,"335562767":10,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' lang="EN-US">Coppicing trials seem to be resulting in improved soil profiles, possibly indirectly due to the dense understory&nbsp;development due to increased light, limiting access.<p data-ccp-props='{"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559683":0,"335559685":360,"335559731":-360,"335559737":0,"335562764":2,"335562765":0.9,"335562766":4,"335562767":10,"335562768":4,"335562769":0}' lang="EN-US">Potential for improving awareness of importance of soil health to woodland health and the damage that can be caused&nbsp;by excess foot traffic, dogs digging holes and to encourage people to stick to the designated paths.

Volunteers expanding tree root and soil protection

There are a whole range of ways for you to be active, care for nature, meet your neighbours and enjoy and learn about the wildlife in the ancient woodlands! Follow the links below:<ul><li id="isPasted">TCV, Haringey &ndash; <a href="https://www.tcv.org.uk/london/haringey/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.tcv.org.uk/london/haringey/</a></li><li>Friends of Queen&rsquo;s Wood &ndash; <a href="https://www.fqw.org.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.fqw.org.uk/</a></li><li>Friends of Bluebell Wood &ndash; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BluebellWoodLondon/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BluebellWoodLondon/</a></li><li>Friends of Coldfall Wood &nbsp;&ndash; <a href="https://coldfallwoods.co.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://coldfallwoods.co.uk/</a></li><li>LB Haringey &ndash; <a href="https://www.haringey.gov.uk/environment-and-waste/nature-and-conservation/conservation/ancient-woodlands" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.haringey.gov.uk/environment-and-waste/nature-and-conservation/conservation/ancient-woodlands</a></li></ul>

Have your say on elizabeth place and what you would like to see! 

Events and Engagement Details 

Engagement Events 

<table class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 100%; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><tbody class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><tr class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 29.1606%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">Date</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 22.0894%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">Time</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 48.3682%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">Location</td></tr><tr class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 29.1606%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">18/01/2023</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 22.0894%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">1pm till 3pm</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 48.3682%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">Elizabeth Place, N15</td></tr><tr class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 29.1606%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">22/01/2023</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 22.0894%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">12 till 2pm</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 48.3682%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"> Elizabeth Place, N15</td></tr><tr class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;"><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 29.1606%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">27/01/2023</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 22.0894%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">11am till 1pm</td><td class="userway-s7-active" data-userway-s7-styled="true" style="width: 48.3682%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, serif !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">Elizabeth Place, N15 </td></tr></tbody></table>

TCV Volunteers installing tree root protection in Queens Wood