No. 2 - BAEL’S ACRE

This field is called Bael's Acre, Bael being an ancient name for the devil. Sometimes fields were given this name if they contained unexplained earthworks - crop marks (differences in crop growth) do bear this out.

In the southeast corner of the field, to your right, we have planted a small Holly orchard: you will be able to buy this holly from our Christmas shop. Bael's Acre is also the site of our proposed wind generator trial. Another step in our efforts to create a zero carbon Burwash Manor.

Little Owls

In front of you can be seen a large, old, hollow Ash tree. A pair of Little Owls have raised their chicks here for the last few years and if you're quiet you may well see them perched outside sunning themselves, particularly in the evening.

Spinneys

A short detour (about half mile), around the edge of Bael's Acre will allow you to walk through this pretty belt.

The makeup of these spinneys is similar around the farm: the trees, mainly oaks (to grow on) and Ash (to be coppiced for firewood), are planted in the centre whereas the shrubby species, such as Dogwood and Spindle, are mostly planted on the outside, for shelter and warmth.

The species planted in our spinneys and hedgerows are drawn from a list of some 20 trees and shrubs; they are randomly planted to give as natural a feel as possible. This planting is assisted by our Environmental Stewardship agreement.

Historically, Burwash Manor has had no woodland, that we know of, and what few trees we had were mostly Elms - all lost in the 1970s, to Dutch Elm Disease.

Some 30 years ago, therefore, we resolved to establish small blocks of woodland all around the farm. We now have 14 such small copses and belts of various ages and sizes. The trees and shrubs behind you and the long belt of trees and spinney to your right (east) are two of these.