onionbagblog

Partly topical, partly observational: it’s only a new sign along the Wivenhoe Trail telling passers by all about Wivenhoe Wood.

Hurrah!

At least I *think* that this is a new sign. I’m usually peddling in my full flow when I pass the railway bridge, and so don’t normally take too much notice. Nice picture of a hedgehog, anyway.

With woods making the front-page headlines on printed pulp (oh the irony) right now, the sign serves as a timely reminder as to why we should cherish and protect Wivenhoe Wood with a great passion.

“Wivenhoe Wood is a beautiful remnant of our woodland heritage, managed for the enjoyment of the public and nature conservation. The area of public open space is managed by Colchester Borough Council.”

The history of Wivenhoe Wood is well documented in the excellent Sea Change oral history book. I was enlightened to find that the history of the fine Wivenhoe Society is actually entwined with Wivenhoe Wood and the plans to develop the site in the 1970′s.

Meanwhile, if you keep on cycling past the sign and the Wivenhoe Trail is slowly starting to recover from the rather severe haircut put in place by the Environment Agency. The track is hardening once again; the verges will recover when spring finally comes.

Now then - who can tell me when to expect the carpet of bluebells that I have heard so much about?