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Goswell Brook

Hartford Heath, Beaulieu, New Forest
OS Map 196, Grid Ref SU389033 (Study Centre)
SO42 7YL
Client: Countryside Education Trust

Goswell Brook runs through the Beaulieu estate in a secluded valley. Yes, there is more to Beaulieu than just old cars! The lower reaches of the valley consist of an important wet mire system, whilst the upper reaches become heathland, both of which are very important but increasingly rare habitats. Our work here was initially focused on clearing invasive rhododendron and pine from the mires and heathland. This has been going well, and other groups are now continuing the work. We have also maintained and improved the paths and sleeper bridges which the Trust uses for outdoor activities.

Of recent times the focus has been to restore the coppiced area of ancient woodland around the study centre. This required the installation of some deer fencing to protect the young shoots, and the removal of birch which was threatening to engulf the buildings. There followed a more ambitious plan to protect a much larger area of coppice by installing 1200m of deer fencing, completed Spring 2010.

In April 2015 we replaced various dipping platforms so that they are safe to use by school-children attending the centre for pond dipping activities. Thanks to Karen and Mark for the pictures.

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Meet at 10am at the Study Centre. Follow signs to the Motor Museum. Go round the one-way system, through the No Entry sign at the top of the hill just short of the main buildings, and then round to the left up the gravel track. The Study Centre is about 400 yards on the right.

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See their website: Countryside Education Trust

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