Virtual Field Trips
Dell Quay to Chichester Marina
5. Salterns Copse
One of the attractive features of the harbour is
the old oak woodland which comes down to the
shore.
Oak Leaves
Salterns Copse
Salterns Copse
Many areas of the harbour would once
have been like this but now there are only
small patches of woodland left. One of these
is Salterns Copse and another is Old Park
Wood on the other side of the channel.
Click here for more information on woodland
Alongside Salterns Copse runs Salterns Way which is a cycle path between the centre of Chichester and West Wittering. This provides a way for people to enjoy the harbour without needing to use their cars. This reduces the pollution and congestion around the harbour.
Hazel Leaves
Fencing
Fencing
Before people were able to manufacture plastics and other synthetic materials, wood was a very important material. It was strong yet flexible, long lasting and could be cut to almost any shape. Oak and hazel trees were particularly important.
Oak trees provided the quality of wood that was needed for shipbuilding.
Hazel trees were coppiced which meant their stems were cut down every ten years. New shoots grew up from the base providing many thin stems that were suitable for things such as fences, posts, brooms and other household items. They were also processed to make charcoal, which was an important fuel.
Wood Anemones
Primroses
Coppiced Woodland
Coppiced woodland provides a variety of habitats within the wood that encourages a wide range of wildlife. Most woodland flowers bloom in spring before the leaves on the trees come out and block the light.
Primroses and wood anemones flower in areas that have been recently coppiced because the sunlight is able to reach the woodland floor.
Carpets of bluebells are a wonderful sight.
Worm
Animal Life
Below the soil and among the leaf litter, many insects feed on dead and decaying leaves. This helps them to decompose and releases the nutrients back into the soil for other plants to use. Worms, wood lice and millipedes feed on organic matter whilst spiders and centipedes feed on other insects.
Great Spotted Wood Pecker
Woodland Birds
The trees are home to many species of woodland birds such as woodpeckers, blue tits and wood pigeons. In summer, insect eating birds migrate here from other places such as blackcap and chiff chaffs.
Explore more information on woodlands
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