Oaks and Shires event at Babbs Mill

WORKING HOOF AND NAIL: Tan Tan has been helping
manage the woodland in North Solihull this week.
Photo/Landscape Solihull

STORM-force winds earlier this week were responsible for a fair bit of "woodland management."
But conservationists can't just rely on autumn gusts to keep overhanging branches in check and heavy horses still play an important part in clearing timber.
Weighing up to a tonne, the sturdy beasts of burden can move wood equivalent in weight to a double-decker bus in the space of a single day.
They're still called upon today because of the problems of using modern machinery on boggy ground or in locations where trees grow especially densely.
Today local people can visit Babbs Mill/Yorks Wood and find out more about the part that the animals play in managing woodland.
There will also be traditional crafts such as willow weaving, children's activities and hot and cold refreshments.
The event runs until 3pm this afternoon (Saturday). Public access via the Babbs Mill car park, off Fordbridge Road.