Autumn in Pheasant Copse, Leconfield Estate, Petworth

Leader: Neil Humphris (Leconfield Estate Head Forester)

This site was of particular interest as it is mainly commercial woodland but managed in a way that encourages wildlife. In addition to timber, shooting and fishing were commercial activities in the woodland, so the group was intrigued to find out how all this was accommodated.

The woodland consisted of plots with different mixtures of tree species. Plots that had been clear-felled were left “fallow” for a while, and were used by Nightingales and fritillary butterflies. Native tree species included the uncommon Wild Service, and the wild population was being enhanced by planting saplings.

Red Kites and Buzzards were seen patrolling the woods, and around the fishing ponds there were late-season dragonflies and a basking Red Admiral.

There was a fungal bonanza in one plot of Beech, where the ground was spangled with red brittlegills, grey species of Tricholoma and Hedgehog Mushrooms. Later, we were to find the uncommon “Wrinkled Peach” Rhodotus palmatus growing on a stacked Ash trunk – unusual as this attractive fungus normally grows on elm.
Towards the end of our circuit we were shown a patch of woodland in which the floor was carpeted with white sheets. These were for collecting acorns: a supplier of tree seeds paid very good money for them, as this was reckoned to be a top-quality stand of Sessile Oak.
Pheasant Copse was clearly a site that earnt money in many diverse ways, so it was pleasing that this happened in parallel with consideration to flora and fauna.
A rare opportunity to visit an area of the Estate not open to the public. Trees should be in autumn foliage.