The woodland that sits at the junction of Wood Lane and Aylsham Road looks particularly spectacular on a sparkling early spring day. It has stood there for at least 200 years and acts as a kind of guardian to our little village as we approach up the gentle hill from Aylsham. On maps – including old maps – the wood is called Tuttington Plantations. It is mostly composed of deciduous trees but there are some conifers too. Some of the trees are quite elderly. Tuttington Wood is also home to a barrow or ancient burial site, on the south eastern corner. The barrow or tumulus might have been a burial site for the people of Tutta, the local chieftain who some say gave his name to our village.

But, all may not be well for our venerable wood. Within the last couple of years the wood was sold and a Forestry Commission felling licence has been granted extending to the whole area of the wood. The future plans for this lovely plot of woodland are not yet clear but most residents of Tuttington will have noticed that mature deciduous trees in an area of the wood to the north-west have already been felled. More trees have been removed along Wood Lane. Thinning of trees in mature woodland can sometime help rejuvenate the ecosystem as long as it is done properly. Complete removal of the trees at the north-west corner could not be described as thinning. It has already changed the atmosphere within the wood as you drive towards Aylsham. Even if the felled old trees are replaced by new samplings, it will be many decades before the wood regains its grandeur.

Let’s hope that the new owner of Tuttington Plantations understands its importance to local folk. I am sure the wood’s custodian has good intentions for the magnificent landscape near our homes. Perhaps the owner might consider getting in touch by email by following this link to the Hub to put our minds at rest.