Cowdray forester Richard calls it a day

He joined the woods department, a team of 12, in 1979, and became a tractor driver, a role he enjoyed throughout his career.

He said he had always felt fortunate to work in a job he loved, and very much enjoyed the strong camaraderie among his workmates.

Cowdray forest manager Richard Everett said: “Richard has been an invaluable member of the team, and his forestry knowledge is second to none.”

This year Cowdray foresters have planted 59,000 trees to maintain high quality timber production as well as enhancing the landscape and conservation value of the woods on the estate.

Earlier this year, the woods department carried out tree felling and remedial work along the A286 at Henley between Midhurst and Fernhurst.

Defective trees were removed or cut back to make them safe and a large amount of scrub encroaching onto the road, was cut back to improve visibility on the busy main road.

The work was part of ongoing tree safety management carried out around the estate which extends to about 16,500 acres of which 36 per cent is woodland, three times the national average.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.