The National Forest’s LANDshapes project interview with Steve Hodson

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LANt009 Steve Hodson
LANDshapes Oral History interview summary

Needwood - a quiet area untouched by modern changes?....Steve Hodson reminds us "there are a lot of large estates round this area", but that doesn't mean there hasn't been change. Listen to Steve explain about the difference between tied and rented houses, and how changes in agricultural practices have had an affect on the property market. Steve shares with us his pleasure seeing the changes The National Forest is bringing up 'Under the Needwood Tree'. Talking of his work in fencing, tree felling and hedging, he tells us about the landscape changes he has noticed in other areas of The National Forest, how some of the coal board sites around Burton-on-Trent have been transformed through planting and how he sees The National Forest developing over the next 20 years. Acrobatic hares and ancient oaks?... Well yes, but you have to make a living too, so Steve tells us about rearing pheasant, hunting and shooting, and the dwindling market for lower quality timbers.

Interviewer: Roger Kitchen.
Interview Date: 22/02/2005
Landshape Zone: Needwood
Parish: Newborough
Location: Newborough, Staffordshire,
Date of birth: 1954
Location of Original: Originals held with The National Forest Company.
Reference LANt009

Last updated: 15/9/2005
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