We are removing about 60 mature oaks from a Victorian plantation to allow the remaining trees to grow on and let more light onto the woodland floor. This will encourage plants such as bluebells and, at the same time, increase the natural regeneration of trees such as ash and field maple as well as younger oak trees.
The older oaks were taken out because they were planted around 100 years ago as a commercial crop. Consequently, they are tall and thin, with small crowns, even though fully mature. They are already starting to die off, so are unlikely to ever become ancient trees.
Some of the timber will be used to make the benches that the WT offer, as well as boardwalks, dipping platforms and way marker posts. The surplus timber will be sold and the proceeds used in further management of our woods.
We have deliberately left any trees already dead as they provide excellent habitat for bats, woodpeckers and invertebrates.
