Thanks to Libby from the Forestry Commission for this update on tree felling in Bouldnor Forest. Ed
The work forms part of planned forest management work in the woods. Areas of conifer will have selected trees removed (known as thinning) to allow the remaining trees to grow bigger and broadleaf woodland will have some felling, to encourage natural regeneration of native trees.
Stamp of approval
All Forestry Commission woodlands have proudly carried the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp of approval since 1999, which makes us the largest supplier of FSC certified timber in the UK.
This certification for sustainable forest management means that our forests supply responsibly produced wood and that management of all our land is done in such a way as to maintain biodiversity and natural ecological processes, as well as being socially and economically beneficial.
Improving wildlife habitats
Part of the work will improve wildlife habitats, as Area Forester for the Forestry Commission, Richard Burke explains:
“We will be leaving trees and scrub so red squirrels and dormice can move between different areas of trees as well as opening up ride edges for butterflies.
“Our Wildlife staff have marked trees we know have bird of prey nests and bat roosts, so that these will be kept and we will continue to visit throughout the operations to mark and protect red squirrel dreys.”
The majority of felling work will be in conifer crops, with work carried out by contractor using a harvester machine. The avenue of Californian redwoods along the main forest road will be retained. In areas of oak thinning, the work will be carried out by hand using a chainsaw.
Work should be completed in two months, and we ask that visitors obey any on-site signs, put there for their own safety and that of our workers. Parking will be not permitted in the bell mouth entrance to the wood in Yarmouth Road so that lorries can have 24 hour access. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Find out more at drop-in session
Staff from the Forestry Commission and contractor Euroforest will be organising a drop-in session and short walk for anybody interested in hearing more about the works and sustainable forest management. Please look out for notices on-site for more details.
Any enquiries relating to this work may be directed to: [email protected] with the subject line: Bouldnor Forest.
