This in from Libby at the Forestry Commission, in her own words. Ed
Machines are moving in to Firestone Copse, the Forestry Commission’s 98 hectare woodland near Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
The work forms part of planned forest management work in the woods, which will open up areas of broad leaved trees and allow natural regeneration as more sunlight reaches the forest floor.
Variety of uses for felled trees
The trees being felled are mainly western red cedar and Lawson’s cypress, which will go to various sawmills and might be used for purposes as diverse as decking or railing to roofing shingles.
Euroforest contractors will be on-site from the beginning of May for up to two months, weather permitting. They will be using a large harvester machine, which cuts the stems at ground level and processes the logs for collection in the woods.
A long time in the planning
Area Forester for the Forestry Commission, Sonia Lorenzo-Martin explains:
“This work has been a long time in the planning, with input from our own forestry, wildlife and recreation teams, as well as partners and the public.
“The felling will really open up the woodland, which is good news for trees and other fauna, but also for our native wildlife. The habitats for red squirrels and dormice will be much improved.
“I just hope that we continue this period of drier weather, as the site is sitting on clay. If the rains come, we’ll have to move out!”
Open for business
Visitors to Firestone Copse should still be able to enjoy their regular activities in the woodland and are asked to observe any on-site signage, put there for their own safety and that of our workers. Not all areas of the wood will be worked and maps will be displayed on-site.
The car park will remain open and most tracks accessible throughout the works period.
