Conservation

Woodland is the climax vegetation for most of Britain. It is the most structurally diverse and species-rich habitat found on our shores

However, in the UK there is no truly natural woodland remaining, due to centuries of being managed by humans. Woodland wildlife has adapted to these management systems, which often mimic natural systems in the way they influence their surroundings. Skilful human intervention is often required to ensure that these ecosystems remain in perpetuity and do not stagnate and degrade. Management must, however, be carefully matched to the character of the specific woodland and implemented sensitively in order to conserve wildlife.

Woodlands provide immeasurable ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, regulation of the air we breathe and water catchment management.

We have many years’ experience of such management and planning, and also of implementing seemingly drastic operations in very sensitive sites, for the benefit of the woodland as a whole and the species they support. We are specialists in the production of timber from SSSIs and nature reserves. The key to successful management is to design a silvicultural system that will create the structural mosaic of habitats and the correct rate of change through time to suit the species and communities in that particular woodland. For example, the conditions we might strive to create to favour dormice are very different to those that would suit wood warblers. Similarly, a subtle balance of over-storey and under-storey densities is needed to ensure a carpet of bluebells is not swamped by brambles.

We have a wealth of experience in working with ecologists and specialists in particular groups of wildlife, calling on their field observations and expert knowledge to help guide our decision making. Continued monitoring of key species is also important to ensure that the management we are implementing is achieving the aims we have set.

If your woodland interests are focused towards conservation and biodiversity, and would you like to seek more advice on management, we would be pleased to discuss these further with you.