Forestry operations at Cardinham Woods

Cardinham Woods is a working woodland producing sustainable timber. We have recently finished tree felling in some of the main visitor areas. This page provides more information about the work we have done.

Stacked timber is still being collected from the forest. Please look out for moving vehicles and follow any instructions from the driver. Do not climb on stacked timber. A log can weigh up to a tonne and rolling logs can kill. Stacks are carefully made and may look stable but, if a log comes loose, others are likely to follow. 

What is happening?

We have thinned the trees in the area above the forest entrance road. Thinning means removing selected trees to reduce competition for resources, such as light. This gives the remaining trees more space to grow to their potential and lets more light onto the forest floor. This in turn improves the habitat for ground flora and the wildlife it supports.

Cardinham Woods is classified as a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) which means that we are managing it back to the way it would have been several hundred years ago. This process will take many years. Because Cardinham Woods is a PAWS, we won’t replant conifer trees in this area. We will manage the site to help native broadleaf species such as oak and birch to regenerate naturally.

Can I still visit Cardinham Woods?

The most important thing for Forestry England is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe. Cardinham Woods is open to visit. Please note that the play area is closed until February half term and the final section of Bodmin Beast cycle trail will remain closed until we have carried out reinstatement work.

What about the wildlife?

Well managed forests support more wildlife, and harvesting trees is an important part of a sustainable forest lifecycle. Before we start any forestry work, we carry out thorough ecological surveys to check for species such as birds, mammals, rodents, invertebrates, flora, and fungi. For example, Cardinham Woods is home to dormice, bats, many species of birds, and several rare spiders.

We consider these findings against complex factors including tree health, how the ground slopes, soil condition, and likely rainfall when planning work that will support our long-term management plan. While working, we continue to check for wildlife and will adapt, pause or suspend work if we find any animal that must be protected.

Where can I find out more?

You can read our full management plan for Cardinham Woods in the Cardinham Forest Plan. If you have any questions, you can contact us at westengland@forestryengland.uk.