Forestry operations at Cardinham Woods

Cardinham Woods is a working forest producing sustainable timber. We are working here from April for several weeks. This page provides more information about the work we're doing. 

What is happening?

We are thinning the trees on the northern side of the forest, starting in late April. The exact length of works will depend on factors such as weather and wildlife. 

Thinning means removing selected trees for timber products. This gives the remaining trees more space and light to grow to their full potential. Thinning also lets more light onto the forest floor, which improves the habitat for ground flora and the wildlife it supports. 

Thinning is an important step in restoring ancient woodland. Cardinham Woods is classified as a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) which means that we are gradually managing it back to the way it would have been several hundred years ago. Because Cardinham Woods is a PAWS, we won’t replant conifers where we fell trees. 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 for you to visit but some trails are diverted and others are closed. We never take the decision to close a trail lightly. On this occasion, the disruption is essential to allow us to work safely.

Please follow all signs and instructions at all times. These are for your safety, whether or not you can see or hear us working. This will help us to finish working as quickly as possible. 

The toilets, cafe, and play area are fully open as usual. 

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?

If you have any questions about our work in the Forest, please contact us via cardinham.rangers@forestryengland.uk.