Forestry operations at Chalet

Chalet is part of Haldon Forest, which is a working woodland producing sustainable timber. We are working here until late May. This page provides more information about the work we're doing.

What is happening?

Sections of the wood where the trees have grown very dense will be thinned. By removing selected trees in these areas, we will give the remaining trees space to grow to their potential and let more light onto the forest floor. Thinning improves the habitat for important ground flora and the wildlife it supports.

This forest is certified to the Forest Stewardship council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) standards. High-quality, UK sustainably grown timber is highly sought after.

Can I still visit Chalet?

The most important thing for Forestry England is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe. The wood will be closed to all public access while we are working here. This includes all mountain bike trails, which we are discussing with local trail riders.

Please follow all signs and closures 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. Forestry work is very hazardous. A falling tree can weigh several tonnes and hit the ground at nearly 60mph. If a harvesting machine chainsaw snaps, it can fly through the forest like a bullet.

What about the wildlife?

Harvesting trees is an important part of a sustainable forest lifecycle and well managed forests support more wildlife. 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. 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.

This thinning project has been scheduled outside critical periods for dormice and nesting birds. We will continue to check for wildlife while working 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 Chalet within the Haldon Forest Plan.