Great Wood is a working forest producing sustainable timber. We will be working in the forest from summer 2026 for around 12 months. This page provides more information about the work we're doing.
What is happening?
We are thinning the trees across the whole forest. This means removing selected trees for timber products. This gives the remaining trees more space and light to grow to their full potential. It also allows more light to reach the forest floor, which improves the habitat for ground flora and the wildlife it supports. All of the timber from Great Wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as being sustainably produced.
Most of Great Wood 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. We will manage the forest to help native broadleaf species such as oak and birch to regenerate naturally from seeds that are waiting in the soil. If necessary, we might plant new trees to supplement this natural regeneration. We carefully choose trees species that are suited to the site and expected future climate conditions to sustain a healthy, nature-rich, and resilient forest for the future.
Can I still visit Great Wood?
The most important thing for Forestry England is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe. The forest is still open for you to visit but there might be times when we need to close specific parts of the forest so we can work safely. 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 sustainable forest management. 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. This enables us to identify ecological constraints such as the presence of European Protected Species and Schedule 1 protected birds, which affect the time of year when certain operations can be carried out.
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. There isn’t a single, perfect time of year for forestry work.
Where can I find out more?
You can read our full forest plan for Great Wood online. If you have any questions about our work in the forest, please email us.