Forestry operations at Haldon Forest Park
Haldon Forest is a working woodland producing sustainable timber. We are working in the Kiddens area of the forest during 2025. This page provides more information about the work we're doing.
What is happening?
Haldon Forest is a working woodland, managed by Forestry England to produce sustainable timber for the UK market. We carry out regular forestry operations, which are an essential part of sustainable forest management.
The timber from Haldon Forest is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as being sustainably produced.
We are thinning the trees in the Kiddens Plantation area in the west of the forest. This 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.
The trees we’re thinning near to the Belvedere tower must be removed because they are showing signs of Phytophthora ramorum. This infection is harmless to people and animals, but causes damage and death in many tree species. There is no treatment or cure, so we are legally required to remove the infected trees.
Can I still visit Haldon Forest Park?
The most important thing for Forestry England is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe.
The forest is open for you to visit, but there will be be times when we need to close or divert access so we can work safely nearby. All changes will be clearly signposted but we recommend checking this page before you visit to avoid disappointment.
All site businesses, play areas, and toilets are open as normal.
| Walking trails | Diversion on Raptor trail (includes Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit) |
| Running trails | Diversions on 3km and Challenge 5km - routes reduced by approx 1km |
| Horse riding trail | Open but no access from Belvedere Tower |
| Orienteering | Red, blue, brown, and green courses are closed |
| Cycling trails | Fully open |
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.
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.
You can help us slow the spread of Phytophthora ramorum by brushing soil and leaves from your boots, wheels, paws, and hooves before you leave the forest.
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. For instance, Haldon Forest is home to scarce species of raptor and butterfly.
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.
On this occasion, we have no choice but to remove the infected trees near the Belvedere tower and will take every care to minimise wildlife disturbance. We will continue to check for wildlife while working.
Where can I find out more?
You can read our full forest plan for Haldon Forest online. If you have any questions about our work in the Forest, please email us.