Heywood is a working forest, producing sustainable timber. We are working here until spring 2026. This page provides more information about the work we're doing.
What is happening?
To look after the nation’s forests, we carry out regular forestry operations, which are an essential part of sustainable forest management.
We are thinning the trees across Heywood. Removing selected trees gives the remaining ones more space and light to grow to their potential. Thinning also lets more light onto the forest floor, which improves the habitat for ground flora and the wildlife it supports.
We don’t replant after thinning so the trees can grow into the space we make. We will continue to thin the trees every few years as they grow bigger. This will gradually create more diverse habitat and a healthy, resilient forest.
The timber from Heywood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as being sustainably produced.
Can I still visit Heywood?
The most important thing for Forestry England is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe.
There will be times when the forest will be closed 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. When Heywood is closed, there is limited parking at Flashdown Wood.
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. There might also be debris caught up in the forest canopy. Never walk through a forestry work site.
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.
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.
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 Heywood and Eggesford Forest.
If you have any questions about our work in Heywood or Eggesford, please email us westengland@forestryengland.uk.