Forestry Operations in Mailscot Wood
What is happening?
Some areas of woodland will be felled to produce sustainable, locally produced timber. This area is also part of a PAWS (Planted Ancient Woodland Site) restoration, in line with the Highmeadow Forest Plan. This involves routine thinning of all tree species, to favour native broadleaved trees and to maintain uneven age structure within the woodland, making it more favourable to wildlife.
The timber produced by this operation will go into the construction industry, pallet making, wood panel manufacture for furniture and firewood, for example. Some crown wood will be left on site as wildlife habitat, known as ‘dead wood.’
You will notice a significant operational presence in the woodland with banks persons, harvesting machinery, signage, and timber stacks. We do our best to use existing extraction routes to minimise the damage to the forest floor, which is inevitable with the scale of machinery that must be used. This will be reinstated where necessary on completion of the work.
Harvesting contracts can sometimes be quite drawn out and work may stop for some time due to the many constraints that we have to work around. So please bear with us as we carry out this work with the aim of minimising inconvenience to all site users.
Will you be replanting?
The areas that will be thinned will be left to naturally regenerate and won't be replanted.
Can I still visit this woodland?
Yes, there will be times when some trails and paths may be closed, the most important thing for us is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe. We will have safety and operational signage displayed, diversions, closures, and banks persons in position where needed. This is for your safety, whether you can see or hear us working, it is important you read and listen to all instructions very carefully and obey all instruction.
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?
Well managed forests are able to support more wildlife, and harvesting trees is an important part of a sustainable forest lifecycle. The colonies of Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) and the other species of rare Sorbus along the cliff edge will be promoted. Our aim is to restore ancient woodland in line with the ‘Keepers in Time’ policy and to protect areas of native broadleaved woodland which supports wildlife to thrive.Part of the work will include halo thinning of future veteran oaks. The habitats within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) will be enhanced through ride widening, to improve links between open areas and coppiced areas of woodland. This will help butterflies like the wood white and the pearl bordered fritillary, as well as numerous other species.
Before we start any forestry work, we carry out ecological surveys to check for species such as birds, mammals, rodents, invertebrates, native plants such as bluebells and fungi. We also consider these 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.
Sustainable Forestry
Wood is a beautiful, strong and renewable natural material with endless uses. Forestry England are the country’s largest supplier of sustainable timber grown in England.
At the sawmill, the timber is cut into different pieces and used in furniture, fences and building materials. Even the bark, wood shavings and sawdust are used. Nothing is wasted.
In fact, wood is one of our most sustainable materials. Wood is a low-carbon alternative to materials such as plastic, concrete and steel, and is often reused or recycled again and again. When you shop for wood and paper products, always make sure to look for the FSC® or PEFC logos. This means they come from forests, like ours, that are managed sustainably for the future.
If you would like any further information, please get in touch via westengland@forestryengland.uk