From Monday 12th August you may see machinery in Laughton Greenwood cutting down some of the pine trees. This is a substantial piece of work and visitors will need to KEEP AWAY FROM MACHINERY. This article explains what is happening and why.
Laughton Greenwood has been managed by volunteers since 2016 and our main aims are to provide an informal nature reserve and a woodland accessible to the community. Throughout that time, we have been gradually attempting to revert the site back to a naturally functioning woodland. Dense conifer woodland is dark, uniform, and does not encourage biodiversity.
The woods in Laughton are Ancient Woods that have been shown on maps since the 1600s. But prior to our management, this site was heavily modified in order to produce a crop of timber. After WW2 non-native conifers were planted in over half of the ancient woodland. When the Community Volunteers took on the site, we aimed to start removing some of these trees to return the woodland to a more natural structure, where light can reach the ground and stimulate the growth of wildflowers and new plants.
Without this management, the trees remain all the same age and they would eventually all grow old and die at the same time. Our silviculture aims are to introduce more variety of native English deciduous tree species. We want a greater variety of tree layers and tree ages in the wood. This will provide a greater multitude of habitats for a wider variety of wildlife.
Tree felling will start on Monday 12th August and may last for up to six weeks with clear-up
We have contracted a company to cut down one fifth of the pine trees. The work will happen throughout the wood and visitors (and their dogs) must keep away. The work will start after the nesting season so animals are less affected by the tree works.
The contractors will put in place additional measures to protect specific species. For example, we check trees for rot holes and cracks where bats could be roosting and avoid those trees if they are present.
The Forestry Commission is responsible for granting permission for tree felling and has granted a felling license for all of the tree works. The work is being done in accordance with our agreed ten-year renewable management plan.
Frequently asked questions
Q Can I still walk in the woods from 12th August and the following 6 weeks?
A Yes, on the paths, unless you see or hear machinery. But you must take notice of signage. In fact it might be better to avoid the woods for those few weeks. There are delightful woods in other parts of Laughton & local villages.
Q Will the wood look a mess?
A Yes. This is a big piece of work. At first you will be horrified. “..they’ve ruined our lovely local wood…”. But in a year or so we will see the benefits – more light & undergrowth, new saplings pushing through, natural renewal of broadleaf woodland.
Q Can I help?
A Yes. We want to use the ‘brash’ (the tops & branches of the pines) to form nature corridors & dead-hedges, to protect our new Newt Ponds, & keep dogs out of the nature reserve. Please come & help us on the first Sunday of September & October. That’s Sunday 1st September and Sunday 6th October. 10am at Keepers Gate, Park Lane, Laughton.
Q Isn’t it bad to cut down trees?
A We will remove pine trees which will be used for timber. On Sunday 1st December we will have the annual Community Tree Planting to replace them. Please come on that day to plant new English Broadleaf trees like Oaks, Hazel, Hawthorn, & many others.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us turn Laughton Greenwood into a haven for wildlife.
