How does the National Trust manages its beechwoods?
Today, the woods are still harvested for timber, for example, poor quality timber is chipped and used as fuel in the sustainable biomass boiler at Hughenden Manor, where it provides hot water and central heating for the whole property. However, the focus of our woodland management has shifted; developing the beech woodlands’ amenity, recreation and wildlife value has become far more important.
Our beech woodlands are constantly changing, and storms, drought and disease all take their toll on old trees. Many of the beech trees are now well over 100 years old. However, the loss of older trees offers opportunities for the young trees to grow in the gaps. These saplings need to be thinned out if they are to have the space and light they need to develop into strong trees.
To increase the opportunities for wildlife, such as woodland birds and butterflies, we create open glades and wide rides along tracks and footpaths by selectively felling the weakest trees. This allows light through the canopy, allowing a wider variety of shrubs, grasses and other flowering plants to establish. These in turn attract birds and many species of insect, especially butterflies.