What, when, where and how?
Removal of the larch plantation was carried out in September 2017. Large logging machinery plucked the larch from the ground and stripped it of branches in one effortless, elegant movement. Visitors came to watch and find out why it was happening. They also saw some tree surgery demonstrations and tried a spot of bug-hunting in a woodland open day with our rangers.
Why did we remove the larch?
Larch trees can harbour Phytopthora ramorum, a fungus that can transfer to our native trees. Also known as sudden oak death, the effects of this tree disease can be catastrophic to woodlands, so we’re keen to remove a potential source of it.
Why regenerate with native British trees?
Larch is a non-native tree to Britain planted throughout the UK. As a result, it supports fewer species of British wildlife compared to our native trees, which have evolved over centuries alongside them. Half the area is being replanted with a mixture of native broadleaves and half managed as a grassy glade, improving the habitat for our precious woodland flora and fauna to thrive.