However, along some of the path edges, where the pines failed to grow, and more light was available, some flowers can still be seen, giving a tantalising glimpse of what used to be.
The benefits of conifer removal, coupled with the return to a more natural system of woodland working, are becoming apparent, with increasing diversity and abundance of flowering plants. However, much work still needs to be undertaken over the next few years to remove the a lot of the conifers and return the site to deciduous woodland with a diverse shrub-layer and open sunny areas.
This work can be split into 3 areas;
The first area is the Canadas or Eastern end this still has reasonable amounts of hazel struggling to survive under the pines.
The contractors will clear around 2 acres at a time. On each plot all the trees will be removed, except for a scattering of larger broadleaved trees called ‘standards’. Most of the under-storey of shrubs will also be cut and allowed to re-grow again or any gaps planted up, although flowering hawthorns, hollies and some rowans will be left as insect nectar-sources.
Deer will then be prevented from browsing the new shoots for 2 or 3 years, during which time it should be possible to assess whether, and how many, of the woodland flowers have survived the dense shading of the conifer trees.