Forestry operations to remove more conifers is due to begin this week in Oakley Wood.

This is phase three of the 10 year plan developed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WKWT), continuing the transformation of what was a predominantly coniferous wood into one which will have predominantly native broadleaved trees.

Nick Feledziak, who is managing the work on behalf of WKWT, has said that this will be a “lighter” thin than previous years. The exceptionally dry weather we had this year will help the work to progress quickly, and if it continues they hope the work will be finished by the end of the month.

The areas to be thinned are shown in orange below:

Nick has produced a information sheet, which states their guidelines for the work:

• We will thin out a proportion of trees to encourage the growth of the remaining trees, which will thrive under reduced competition.
  This will also allow more light to reach the woodland floor and will encourage the next generation of trees.
• We will clear around the oldest trees, and other trees important for wildlife, to give them light and space to grow even larger.
  Older trees are far more valuable for wildlife than younger trees.
• We will seek to plant trees where the woodland doesn’t regenerate WKWT naturally.
• Throughout the work, the woodland will be closely monitored, and its reactions will help our longer-term plans to support the woodland for future generations. WKWT 

You can read further WKWT supporting document here.

Be prepared for paths closures and please follow any instructions that may be posted. Stay safe.