Works in West Wood
24 January 2007
WORKS are taking place in West Wood this week to make the site a wildlife haven.
The ancient woodland in Hadleigh had been left to grow naturally for the last 40 years, but needed a little help. So Castle Point Borough Councils park ranger teamed up with the Castle Point Wildlife Group last spring to start making improvements. The second phase of these works is now underway.
The wildlife group has been cutting back the trees a type of woodland management called coppicing to let more light into the wood. That strengthens the remaining trees and also encourages new undergrowth, which is also particularly good for bugs and small birds.
The new sunny corridor created by the coppice work could also attract the Heath Fritillary Butterfly, a priority species being actively encouraged in the Essex area.
Graham Ash, spokesman for the wildlife group, explained: This will regenerate the wood for wildlife and also for the people that use it.
We dont want people to think we are just cutting down trees for the sake of it. The trees we are taking down are dead, dangerous or blocking too much light. It is good woodland management.
Park ranger Tony Doveaston added: Some of the trees have been struggling for light, and they have become tangled up as a result. This work will help the trees and encourage habitat diversity.
The works are being funded by the wildlife group.
The 80-acre site is owned by the Church Commissioners and leased by Castle Point Borough Council. It contains many different tree species, including chestnut, horn beam, oak, rowan, silver birch, ash and wild service tree.