Forestry Operations in Nagshead Inclosure
We will be timber harvesting in Nagshead Inclosure near Parkend and Coalway from July 2024.
The works will impact some of our trails and access points, this page provides more information about the work we are doing and why.
What is happening?
Some areas of woodland will be felled in the coming weeks as part of a routine thinning, in line with the West England Forest District Forest Plan. This is to improve timber quality, whilst at the same time improving overall biodiversity of the woodland and removing larch, a species susceptible to disease. Improvements will be made to the wildlife corridors, joining up open areas within the Nagshead SSSI. We will, at times need to pause the contract, until constraints around Schedule 1 nesting birds allow us to come back to finish the work.
The sustainable timber produced from this operation will, for example, go into the construction industry, pallet making, agricultural industry, wood panel manufacture for furniture and for firewood. Some crown wood will be left on site as wildlife habitat, known as ‘dead wood.’
You will notice a significant operational presence in the woodland with banks persons, harvesting machinery, signage, and timber stacks. We do our best to use existing extraction routes to minimise the damage to the forest floor, which is inevitable with the scale of machinery that must be used. This will be reinstated where necessary on completion of the work.
Harvesting contracts can sometimes be quite drawn out and work may stop for some time due to the many constraints that we have to work around. So please bear with us as we carry out this work with the aim of minimising inconvenience to all site users.
Will you be replanting?
The areas that are due to be thinned will naturally regenerate with seeds from the existing trees. Natural regeneration produces strong, resilient trees for the future.
Can I still visit this woodland?
At certain times throughout the operation some paths may be closed, the most important thing for us is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe. We will have safety and operational signage displayed, diversions, closures, and banks persons in position where needed. This is for your safety, whether you can see or hear us working, it is important you read and listen to all instructions very carefully and obey all instruction.
Forestry work is very hazardous. A falling tree can weigh several tonnes and hit the ground at nearly 60mph. If a harvesting machine chainsaw snaps, it can fly through the forest like a bullet.
What about the wildlife?
Well managed forests are able to support more wildlife, and harvesting trees is an important part of a sustainable forest lifecycle.
Specific to this contract, opportunities will be taken to remove ride side trees to provide more open space and habitat links. The edges of the wood will also be scalloped in some places which provides shelter and therefore enhanced habitat for example insects, and as a result of this birds too that feed on the insects. Work within the SSSI RSPB reserve area will be done out of the bird nesting season. We will be working in partnership with the RSPB to ensure management is carried out to enhance the woodland for birds in particular.
Before we start any forestry work, we carry out ecological surveys to check for species such as birds, mammals, rodents, invertebrates, native plants such as bluebells and fungi. We also consider these against complex factors including tree health, how the ground slopes, soil condition, and likely rainfall when planning work that will support our long-term management plan.
While working, we continue to check for wildlife and will adapt, pause or suspend work if we find any animal that must be protected.
Sustainable Forestry
Wood is a beautiful, strong and renewable natural material with endless uses. Forestry England are the country’s largest supplier of sustainable timber grown in England.
At the sawmill, the timber is cut into different pieces and used in furniture, fences and building materials. Even the bark, wood shavings and sawdust are used. Nothing is wasted.
In fact, wood is one of our most sustainable materials. Wood is a low-carbon alternative to materials such as plastic, concrete and steel, and is often reused or recycled again and again. When you shop for wood and paper products, always make sure to look for the FSC® or PEFC logos. This means they come from forests, like ours, that are managed sustainably for the future.
If you would like any further information, please get in touch via westengland@forestryengland.uk