An Oxfordshire environmental charity has issued a grant to allow more light through the trees in Ipsden Heath woods between Wallingford and Henley to help woodland flowers flourish.
A grant totaling £1,753 from the Oxfordshire’s Environment Trust and Grundon Waste Management Ltd, has enabled the removal of some conifers that were casting heavy shade in the 32-acre wood, owned by the Woodland Trust.
Since the trees were planted on the heath more than 150 years ago, the site has developed into a precious wildlife habitat with woodland plants such as bluebells, wood sorrel, enchanter’s nightshade, herb robert, sweet woodruff and dog’s mercury.
The Woodland Trust’s experience of restoring woodland to encourage flora and fauna in this way has come from its work to restore Planted Ancient Woodland sites covering 10,000 hectares across the country.
The Trust commissioned research from Oxford university’s forestry institute that found the most successful way to encourage natural regeneration was by gradual selective thinning to manage light levels, as most threats to the survival of ancient woodland come from either excessive shade or light.
The Woodland Trust’s woodland officer, Loren Eldred, who is overseeing the restoration work, said: “The emphasis is not simply on replacing the plantation conifers with native trees. We’re aiming for gradual restoration of these woods to stop the gradual decline of the woodland flora.
“The slow approach taken by the Trust means it will be a long time before work is complete, but some flora is expected to flourish after the first operation. It’s very encouraging,” he added.
Fiona Danks, from Oxfordshire’s Environment Trust, said: “Improving woodland for wildlife is a wonderful way to use landfill tax credits, and will really make a difference to the biodiversity of Ipsden Heath woods and the ancient woodland areas around it,” she added.
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Published on 23 June 2008
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