By Dave Sykes
There is no real “wilderness” around these parts – we live in a working landscape where humans have worked and shaped the land for thousands of years. Our woodlands and forests are no exception to this and Dave Sykes of forestry England explains how Dymock Forest is managed for nature and a productive harvest.
A Working Forest
Wood is one of our most sustainable materials. It is a low-carbon alternative to materials such as plastic, concrete and steel, and is often reused or recycled again and again.
Forestry England are the largest supplier of sustainable timber grown in England; the harvesting of trees is an important part of a sustainable forest lifecycle.
Forestry England are also England’s largest land manager, managing woodlands like Dymock Forest.
Harvesting in Dymock Forest
This year we are carrying out thinning in multiple areas of Dymock Forest, thinning allows more light to the forest floor and give the crowns of the remaining trees more space to grow.
The timber produced will go into sawn timber, fencing, pallet making, wood panel manufacture and firewood. Even the bark, wood shavings and sawdust are used. Some crown wood will be left on site as wildlife habitat for invertebrates and fungi.
But nothing is wasted.
Protecting wildlife
Well managed forests support a variety of wildlife, so before we carry out any forestry work, we carry out a range of ecological surveys. We check for species such as birds, mammals, rodents, invertebrates and native plants such as bluebells and fungi. This feeds into how and when we carry out our work.
While working, wildlife checks continue and works will be adapted, paused or suspended if any animal or flora that must be protected is found.
A balancing act
There is no risk-free time of the year to harvest timber. Working in the wetter, winter months risks causing long term damage to soils. Protecting soil is important for the whole forest ecosystem.
This means we often need to work in drier conditions, which are more likely to fall within the bird breeding season. Some work will be carried out during the bird nesting season to avoid impact on the dormouse population.
Our vulnerable Schedule 1 nesting birds will always be protected.
Balancing the protection of nature and the opportunities for a sustainable harvest will look different in every woodland – as every woodland is unique and special.
Exploring Dymock Forest from the Daffodil Line
Our annual March daffodil shuttles take you right through the heart of the Forest when the Daffs are blooming. The rest of the year the first is a short walk from the route. Leave the bus in Gorsley at the Goffs school stop and head up Ivy House Lane to Haywood Farm Camping and Caravan Site. From here paths lead off into Queens wood, Hay wood and over and under the M50 to the northern part of the Forest.
