Share

Helping Monkwood's wildlife

Garden warbler by Chris Gomersall/2020VISION

Woodland birds like blackcap, chiffchaff and garden warbler are set to be helped by work that’s about to take place in a Worcestershire woodland.

The removal of diseased ash trees and dying poplar trees as well as the thinning out of some beech trees will allow more light through the tree canopy, which will encourage more growth of woodland flowers and scrub.

Dominique Cragg, reserves officer at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust who is undertaking the work, explained “It might seem odd that taking out trees from a woodland can benefit wildlife but, when done right, this really is the case.

“Many of our woodland birds don’t nest in trees but in scrubby vegetation that’s often much closer to the ground than we’d think. Chiffchaffs, for example, can nest right alongside woodland paths, which is why it’s so important to keep to paths and to keep dogs on leads when in woodland.

Wood anemones - white star-shaped flowers with yellow centre - by Paul Lane

Wood anemones by Paul Lane

“Much of the work we’re doing in September is to remove diseased and dying trees but we’re also thinning out some of the beech trees to allow more light to reach the woodland floor. In turn, this will allow ground flora to flourish, such as bluebells and wood anemones, as well as a mixed understorey of hazel, hawthorn, dogwood and spindle to grow.

“Having a variety of habitat throughout the woodland – from flowers to support insects, scrub to support both birds and small mammals like dormice as well as larger trees to support other birds and bats – is essential for a thriving wildlife population.”

The loss of mature woodlands and the decline in traditional woodland management methods has meant that numbers of many woodland bird species have declined.

As well as thinning out areas of woodland, the Trust also use coppicing to provide a variety of habitats. This involves cutting down trees almost to their base; the trees spring back to life with strong new growth and can be cut again on a seven to 15 year cycle.

Monkwood was once owned by LG Harris Brush Company who actively managed it to produce timber for brush handles. They planted many non-native trees but their management techniques, which included coppicing, created favourable wildlife habitats and the wood retained much of its ancient character.

Dominique added “The UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, with one in seven species at risk of extinction, so anything we can do to help wildlife will be of benefit. The work in Monkwood will benefit a whole host of wildlife that uses the wood.

Dormouse by Bev Lewis

Dormouse by Bev Lewis

“Much of the work in the wood is undertaken by our fantastic volunteer group/s, which is/are run in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation who co-own part of the woodland. I’d encourage anyone who’s thought of helping out to get in touch – volunteering is a great way of learning more about wildlife, getting outdoors and meeting new people.”

The work is due to start on Monday 5th September and will take place along the roadside towards Sinton Green, lasting for two to three weeks. The Trust is advising all visitors to heed any notices on site and follow diversions due to path closures where necessary.

Related news