Talbot Village trust has been removing selective trees to provide essential habitat management
The removals, typically known as ‘tree thinning’ takes place on a specific section of the 20 acre woodland at the beginning of each year, with a clear aim to encourage trees with a mixture of ages.
Martha Searle explained the importance of only thinning one department of the woodland at a time as she said: “Each year we only do one department so that it’s not too shocking for the wildlife because it is quite transformational.
“We wouldn’t want to clear the whole woodland at once as that would cause an imbalance, meaning it would be difficult for wildlife to adjust.”
Thinning is a process which reduces overcrowding, creates space for a richer mix of plants and wildlife, and offers an ideal opportunity to remove invasive, non-native species such as cherry laurel which surpasses other native woodland species.
Without the work of the Talbot Village Trust, there is a risk of trees competing for light and nutrients, leading to weaker growth, increased disease risk, and a less diverse habitat.
The work on display helps towards more healthier, stable trees as well as improved biodiversity, with a clear aim to achieve a safer, more enjoyable woodland for everyone.
The Talbot Village Trust has ensured to outline potential disturbance during this habitat managing period, with temporary path closures and occasional loud noise being possible, but delivery partners are working hard to keep this to a minimum.
Searle also went on to stress the importance the woodland has not only on the wildlife, but in society as a whole, as she said: “It’s really important to us that as well as getting the balance right for wildlife, we utilise the woods to get the balance right for people.”
“It’s a green oasis in a quite hectic urban area and we work with a number of local organisations to put on wellbeing activities.”
The thinning work will continue until the end of the month, as the woods is handed back over to the birds for nesting season towards the end of February.
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