Environment

“The Charm in a woodland road lies not only in it’s beauty but in anticipation.  Around each bend may be a discovery, an adventure”
(Dale Rex Coman)

Creating a Balance between the Environment and Community Needs

At the heart of the Long Wood project is the principal aim of restoring those areas of the woodlands that are non native crops of softwood, back towards those native hardwood species that are naturally occurring in the area. This process has to be carefully managed in order to retain the highest value of the standing timber crops whilst replanting felled areas and developing future markets for hardwood products. Wherever possible, continuous cover forestry methods are practiced at Long Wood, particularly in broadleaved areas and trees sourced for replanting are of local provenance.

It is the aim of the Long Wood project  to create a woodland with a mix of habitat types across the area that can be sustainably harvested into perpetuity. The ecosystem services provided by Long Wood, bolstered by the habitat creation drives initiated by Long Wood, are invaluable to the local and wider communities and include, amongst other benefits, flood alleviation, an increase in the number and diversity of pollinating invertebrates, and an increase in small mammals, predators of small insects and prey of raptors such as barn owls. 

There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.

Washington Irving