The recent dry weather has enabled good progress both on site but also in two woodlands. At Combined Operations Wood the first coupe has taken place as shown in the photograph. This small area of trial coppicing should allow more light in so as to promote woodland flora. The regrowth from the stumps should be vigorous this growing season. The topwood and logs have been left on the ground to rot down which we hope will improve and diversify the insect population.
Over in the Luzborough Wood the first wetland area is being created as shown in the photograph. Here the stems have been used to create a number of leaky dams. At the far end being the low point a clay dam will soon take shape. In combination these two interventions will moderate the drainage of storm water but also serve to filter nitrates. The scheme also aspires to improve and diversify the habitat available for a number of potential species. We will have to be patient in order to be able to record in due course how successful this proves to be.
