Halfmoon Common Forestry Operations
September 2019
Visitors to Halfmoon Common will be familiar
with forestry operations taking place in
previous autumn work seasons. Of works conducted in late 2018, some areas adjacent
to wetland were held over until conditions were more favourable.
This final aspect of the felling programme
will take place during September 2019 and will be focused within the area from
the car park on Blackhill Road and southwards around Halfmoon Clump, the
operations area is shaded blue on the accompanying map.
As in previous seasons the objective is to
reduce the density of pine from the common, which is well known to be both
introduced and invasive upon areas of heathland & wetland.
Our New Forest Northern Commons are designated sites of special
scientific interest (SSSI) and are fantastic examples of outstanding lowland
heathland and mire habitats supporting some of Europe’s rarest wildlife. The
commons are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) with
obligations to maintain SSSI to ‘favourable’ status as part of our Higher Level
Stewardship agreement. By reducing the density of the seed bearing trees whose
saplings threaten the fragile open heathland & wetland habitats, this will
allow for regrowth of heathers, grasses, gorse & wildflowers. In the long
term, insect, reptile and bird life will benefit from these works as well as
increasing the grazing potential for the area.
The commons are open access to all; however do take note of temporary site signage which will be erected adjacent
to work areas.
Temporary car park closures and exclusion zones may be set up for
visitor safety when machinery is in operation.
Best wishes
Your New Forest ranger team.
