Tree works across our commons 2019/2020
This final aspect of our three year felling programme will take place during autumn/winter 2019/20 and will be focused within the areas detailed on the attached maps.
As in previous seasons the objective is light thinning of birch, pine and mixed broadleaves. With the objective to reduce tree density upon priority open habitats and to reduce encroachment of tree growth into open areas. Low intervention works are intended within existing edge and boundary tree cover.
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.
This final aspect of our three year felling programme will take place during autumn/winter 2019/20 and will be focused within the areas detailed on the attached maps.
As in previous seasons the objective is light thinning of birch, pine and mixed broadleaves. With the objective to reduce tree density upon priority open habitats and to reduce encroachment of tree growth into open areas. Low intervention works are intended within existing edge and boundary tree cover.
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.
Please find links to our tree works maps across our commons 2019/20:
Rockford and Ibsley maps:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SKTDAxFoNH2k_LHs7-OAKs9vD7r-nXQw/view?usp=sharing
Hightown maps:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ZRJv5f16Qef_LYaZa-fEW02DDcqnXb0/view?usp=sharing
Halfmoon map:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JZQJgBK3LKZGQsclQDB6moPBu57x3amL/view?usp=sharing
If you have any queries or concerns about the tree works on any of our sites please do email the team at info.newforest@nationaltrust.org.uk