We are aware of ongoing questions in the community following work to remove mature larch trees on our Brush Hill Local Nature Reserve last year.
The tree work was in a small area so will look more extreme, but nature will start to recover quickly and is part of a thoughtful and robust plan to enrich biodiversity across all our reserves and enhance the resilience of woodlands in the Chilterns. The larch removed were growing in a dense single species stand – the close planting resulted in the trees growing tall and thin. These conditions do not create a healthy or resilient woodland structure. Now reaching maturity, some larch were showing signs of instability added to by the exposed location.
We are confident nature displaced by the work will find suitable habitats in other parts of the reserve while replanting of more appropriate, sustainable, and resilient native species of tree takes place. This work will strengthen the reserves wildlife in the longer term, making it more resilient against the challenges posed by climate change. The work was carefully planned by our expert conservation team, in collaboration with an independent woodland management consultant, and has received approval from the Forestry Commission. These measures ensure that our approach aligns with the highest standards of woodland management.
Upon reflection, we recognise that we could have communicated the planned works more effectively, and with more notice. While signs were placed on-site, we realise the news may not have reached everyone with enough time to ask questions or give their view. We have learnt from this and will be more proactive in keeping the community informed, with an opportunity to feedback, in the future.
Work is already underway to create dead hedges from the remnants of the felling. These hedges will serve as valuable habitats for wildlife while also protecting the new saplings we are set to plant next month. Short term, temporary disruptions are an expected part of works like these. Some footpaths, including the Ridgeway and wheelchair-friendly routes, have been superficially affected, but remain intact and will recover naturally with drier weather. They are currently being assessed and any necessary improvements to access points and footpaths will be carried out to ensure they remain safe and user-friendly.
Once again we’d like to thank the community for their passion and support in safeguarding the Chilterns – together, we are building a stronger future for nature.
