Church Woods.
1. PAWS has nothing to do with dogs in Church Woods, it’s the designation for the whole of the wood meaning “Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites”. The original native trees were felled by the Forestry Commission
(owners at the time) and replaced with a commercial crop of non-native conifers.
2. Church Woods was bought from the Forestry Commission by the Parish Council in 1985 and the Church Woods Management Committee was set up in 1989 with the aim of returning the wood to its native broadleaf state.
3. A Management Plan was drawn up for the non-native species to be removed through a series of thinnings, to allow more space for the remaining ones to grow and to meet the terms of the Government grant funding. Following removal the conifers would be replaced with native broadleaves either by planting or natural regeneration.
4. This is why every few years a section of the woods is clear felled ready to be replanted and at the same time other sections of the commercial crop are thinned to prevent overcrowding.
5. The process was due to be completed by 2020 but, mainly due to the timing of grant schemes, this date has slipped. The commercial crop is now beyond its “best by” date. Most of the Causican Pines have succumbed to a virus that can be identified by the thin tops, while the Western Hemlocks are now post mature and in decline, with some being lost in each time there is a storm.
6. Every year a safety survey is carried out to identify any trees that are potentially dangerous to the public footpaths, nearby gardens etc. and in need of attention, or in extreme cases felling. These trees are marked to allow the contractor to identify them. Recently some of these marks have been obliterated – a dangerous practice that could lead to injury to members of the public and/or damage to vehicles.
7. Ancient woodland is rich in biodiversity. One of the oldest forms of woodland management, that is also best for wild life, is rotational coppice with standards. This is where, with the exception of a few oak and beech standards, the rest of the trees are cut down close to the ground, leaving the stumps to regrow. This form of management not only prolongs the life of the trees but is also best for biodiversity. It is also how Church Wood was managed for a few hundred years prior to the Forestry Commission taking over.
8. Members of the Management Committee love trees, which is why they volunteer to look after the woods for everyone’s enjoyment. They do not spend their leisure time removing trees without good reason.
9. The Group meets in the Church Car Park @ 0900 on most Tuesdays. If you enjoy the wood and would like to take part in some practical conservation work why not come along to a work party. You will be most welcome.
