Now that summer is here and the countryside is finally looking a bit drier, we are delighted to be able to get on with our woodland management initiatives under the guidance of Matthew Allen Forestry.

With the ground being as dry as it will be this year, clearfelling of the poplars in the wet wood (or “Carr”) traditionally known as “The Slobs” can begin. The Slobs is aptly named as it is an area of wood which spends the vast majority of the year at the very least wet, and the very worst wholly submerged. The clearfelling is designed to encourage light and therefore natural regrowth and habitat improvement for all wildlife.

Clearfelling work will be followed in the new year by a restocking programme relying heavily on native alder trees which favour the wet conditions of The Slobs. The trees will likely be planted bare (without tubes) but at a higher stocking rate ensuring a good survival rate.

 We are grateful to the Forestry Commission for their approval and to be working with the regional based Hornby Enterprises and Suffolk based JM Forestry, from Sibton.