Roadford Forest

Thinning is a silvicultural practice used to reduce the density of the overall forest canopy; this is done to promote the quality and healthy growth of the retained trees, allowing them to fulfil their full potential and therefore, maximising economic returns from the crop. Up to 30% of canopy cover will be removed, targeting the smaller, supressed or unhealthy trees, in order to allow room for the retained crop to continue to grow at a positive yield. The trees will be felled, processed and then collected and transported to the sawmill to be used primarily in the construction and agricultural industries, therefore, locking in the stored carbon for the lifetime of the product.

Roadford Forest was last thinned in 2019, sound silviculture for a crop of predominantly Sitka Spruce, will ordinarily require a thinning operation every 5 – 8 years whilst growing, dependant on the growth rates achieved. The Sitka at Roadford have been following a high yield class (growth rate) since planted, however, our last volume assessment of the current crop, is showing a slow in growth, this is a strong indication that a thinning is due, to allow them room to continue with their strong growth pattern, this will also generate an income for the Trust.

 To do this safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to close the permissive path network within the woodland whilst the operation takes place. Initially we were hoping to stagger the operation over two years, however, due to a suspected infestation of Dendroctonus Micans (Greater Spruce Bark Beetle), which can cause the death of trees that might not be strong enough for one reason or another to resist the beetle, it is necessary to try and carry out the thinning of the whole forest this year to aid the woodlands resistance to this pest. It is also worth noting that there will be lorry movements along Gaddacombe lane in order to transport the timber to the sawmill.

Melbury Wood

From August 2025 we will be removing selected Beech trees to male space for younger trees of other species to grow, and to create wood pasture (a wildlife rich habitat of native trees, shrubs and open grassland).

This woodland work forms part of a long-term plan to create more variety in the age structure of the trees and will help support wildlife to adapt to a changing climate.

Watkins Wood

We are currently undertaking work to create Natural Flood Management within Watkins Wood. This work involves harvesting some of the diseased ash within the woodland and using this material to dam up Torr Brook. The outcome of this project is to begin delivering  the concept of ‘wild water’ in which current domesticated pathways of catchment flow are encouraged to travel down through the landscape at a more naturalised rate and through a diverse series of flow routes, giving wildlife a chance to access this currently transitory resource. The aim on the work is to achieve multiple benefits across flood water attenuation, biodiversity gain, water quality improvement and climate change mitigation.

It has been necessary to close the permissive paths within this area of Watkins Wood for both the public and the contractor’s safety. The bridleway remains open.  We ask that all signs are obeyed and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.