CURRENT OPERATIONS

Crowdy Reservoir: We are currently undertaking a clear-fell operation of two small blocks of Sitka Spruce on the south eastern side of the reservoir. This operation is being undertaken slightly earlier in the year to avoid any impact on the starling populations within the area. During this time, public access will be restricted due to the harvesting operations, this is to protect both the public and our contractors. . The timber is being extracted away from the reservoir through the nearby Forestry Commission land. These two areas will be replanted with native broadleaves to provide more beneficial habitat for native species. This operation will begin week beginning 21st August 2023 and finished by 21st September 2023. Warning and information signs will be in place and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Venford Reservoir: We will be undertaking a clear-felling operation of the Norway Spruce and a thinning of the Scots Pine and some broadleaves during September. This operation is happening because these species are coming to their rotation and will be replaced with native broadleaf species which will improve the biodiversity levels around Venford Reservoir. To protect the public and our contractors the paths around the reservoir will need to be closed. Information and warning signs will be erected, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these.  This operation has been planned in conjunction with South West Water, Forestry Commission, South West Lakes Trust, Dartmoor National Park and Natural England.

Burrator Reservoir: We will shortly be clear-felling an area of conifer species between the reservoir and the arboretum carpark. This is in line with the long term management plan and improving the riparian zones and replacing them with wet woodland species. This will improve the biodiversity and the water quality flowing into the reservoir. In addition to this, we will be clear felling the sitka spruce element in the riparian zone of Narrator Brook which runs through the arboretum and again replanting with wet woodland species. This work is in line with UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) Forest and Water Guidelines. Unfortunately, this will cause some disruption and permissive paths will need to be closed to facilitate this operation. Your cooperation in adhering to all information and warning signs is much appreciated.

Slew Wood: Unfortunately, the larch at Slew Wood is subject to a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) for Phytophthora ramorum, we also have a minor infestation of Great Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus micans) in the Sitka Spruce. Subsequently these trees are being felled to attempt to prevent further spread of these pests and diseases. However, following the harvesting operation, the woodland will be replanted with predominantly native broadleaf species which, in the long term, should greatly improve both habitat and biodiversity.  This project has been planned in conjunction with South West Water and South West Lakes Trust, and extensive ecological surveys have been undertaken to minimise any potential disturbance to wildlife and best practise guidelines will be adhered to throughout the operation.

Yawl Cross and Dene Wood at Yawl, Uplyme, East Devon: Unfortunately, the larch within these two woodlands are subject to a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) for Phytopthora ramorum. Subsequently, these trees need to be felled to attempt to reduce t he spread of this disease. Warning and information signs will be erected, and we would very much appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these.

Roadford Forest
Unfortunately, a large proportion of the young Ash trees within Roadford Forest have been affected by Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)
We are systematically felling the affected trees within the woodland for both public safety and future resilience.
Selected Ash trees showing signs of resistance against the disease will be retained and monitored.
Following the felling, the affected areas will be replanted with a mixture of native broadleaf species.
Please be aware of and comply with the signage around these areas, for your own safety.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Burrator Internal Track Improvement
We are currently undertaking some necessary work within the forest to improve the internal track systems. This will allow woodland management operations to be undertaken safely. Improving track systems has further benefits, one of these is that it increases the light levels reaching the track sides benefitting both ground flora and some invertebrates. Warning signs have been erected where the operations are taking place and we urge you, for your own safety, and that of our contractors to adhere to these at all times. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.