Submitted by Catherine on Wed, 22/06/2016 - 11:11
We are often asked, 'why don't we just let nature get on with it?' It is a good question. As part of the CVLLP programme a number of our projects have included vegetation management. We have cleared areas, particularly rhododendrons, to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Protecting the remains of our built heritage features has taken many volunteer hours of scrub clearance. Alton Mill race, for example, was becoming overgrown by trees that were damaging what was left of this heritage feature.
When it comes to maintaing important habitats, again we need to give nature a helping hand. Change of woodland use over the centuries and lack of woodland management results in thick canopies which the sun can’t penetrate. A few shade tolerant species like holly and yew start to dominate, dead wood habitats decline and veteran trees are not present. A dark, shaded woodland floor means woodland flowers stop growing. Woodland birds and insects such as butterflies fail to thrive, resulting in range contractions and local extinctions. Woodland management, such as selective felling, the removal of invasive species and creation of woodland glades, increases the quality of open spaces. Dead trees are the preferred home to many insects so we worked within many woods to deliberately create 'standing dead wood'.
Vegetation management isn’t just about cutting and felling. We have also planted trees to improve the network of woodland habitat that wildlife needs to thrive and move across this region.
Volunteers are essential to this work, if you would like to help please check the event calendar for volunteer work party. Whatever your level of fitness and experience we are bound to be able to find a useful job for you.