Nature’s corridor

Woodland and Hedgerows

The estate has over 400 acres of woodland which is carefully managed and protected, 80km is made up of hedgerows. Recently, a thinning of softwood plantation has been undertaken to promote the health and growth of native hardwood. Dead wood is left in the woodlands and fields (where it is safe to do so) to encourage biodiversity allowing an increase in habitats for nature such as hedgehogs, bats and owls. To continue to promote the health of flora and fauna, woodland rides are managed and over zealous brambles reduced to encourage a balance between managed and untouched areas. This is important to benefit pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other insects.

There are 6km of new mixed native hedgerows to be planted over the next 3 years including hedgerow trees every 20m.

An ongoing planting plan continues, where 1,000 trees a year will be planted to restock the woods as well as replace trees due to storm damage. Following thinning, unusable waste product is chipped and used for bio mass, for the production of green energy.

Trees and hedges are used to help protect our livestock in summer and winter as well as giving nature a safe passageway across our fields.

A carefully managed plan sees the replanting and regrowth of oak trees, 6 months apart.

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