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Local woodland Felling

MrMagic
31/03/2011 22:10

I have concerns for the Ancient Hangar Wood near Bromham in Bedfordshire and the bird and animal species that dwell in it. The Wood is classified as Ancient oak and ash woodland. Part of the site is a private conservation area. Some years ago at least a section of the wood was purchased and i believe used for archery. This last week loggers have made a 50m wide clearing for the full length of the wood and are continuing deeper into the wood each day. Most of the bluebells in the felled area have been destroyed. The affected area of the wood is known for Green and Great Spotted Woddpecker and Tawny Owls and allegedly Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. A good number of tit species also nest in that area along with the usual wrens. The fields next to the wood have been a private conservation area for skylark and red legged partridge for many years. We have noticed no warnings of development and we are concerned to find out if we can do anything to help the local species that thrive there - whether its a protected or private wood - were still unsure. Dont know whether you guys have any knowledge about this. 

  • 0 31/03/2011 22:35

    You could maybe try contacting the local council because at the very least some trees may have a protection order on them.It is worth remembering that if someone has bought the wood recently they may have bought it as an investment and whether we like it or not the usual way to make money from timber is to fell the trees and sell them,in most cases it is there as a long term crop.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • 0 31/03/2011 22:38

    Hi MrMagic,

    I don't know your wood but licences are required for felling trees, with a few exceptions. If you have not already done so, you could have a look at the defra and Forestry Commission websites for further information on this.

     

    "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake

  • 0 01/04/2011 17:02

    I am the chairman of Black Eagle Bowmen who used the wood for archery from 1964 to 1999. We left the wood when the adjacent field was bought by the Golf Club and we lost our access to the wood. I share your concerns over what is happening.

    There were strict conditions laid on us while we were there regarding disturbance of the flora and fauna and as far as i know it is an SSSI.

  • 0 01/04/2011 18:56 in reply to eaglearcher

    There is now an approx 50m wide and im guessing 200-300m long strip of the wood missing. It is diirectly through the wood right up to the footpath.. It stretches from the point where the footpath enters the 'main' wood (where the footpath starts to become becomes surrounded by trees from both sides just after where the field ends on your left). It isnt the part adjoining the golf course. There is about 300m of footpath before the golf course is reached, although the far end of the golf course can now be seen through the passage of felled trees.