Winter Woodland Maintenance
The winter season is a busy time at the park - as a designated Local Nature Reserve, there’s always lots to do to make sure the wide range of diverse habitats around the park are maintained and looked after, and winter is the perfect time to carry out some much needed woodland maintenance work.
Working alongside the Blaenau Gwent Council Biodiversity and Ecology team and our environmental volunteers, we have been carrying out essential willow coppicing around the park over the last couple of months.
Coppicing willow is an ancient and traditional form of woodland management that promotes new growth and is great for wildlife, it’s done by pruning the plant down to the ground in the winter, while the plant is dormant and not actively growing.
Removing willow that is choking out younger woodlands is often necessary for several reasons:
Maintaining biodiversity: Willow can be a fast-growing and aggressive species, outcompeting slower-growing native trees and shrubs for sunlight, water, and nutrients. By removing it, you can help to restore a more balanced ecosystem and allow other species to thrive.
Protecting young trees: Young trees need sunlight and space to grow and develop strong root systems. If they are constantly shaded and crowded by willow, they may become stunted, weakened, and more susceptible to disease and pests.
Improving forest health: Overgrown willow can create dense thickets that block sunlight and hinder air circulation, making the woodland environment more humid and susceptible to fungal diseases. Removing some of the willow can improve air flow and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
Promoting wildlife diversity: While willow provides habitat for some wildlife, a diverse woodland with a variety of tree and shrub species will support a wider range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals.
Overall, removing willow that is choking out younger woodlands is a management practice that can help to maintain a healthy and diverse forest ecosystem. And by leaving the trimmed wood in habitat piles around the park, we create shelter and safe spaces for a range of wildlife.
