Volunteers help restore seven ancient woodland reserves

A woodland restoration project has completed practical work across seven Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust reserves, with encouraging wildlife observations at Astonbury Wood near Stevenage.

Volunteers contributed 2,834 hours of conservation work. More than 0.7 hectares returned to coppice management, while overgrown glades were cleared to bring light back to the woodland floor. The work also included Gobions Wood near Brookmans Park and Old Park Wood in Harefield.

Coppicing cuts trees near ground level so new stems regrow from their bases. The Woodland Trust explains that these shoots need protection from browsing animals; volunteers in this project used woven deer baskets around some cut trees.

At Astonbury, the charity reports more silver-washed fritillary butterflies this summer and two damselfly species recorded for the first time. These observations do not isolate the effect of restoration, and further work and funding are needed.

Still, restored glades, regrowing trees and a new wellbeing trail show what sustained practical care can offer both wildlife and local visitors.

Sources

• Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust — New life for local ancient woodlands
• Woodland Trust — Types of woodland management