Management Projects
Following a successful consultation exercise we have started work on the woodland improvement works required to start bringing our two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) Northaw Great Wood and Sherrardspark Wood up to favourable standard.
We received a number of comments during the consultation period opposing the removal of rhododendron, particularly around Six Ways in Sherrardspark Wood. It was never our intention to remove the rhododendron in this area, acknowledging the contribution these huge bushes make when flowering.
To view the document that was the subject of the consultation please follow the link below:
Consultation on woodland management projects in Northaw Great Wood and Sherrardspark Wood
During March 2007 we have had a contractor in both woodlands removing 2 hectares of rhododendron from each wood. In both woods we have also felled some trees to allow light to penetrate to the woodland floor which will in turn stimulate regeneration. We plan to nurture young oak, hornbeam and in the case of Sherrardspark Wood, heather, by selective weeding and fencing to prevent browsing by Muntjac deer. Bringing on this regeneration will give us the woodland for the next 100 years as the mature trees we enjoy today gradually decline.
All management plans for our sites are available to view at the Council Offices, Campus East, please ring Chris James 01707 357418 to arrange to come and see them.
Countryside Management Services
Many of our management plans are supported by long term volunteers, either those belonging to Friends groups or those who regularly join the Countryside Management Services (CMS) groups. The CMS is a local authority funded organisation that operates across the County and it has just celebrated its 30th year of work. We organise a work programme, listed in our volunteer section, please come along to any of the work parties that interest you. Regular activities include hedgelaying, tree planting and scrub management.