Woodland Enhancement Project Aims to Boost Biodiversity

Conservationists are implementing a project to enhance biodiversity within a woodland that was previously a plantation, employing unconventional techniques to revitalize its “boring” trees. The Avon Wildlife Trust is conducting this work at Goblin Combe in North Somerset, with the goal of increasing the populations of three bat species and dormice. According to reserve manager Andy Jones, the site’s past as a timber plantation resulted in trees that “are quite young and quite dull” for local wildlife. In addition to thinning trees to increase light penetration to the woodland floor, the team has been “veteranising” certain young trees, modifying them to develop characteristics appealing to bats, birds, and insects. The trust has managed a 15-hectare section of the woodland since the 1980s, and in 2018, it received the full 76-hectare site as a gift. The area was planted for timber during the 1950s and 1960s, having previously been rough pastureland. Funding was secured last year from Natural England’s Wilder Woodlands programme to enhance the site specifically for lesser and greater horseshoe bats, barbastelle bats, and dormice. Mr. Jones informed BBC Bristol that, “It is a plantation woodland, so all of the trees are quite young and they are quite dull for wildlife.” These trees lack the natural nooks and crannies, typically formed by wear and tear, which offer essential shelter, nesting locations, and food sources for animals. “We can take one of those trees and make them more interesting – with a chain saw or drill you can create those crevices in the tree,” Mr. Jones stated. In other areas, the team has thinned trees alongside historical carting tracks, allowing sufficient light for wildflowers and brambles to flourish. Mr. Jones explained, “That’s the food source for all the insects and birds and bees and butterflies.” He added, “We are essentially creating a nice long wildlife corridor for wildlife to move throughout the woodland.” Fencing has also been installed to facilitate the eventual introduction of cattle into specific sections. Mr. Jones commented, “It very quickly forests again. The cattle will help us maintain this area as a little bit more open.” The Avon Wildlife Trust currently lacks definitive results regarding the program’s impact on wildlife. However, a section thinned approximately 18 months prior is now described as “full of life.” Mr. Jones observed, “The bird count is going up, we are starting to get reptiles using it, we are getting some really interesting species using it.” He concluded, “It’s just really nice seeing it come alive in places that were really dark and dull.”