This autumn will be busy at Savernake Forest. Timber harvesting that was postponed last year will resume from August until the end of the year. We will work hard to keep disruption to a minimum, but there will be times where we will need to close access around the central areas of the woodland so we can work safely nearby.

Some of our work areas are classified as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/fthr/historic-environment-resources/ancient-woodland/ (PAWS) which means that we are gradually managing them back to the way they would have been several hundred years ago. We will prioritise removing non-native tree species to benefit native broadleaf trees and, where possible, open up more space around some of Savernake’s special veteran trees to support their health.

There is more information about this work on our website at https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/forestry-operations-savernake-forest

We will also be identifying veteran trees of the future in an area of 1950s oak plantation. We will be removing the straighter oaks to give space to ones with potential to develop veteran form and characteristics, such as broad, open crowns.

By starting work now, we can take advantage of the lower rainfall at this time of year and keep disturbance to Savernake’s irreplaceable soils to a minimum. Where possible, machinery will travel along specified routes to protect the soils, veteran tree roots, and scheduled monuments.

Our work involves thinning trees – where we remove selected trees for timber products – to give those remaining more space and light to grow to their full potential. Thinning also lets more light onto the forest floor, which improves the habitat for ground flora and the wildlife it supports.Between September and January 2025 we will also be thinning trees at Bedwyn Common, Cobham Frith, and Chisbury for timber products. At the same time, we will remove trees showing signs of Chalara ash dieback; a destructive disease that causes trees to become brittle, drop branches, or fall altogether.

As work progresses, we’ll be sharing updates on our Facebook page: - Savernake Forest – Forestry England. As ever, if you have any questions about Forestry England’s work in Savernake Forest, please drop us a line to westengland@forestryengland.uk.

by Nikki Morgans, Area Forester