Stockport Council has been successful in receiving funding from the Forestry Commission to carry out woodland management and access improvement works in a number of woodlands within the Borough. These woodlands are Heald Wood, Redbrow Wood, Barlow Wood, Poise Brook, Woodbank Park Woodland and Carr Wood. Work will be carried out to manage the woodland for biodiversity, and also to improve access and interpretation around the sites.
The woodland management will focus largely on the removal of regenerating non-native species such as sycamore and beech trees and the removal of invasive species such as rhododendron. In some areas it is proposed to selectively 'thin' the trees, and non-native species will be targeted. Thinning is necessary to allow more light to reach the woodland floor to encourage more plant species to grow, which should help to increase the number of species found in the woodland. It also helps to increase the age range of the trees and shrubs present in the woodland. In addition planting of small native tree species (known as whips), will be undertaken in areas where thinning has taken place. Bird boxes will also be put up on the sites.
We also plan to improve some of the footpaths on the sites and provide improved signage and interpretation.
Work starts at:
- Woodbank Park - 16th January 2012
- Poise Brook - 16th February 2012
- Heald Wood - 22nd February 2012
For further information about the woodland grants can be found on the Forestry Commissions Website