Although many visitors to Bluebell Wood think of it as wild wood, it has been managed for many hundreds of years. producing the landscape the you see today. The woodland has not been managed in any major way since the 1960’s although some thinning was carried out in the 1990’s. Since taking over the management of the wood in 2003 Wesnet services has produced a management plan and out lined 3 main objectives:
- Conservation
- Sustainable timber production
- Amenity
As part of the revival of coppice crafts in Hampshire Wesnet Services is restoring the woodland to its state in the 1960’s and the intention is to work the coppice and both produce coppice products and encourage wildlife. To this end the new management plan and English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) has been produced for Bluebell Wood. The plan takes into account the three management objectives above.
Over the next 5 years phase 1 of the management plan will see several areas of coppice cut and where needed protected from deer and rabbits. The area of high forest at the western end of the woodland will also be thinned to allow more light to the woodland floor, with natural regeneration being used as a means of replacing the felled trees. It is intended to carry out all works with as little disruption to the public as possible but in some cases paths may have to be shut or diverted to allow for work to be carried out. Deer fence will be needed round regenerating coppice, and for the first rotation this may have to stay for several years. Once rotation is established we will remove the fencing as appropriate.
Note*After cutting was carried out in the season 2006/2007 the area was left unfenced with the result that the coppice has been eaten to ground level this area and the area being cut 2007/2008 will have to be fenced to prevent further damage by deer.
Please read all safety signs and keep dogs under control, remember a tree will not stop falling just for you!!