The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Sunday 8 April 2012

During the 20^th century coppice management ceased and many of the beeches have not been cut for more than 90 years.  They are now so overgrown that they are starting to decay and will eventually die.  The trees have grown tall and wide, with their leaves shading out sunlight and making the woodland dark even on bright summer days. 

To save these ancient trees and ensure they survive for years to come, tree surgeons reduced the numbers of large limbs, and the weight of those branches, that are causing the trees to be stressed.  Timber and branches has been left on the ground to decay and create the perfect habitat for creepy crawlies and fungi. 

The trees will be carefully monitored to see how they respond and a second phase of tree work is scheduled to take place later in the winter of 2014.