BLUEBELLS SIGNAL BACK TO NATURE PLAN

 
The Forestry Commission is working on a first ever blueprint, or design plan, to restore 1,200-acre Wharncliffe Wood, near Wortley, between Barnsley and Sheffield, back to its ancient roots as a totally broadleaf woodland. The scheme represents a massive long-term boost to wildlife and plants.
 
Like many other woods in the 20^th century, Wharncliffe was extensively planted with conifers to shore up the nation’s timber reserves. But priorities have changed and forest chiefs have pledged to reinstate sites which are deemed to be “ancient”.  That includes woods that were plotted on the first reliable maps, which in England were produced about 400 years ago.  But ground flora like bluebells have also been used to confirm Wharncliffe’s longevity. Britain has almost half the world’s population of native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) which are strongly linked to old oak woods.  Work at Wharncliffe will produce a timely boost to the flower’s fortunes
 
Forester Albin Smith said:
 
“Bluebells are not just pretty, but they often show that a wood’s roots date back centuries.  This project will mean many more oak trees at Wharncliffe, so we can look forward to more sensational spring displays.”
 
Currently, Wharncliffe is evenly split between conifers and broadleaf trees.  It’s already a key wildlife haven for insects, birds, grass snakes and small mammals.  But these new plans will create an even richer set of habitats, ranging from wood pasture to ponds and high quality stands of broadleaf trees. 
 
Albin Smith adds:
 
“The design plan will set out the key dates and felling schedules that will deliver a totally broadleaf wood by about 2045. However, the change will be gradual, using the natural regeneration of existing trees to help the wood regain its ancient vigour.”
 
Conservation organisations and the public will be given chance to comment on the draft plan when it is finalised in a couple of months time.
 
For more on the Forestry Commission visit www.forestry.gov.uk 
 
Media calls to Richard Darn on 0775 367 0038 / 01226 246351.
 
Note to editors
Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands.