From The Ranger

Hey there!
We've been in touch with the ranger at High Woods, Sonya Lindsell, and she has told us a lot about what goes on at High Woods for conservation.

Woodland management –

 What goes on here happens to be coppicing, sycamore removal, treating invasive Knotweed and glade creation. This ensures that the woodland is kept healthy and lively, and protected from invasive species.

Pond/lake management –

This is a very important thing to take care of, otherwise the life there won't be able to grow in the habitat. So clearing invasive non native plants such as Australian Stone Crop, clearing bank-side vegetation on rotation, creating open water in the marsh area by pulling reed mace all helps to keep it clear and healthy.

Grassland management –

To many people, grass may just be grass- just let it grow! But keeping it healthy and free of things you don't want can be hard. So clearing invasive plants such as Ragwort and Creeping thistle, grazing on rotation and taking a hay crop in late September is all done to ensure that the grass is kept luscious and flourishing.  

Hedgerow management – 

Hedgerows are important so coppicing and trimming is done on rotation as well as planting up any gaps to keep it neat.

Scrub management – 

This involves creating clearings and areas for lizards to bask in. This important because lizards are cold-blooded, meaning they can't keep themselves warm. So they use the rocks heat them up. If they can't do this, they could die. 

This is all helping to keep the park healthy, lively and flourishing. 

Thanks for the information Ranger Lindsell! ;)

- Cupcakes Are Forever xoxo