1,600 Trees Planted at Ashridge

A major project to restore 42 hectares of ancient woodland at Ashridge Estate has reached its next phase. Over the past three years, the National Trust has been carefully removing non-native conifers from some of the most inaccessible and ecologically vulnerable parts of the landscape. This year, work is underway to replant these areas with a mix of native broadleaf species.

Ashridge Estate is home to the largest woodland in the care of the conservation charity, with nearly half of the 2000-hectare (4942 acre) estate covered in woodland, of which 299 hectares (738 acres) are classified as ancient woodland.

Ancient woodland is woodland that has been under continuous tree cover for more than 400 years and makes up only 1-2% of British woodland. Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) are areas that have been planted with non-native species like conifers, which cast dense shadow and acidify the soil , meaning they lack diversity and provide little benefits to the ecosystem.

Removing the conifers was previously thought to be impossible due to the inaccessible nature of the woodland, deep within the landscape. However, thanks to funding from the Forestry Commission, specialist track matting was able to be used to protect the delicate woodland floor from the impact of the machinery needed to carry out the work.

This year, work is underway in to plant 1,600 new broadleaf trees to replace the conifers, marking the next stage in the restoration of Ringshall Copse, the site of the project’s first two years of work. Restoring the tree species composition to a diverse mix of native species will create the right conditions for nature to thrive and for the woodland to be resilient in the face of a changing climate.

Matthew L’Estrange, Area Ranger at Ashridge Estate celebrates the success so far: ‘Over the last two years, with more sunlight reaching the forest floor, natural regeneration has already begun in the woodland, leading to exciting ecological improvements. The rare spotted flycatcher has returned, and primroses and foxgloves have emerged from the woodland floor and are now flowering.’

Matt continues: ‘Planting new species such as oak, hornbeam, crab apple, hawthorn, cherry, hazel and lime trees alongside the natural regeneration means we are creating a diverse and healthy woodland. As the trees establish, we will expect to see an increase in other wildlife like bats, butterflies, bees and hoverflies that would not have been found there when it was dominated by conifers.’

With further tree planting to take place on other former conifer plantations across the estate next year, this is a long-term investment in nature, ensuring future generations can enjoy and benefit from this precious landscape.

The National Trust remains committed to conservation efforts that protect and enhance the natural environment. This ambitious woodland restoration is a testament to the charity’s dedication to preserving vital habitats for wildlife while offering visitors a rich and diverse landscape to explore. Trees were planted by Hbn Trees.

Find out more about restoring our ancient woodland at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate.

Image © HBN Trees