Information on forest operations at Slade Wood

Overview

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What work is taking place?

We will need to carry out felling operations in Slade woodland, to remove the remaining 6 hectares of larch trees which are infected with Phytophora ramorum (more commonly known as larch disease)

We are currently working with our contractors to agree a start date and will update this page as soon as we have confirmation.

What is larch disease?

Larch disease, or Phytophthora ramorum, is a fungus-like disease which can cause extensive damage and mortality to a wide range of trees and other plants. Larch disease spreads through airborne spores from tree to tree. It poses no threat to human or animal health. 

Whilst we cannot stop the spread of larch disease, we can take action to slow it down.

Find out more about our approach to tackling larch disease and Ash Dieback 

Nesting birds 

Before any work begins, we work closely with a bird surveyor to thoroughly survey the site for any nesting birds. Any nests that are found will have an exclusion zone put around them and the teams will work around the area until the birds have finished breeding and vacated the nest.

Forest access during operations

It is likely that we will have to close off public access to some areas of forestry whilst operations are taking place, to allow the work to be undertaken quickly and safely.

Whilst we do not like to close off access to our forests, which are enjoyed by many, live harvesting sites are incredibly dangerous, and this is necessary to protect the safety of our staff, our contractors, and visitors to the woodland.

Please adhere to all closures and diversion notices when they are in place. We will do everything we can to minimise disruption to the local community.

Find out more about visiting our forests safely here

Replanting 

Once the diseased larch has been removed, the affected areas will be restocked with native species through planting and natural regeneration.

Map showing affected area