Beacon Hill Woodland - Felling operations

Overview

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Update 21/11/24

Following reports of discoloration of the pond at Beacon Hill  (grid reference SO 5174 0505) our officers have been out on site to take water samples as a precaution.  

The results show elevated levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).

As a precaution, you may wish to keep dogs and livestock out of the water until further notice.  

Forestry harvesting does produce brash (branches, needles and off cuts), that for a short period during and after operations can result in elevated levels of BOD.

The cattle that graze here as part of the conservation management of the site may also contribute to the increased levels, as they have access to the pond.  

We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide a further update in due course.

Update 12/11/2024

Our forestry team have recently received a further Statutory Plant Health Notice on the larch within a Douglas Fir Crop close to the northern car park (please see map for details)

This area will be thinned in addition to the clear fell, which is currently occurring within the wood.

Live harvesting sites are dangerous - to ensure your safety and that of our contractors, please obey all signage when in the area.

Update 1/10/2024

What work is taking place?

Felling operations have now begun in Beacon Hill woodland, near the Narth, to remove 16 hectares of larch trees which are infected with Phytophora ramorum (more commonly known as larch disease)

The work will take approximately 9 months.

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

Whilst we will endeavour to keep as much as the woodland open as possible, we may need to close off some areas 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, we will replant with native Broadleaves in the affected areas. 

Timber haulage

Haulage vehicles will need to regularly access the woodlands to remove harvested timber from the site. For sites which are close to communities, there will be a maximum of eight lorry-loads a day. In built up areas there will also be a further restriction on this activity to hours outside early mornings and evening rush hours.

Map showing affected area