Forestry operations at Mortimer Forest
Mortimer Forest is a working woodland producing sustainable timber. We are currently working at Hazel Coppice in Bringewood Chase with plans for further work in the Evens area at Whitcliffe this autumn and winter.
Stay safe
Please follow all safety signage, closure information, diversions and instructions from operators. Please look out for moving vehicles and follow any instructions from the driver. Do not climb on stacked timber. A log can weigh up to a tonne and rolling logs can kill. Stacks are carefully made and may look stable but, if a log comes loose, others are likely to follow.
What is happening?
We are clearfelling trees at Hazel Coppice in the Bringewood Chase area of Mortimer Forest, removing all the trees at once because they have reached maturity.
Part of Hazel Coppice is classified as a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) which means that we are gradually managing it back to the way it would have been several hundred years ago. We will manage the forest to help native broadleaf species such as oak and birch to regenerate naturally.
The north-west area of this clearfell is not classified as PAWS. It will be replanted with a productive crop of conifer trees to ensure that we continue to provide a sustainable, home-grown source of timber to the British market for years to come.
Can I still visit Mortimer Forest?
Access will be maintained to as much of the forest as possible during the harvesting operations. The forest road and the public right of way that runs through Hazel Coppice will be closed while machinery is operating close by.
While work is carried out on the steep banks close to Killhorse Lane, the road will be closed between Gorsty and Monstay farms and a diversion will be in place. We expect this work to begin in mid-October and continue for several weeks. During this closure, Vinnalls car park will remain open, but will only be accessible from the Wigmore direction. Whitcliffe car park will remain open, but will only be accessible from the Ludford direction.
What about the wildlife?
Harvesting trees is an important part of sustainable forest management and well managed forests support more wildlife. Before we start any forestry work, we carry out thorough ecological surveys to check for species such as birds, mammals, rodents, invertebrates, flora, and fungi. This enables us to identify ecological constraints such as the presence of European Protected Species and Schedule 1 protected birds, which affect the time of year when certain operations can be carried out.
We consider our findings against complex factors including tree health, how the ground slopes, soil condition, and likely rainfall when planning forestry work. While working, we continue to check for wildlife and adapt, pause, or suspend work if necessary.
Where can I find out more?
You can read our full management plan for Mortimer Forest in the Mortimer Forest Plan. If you have any questions, you can contact us at westengland@forestryengland.uk
