Cann Wood is a working woodland producing sustainable timber. We are working in the south west area of the forest until February 2025. This page provides more information about the work we're doing.
What is happening?
We are thinning the trees in the Borringdon Park Wood are of the forest where trees are growing densely. This means removing selected trees to give the remaining ones more space to grow to their potential. Thinning also allows more light to reach the forest floor, which improves the habitat for ground flora and the wildlife it supports.
The timber from Cann Wood is certified as being sustainably produced by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
Can I still visit Cann Wood?
The most important thing for Forestry England is to keep the public, our staff, and contractors safe. Cann Wood is open to visitors throughout the forestry work. There will be haulage vehicles moving around the forest, so please follow all signs and instructions for your safety. Do not enter Borringdon Park Wood, whether or not you can see or hear us working. Forestry work is very hazardous. A falling tree can weigh several tonnes and hit the ground at nearly 60mph. If a harvesting machine chainsaw snaps, it can fly through the forest like a bullet.
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 about our management plans for Cann Wood in our forest plan.