Forestry operations at Croydon Hill

Over the next year we will be working across Croydon Hill. From November 2024 for approximately six months, we will be working at Croydon Hill (South) before moving towards the North side.  

Croydon Hill is a working woodland producing sustainable timber. This page provides more information about the work we're doing at Croydon Hill (South). 

What is happening? 

During winter 2024 and spring 2025, we are thinning the trees from Monkham Hill towards Druid’s Combe. This means removing selected trees for timber products. This gives the remaining trees more space and light to grow to their full potential. Thinning also lets more light onto the forest floor, which improves the habitat for ground flora and the wildlife it supports. 

In addition to this, we will be clearfelling trees in an area of the southern part of the hill. This means we are removing all the trees at once because they are mature for timber.  

Some of our work areas are classified as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) which means that we are gradually managing them back to the way they would have been several hundred years ago. Where we are thinning the trees, we will prioritise removing non-native tree species to benefit native broadleaf trees.  

Throughout this work, we will be taking steps to protect the forest’s valuable and irreplaceable soils. We are working with our contractor to preventing machine access to green rides, lay brash mats to protect the ground where machinery must travel, only part-load the forwarder which moves timber around the work site, and fell trees by hand where necessary. 

The timber from Croydon Hill (South) is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as being sustainably produced. 

Can I still visit Croydon Hill (South)? 

Safety is our highest priority. Croydon Hill (South) is open to visitors throughout the forestry work. We will work hard to keep disruption to a minimum but there will be times when we will need to close access around the forest so we can work safely nearby. It is essential for the safety of our visitors, staff, contractors, and volunteers that everyone follows all signs, diversions, and closures at all times, 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 our proposed land management plan for Exmoor and Quantocks online. If you have any questions about our work in the Forest, please email westengland@forestryengland.uk.