Restoring Ranscombe’s Ancient Woodland

We will undertake a programme of conservation work across the woodland which is crucial to enhance its condition, benefit biodiversity, increase efficiency of habitat management, and prolong the lifespan of important veteran trees. We also aim to enhance access to the woodlands. Work includes woodland ride widening, haloing of mature and veteran Oaks, sweet chestnut management to relieve pressure on veteran trees and to allow the woodland to be restocked by natural regeneration, installation of an area in the middle of the reserve where volunteers or visiting/special interest groups can drive to, and fencing to improve events space for forest schools and groups. Volunteers will support the woodland restoration providing 800 hours of work planting 100 oak seedings, constructing 30 timber guards, and cutting coppice.