Forest Preservation

This forest area is a young broadleaved woodland in the East Staffordshire part of the National Forest in the United Kingdom.

Planted in early 2009 through a National Forest "Changing Landscapes Scheme", this forest comprises mixed broadleaves, planted at 2,250 stems per hectare, including 25% pedunculate oak, 20% ash, 20% mixed broadleaves and 10% woody shrubs.

A series of interconnecting paths travel through the woodland and wetland area. The site was ripped at 2.0m spacing and 0.6m deep prior to planting, which has greatly assisted the establishment of the trees and aided good growth. The trees were planted in individual tubes at c. 2.5m spacing and are now in excess of 4-5 metres tall.

The artificial wetland area is seasonally wet and is located at the north of the woodland, set within an area of open ground. Bluebells have been planted in the open ground and these areas are developing well. The paths through the woodland are mown every year to facilitate permissive access, as required by the conditions of the grant. There is a new, well-established hedge on the western perimeter of the wood, and the Trent and Mersey canal on the eastern perimeter. A small stream runs along the southern boundary.

Planned budget: around €97,537.