Think of a wildlife-rich woodland and your thoughts may turn to a carpet of bluebells, trees brimming with birdsong, and butterflies flitting beneath the branches. Perhaps you recall peering into a rotting tree trunk and marvelling at the insects or the fungi.

But how do we keep our woodlands thriving?

The traditional craft of coppicing has long been used to regenerate woodland and create a diverse structure, age range and resilience to disease among trees. Selective thinning is used to remove non-native tree species or those of poor form, giving others the space they need to grow. In addition to improving the quality of the remaining trees, these practices open up the canopy and allow light to reach the woodland floor. This is often just what is needed for seeds to burst into life and produce that iconic carpet of bluebells (and other woodland flowers!).

If we consider joyous birdsong, our attention turns to the shrub layer between the ground and the canopy. This provides birds with cover for safety, nesting opportunities and food sources. A very dense shrub layer may lead to a loss of ground plants, so a delicate balance is needed. A vibrant species-rich woodland will have a mix of flowers, shrubs and canopy cover with each managed respectively.

What about the familiar sound of a drumming woodpecker who has sought out deadwood to feast on hidden insects? This special habitat is bountiful, as it not only provides food and a home for insects but is also vital for birds, bats, small mammals and fungi. A well-managed woodland retains and creates both standing and fallen deadwood for the benefit of these creatures.

Surprisingly, open pathways are one of the most diverse areas of any woods. Grassy rides are a haven for invertebrates, in particular butterflies who seek out the warmth of these sheltered spaces. The best rides include a short grassy sward with taller herb and shrub edges, plus occasional trees joining the treeline of the wider woodland. Management of rides may include an annual cut after wildflower seeds have dropped. Cuttings should be removed where possible to prevent excess nutrients entering the soil thereby creating better conditions for future wildflower growth.

In order to enhance rides and increase the quantity of warm sheltered areas, a programme of scalloping (the removal of trees and shrubs) may be introduced at considered points along the ride edge with management being undertaken on a rotational basis.

Some of our woodlands are home to the elusive hazel dormouse. Whilst difficult to spot, the correct habitat management is essential if these delightful creatures are to survive. Dormice use all areas of a woodland, so need a well-connected canopy, a shrub layer, species-rich rides and woodland edges, and coppiced hazel producing hazelnuts.

Woodland management is undoubtedly one of the most contentious forms of habitat management. Despite this it is clear that a well-managed woodland is hugely beneficial for a variety of wildlife!

Learn more about woodland management