From ash decline
to a stronger woodland
A long-term programme to respond to ash dieback, diversify the woodland and create healthier habitats for wildlife and future generations.
A woodland at a turning point
Nethercote Wood was planted in 2005 as part of the National Forest. Its future now depends on active care: significant areas contain ash affected by ash dieback, while the original planting has limited species diversity.
Our responsibility is to guide the woodland through that change, protect the habitat that matters and establish the varied canopy that will follow.
The aim is not simply to remove failing trees. It is to secure what replaces them and care for the woodland through recovery.
Why are we cutting down ash trees?
Felling can look alarming when the purpose is not visible. The work is not the destruction of the woodland. It is a planned response to ash dieback and the first stage of replacing a failing canopy with a healthier, more diverse woodland.
Ash dieback is causing decline
The disease damages the crown and vascular system of ash trees. Many affected trees continue to weaken and die, so simply leaving every tree standing will not preserve the existing canopy.
Dead ash becomes brittle and unsafe
As ash dies, branches and stems can become brittle and unpredictable. Planned removal allows work to be carried out safely and reduces the risk beside paths, working areas and places used by visitors.
Removal makes recovery possible
Felling is phased under an approved licence. Valuable habitat and suitable trees are retained where it is safe to do so, and the felled areas must be restocked and cared for as the next woodland establishes.
The restoration pathway
The work will be carefully planned and phased. Felling is one stage in a much longer process of establishment, protection, monitoring and woodland care.
Survey & plan
Assess habitat, tree condition, access, safety and the features that should be retained.
Fell safely
Remove dead and failing ash in planned phases while protecting valuable trees and habitat.
Replant diversity
Introduce a broader native mix rather than replacing one dominant species with another.
Build structure
Develop canopy layers, understorey, glades, rides, edges and safe retained deadwood.
Manage & monitor
Protect young trees, replace failures and adapt management as the woodland develops.
More species. More layers. More resilience.
Restocking will introduce a broader mixture of native trees and shrubs alongside open ground. The intention is a woodland with greater variation in age, height and structure, providing more ways for wildlife to feed, shelter and move.
Species and proportions will be refined through the ecological assessment and the final management plan.
Felling licence and Biodiversity Net Gain
The approved felling licence permits work within approximately 6.81 hectares and requires those areas to be restocked. Biodiversity Net Gain is a separate process: only habitat improvement beyond the relevant baseline and legal obligations can contribute to biodiversity units.
From decline to recovery