Temporary Deer Fence is Going Up

Roe Deer in our coppice coupe 6th June

Newly coppiced trees are very vulnerable to browsing by deer which can seriously damage or even kill trees in the early stages of regrowth. The trees we coppiced in spring are no exception. Local Roe Deer have become an increasing presence on our trail cameras (see picture) and have already caused noticeable damage to new shoots growing from our regenerating Ash, Willow and Hornbeam stools.

Placing a deer fence around the coppice “coupe” is therefore an important means to ensure the survival of these trees. To that end we will be erecting a temporary deer fence this week, weather permitting. New coppices typically remain vulnerable for two to three years and we will remove the fence as soon as we are satisfied that the threat is past. As we wrote in February (see below) coppicing is the best way to rejuvenate a woodland like Lag Wood. It brings light and warmth, it restores habitats and brings new life to old woodlands.  We hope you will understand that this is a necessary part of what we are doing.

 

A Guide to Pheasant Field

Most people understand the reasons for conserving woodlands, but the reasons for conserving grasslands are not so well known. Many people who visit Pheasant Field see a scrubby, neglected-looking old meadow and wonder why we would want to spend so much time and effort on its conservation. To try and answer that question we have produced this short downloadable illustrated guide aimed giving local people an understanding of why Pheasant Field is a unique local wildlife asset and why all of us should find it in our interests to conserve it. Please click this link to download A Guide to Pheasant Field

If you have any thoughts or comments you are very welcome to talk to us or please leave a comment on this site.