Work is progressing with the first stage of our Dark Woods Regeneration project, which involves felling the existing over-mature stand of Sitka Spruce and other conifer species.
Our contractor, Ian Rob Timber Harvesting, has been faced with exceptional rainfall and challenging ground conditions over the past 3 weeks which has slowed work down at times.
However, the majority of the easily accessible timber within the Dark Woods has now been harvested and is in the process of being extracted and removed from site.
Their focus will shortly move to the area of steeper terrain on the north side where access for machinery is much more challenging and which will require specialist harvesting techniques.
Once all recoverable timber has been removed, attention will then turn to clearing the ground, reinstating paths and public access routes and allowing the site to drain and begin recovery ahead of being replanted next autumn/winter.
Finally, IRTH will then commence the thinning of diseased Ash from the area between the woodland base, cemetery and seven sisters to make this area safer and more accessible to the public.
Whilst these operations are ongoing, the site (including woodland base and access track) continues to be very muddy and hazardous in places. We therefore ask that members of the public avoid the Dark Woods area where possible.
If you need to pass in the vicinity of any harvesting/ extraction/ haulage works, please make sure you have attracted the attention of the operator and follow their advice/ instructions at all times.
For safety reasons DO NOT climb on timber stacks and bewar
For more information on the Dark Woods Regeneration project, please see our dedicated webpage here.
If you have any questions or comments, please email woodland@CCDT.org.uk.