Our woodland management plan includes a commitment (Section 6.1) to fell and replant the Dark Wids, an area of woodland that consists mainly of commercially planted sitka spruce.
This is because of the ever increasing risk of these mature spruce trees falling over, especially during storms. This risk has already seen sections of the Dark Wids closed during 2024 due to public safety concerns. A few months ago the Trust commissioned Pryor & Rickett Silviculture to conduct a review of the Dark Wids. They have provided an independent, detailed and expert assessment of the long term management options for this section of woodland (available here).
Rickett & Pryer reviewed three options in detail; felling, thinning and non intervention. Their recommendation to the Trust, as stated in the conclusion to their report is to ‘clear-fell the Dark Wids to prevent further windblow, remove dangerous trees, provide income to the community and remove the risk of falling trees from the public.’ This recommendation aligns with the approved CCDT woodland management plan.
The objective, as with any felling, will be to replant the impacted area as we have successfully done as part of the larch SPHN in 2021/2022 . Felling the sitka spruce in the Dark Wids will provide an exciting opportunity to create a sustainable woodland area for the community, and future generations, to cherish and enjoy. Equally importantly, planting a mix of native species will support the endangered red squirrel population and other native wildlife.
Over the next couple of months the Trust will need to decide the best strategy for clear felling and replanting the Dark Wids. Detailed discussions are taking place. The Woodland Management Group is leading this process and they will make recommendations to the CCDT Board for review and approval. It is expected that any clear felling will be concluded by late February 2025.