We’re pleased to confirm that all harvesting operations within the Dark Woods and woodland base area are now complete, all machinery has left site, and safe public access has been fully restored.
Over the winter, our contractor, Ian Robb Timber Harvesting, worked tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions to harvest the site and remove all timber. The combination of tight site constraints—such as limited lorry turning areas and timber stacking space—and difficult terrain made this a highly complex operation, requiring skilled operatives throughout.
We also extend our thanks to TreeStory for expertly managing the process on our behalf, ensuring that all work was carried out to the highest possible standard.
Our groundworks contractor, David Shanks, has now cleared as much ground as possible and consolidated areas of brash into low piles to prepare for replanting later this year.
He has also expertly reinstated key paths and access routes throughout the Dark Woods and prepared the hillside within the SPHN replanting area, ready for this weekend’s community planting day.
The Dark Woods site will now be left to dry out, recover, and begin its natural regeneration before planning for replanting begins in earnest this summer. We look forward to seeing the flora and fauna begin to re-emerge now that the ground is fully exposed to the sun.
Please note that while access has been restored, the ground remains soft in places and will take time to dry fully. Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear and stick to paths wherever possible.