Burghley Estate Information Note 

Intended Felling works Cpt 54 Dottrell and Cpt 56 Home Wood commencing mid-August 2024.

Introduction

Both woodlands are classed as Ancient Semi Natural Woods (ASNW). ASNWs are defined in the UK as areas that have been continuously wooded since 1600. As such they are a very precious resource as they contain a relatively undisturbed suite of soil organisms, flora, and fauna.

Both areas of woodland with red hatching on the plan attached have a species composition consisting of at least 80% mature ash.   The remainder of the  species are oak and some field maple with an understorey of hawthorn.

Since approximately 2012 our ash woodlands are being affected by a fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus which causes the disease ‘ash dieback’. It is thought that up to 80% of the UKs ash trees will succumb to this disease.

There is plenty of information to be found on this disease on the following Forest Research page:

https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/fthr/pest-and-disease-resources/ash-dieback-hymenoscyphus-fraxineus/

As the pathogen is taking more hold on the individual trees in both these compartments the trees are showing poor resistance and are starting to die and, in some cases, starting to windthrow.

The western half of Cpt 56 is particularly badly affected :

Dead and dying ash trees on the western face of Cpt 56 Home Wood

Felling programme
The estate has secured an approved felling plan with the Forestry Commission, so we can aim to retain the value of the timber before it deteriorates further, but also and more importantly start to restore the woods and plant a more resilient mix of species. We therefore wish to start the work on felling these two blocks in mid-August 2024 or as soon as our appointed ornithologist has approved the areas are free of nesting birds. As part of his inspection, he will also mark trees of high ecological interest to be retained. We will also leave any fallen logs which will provide important deadwood habitat. Only the ash trees will be felled, all oak trees will be retained.
We are felling the woods in late summer/ early autumn to minimise compaction and soil damage during the felling and extraction process. Cpt 56 and the surrounding fields lie very wet in the late autumn winter which would exclude a felling operation at that  time of year.
The felled areas will be restocked with the following suite of species:
Cpt 54 Dottrell 
35%Oak
15% Small leaved lime
15% Hornbeam
10% Wild service tree
10% Native woody shrubs including hazel, hawthorn, spindle, dogwood, guelder rose
15% Open space

Cpt 56 Easton Hillside

35% Oak
15% Norway maple
10% Hornbeam
10% Small leaved lime
5% Field maple
5%  Wild service tree
5% Woody shrubs
15% Open space

We will restock both sites in the winters  of either 2025/26 or 26/27
 This is the start of the restoration in Cpt 56 . We are expecting the alien block of conifer in the central section of the wood to be severely affected by their new exposure to the prevailing  wind. If windthrow does occur, the fallen trees will be cleared and the area restocked with the same species as the felled area, which is a more appropriate suite of species to match its ASNW status.
It is also likely that the unfelled eastern half of the wood will also need to be felled and replanted in the very near future.
Extraction ,Stacking, Felling and Transport of Timber
I have marked on the plan attached the felling areas with anticipated extraction routes from the wood and the main anticipated stacking areas.
I have liaised with both Tim Beaver and Peter and Duncan Mitchell whose land is closely adjacent to the extraction and stacking areas. The timber will be loaded and transported away on the two routes back through the village on West and Church Streets. I hope this does not cause the villagers too much upheaval and would ask if people are able to ensure the route is not obstructed.
Thank you.

Any questions or queries please email:
 peter.glassey@burghley.co.uk