Forestry Commission England is urging people to follow instructions on site around Firestone Copse near Havenstreet, as work is carried out over the next 2-3 weeks to clear windblown trees throughout the woodland.
The work, which gets underway on Monday, requires a short-term closure of the car park at Firestone Copse. Between Monday 20th – Friday 24th February and Monday 27th – Friday 3rd March the car park will be closed to the public, but will re-open at the weekends.
Following the work near Havenstreet, contractors will move on to start work in Parkhurst Forest, Newport from around 13th March. In order to keep the public safe, Forestry Commission England will be temporarily closing the car park for 2 days, however the exact date for the closure is yet to be determined. The car park will re-open once tree felling close to the access road has finished.
Ben Phelan, Forester with the Commission’s team in the area said:
“Some people do worry when tree felling operations start, though the awareness that woods benefit from active management is much better understood today. People love their local woods, they really care for them. Forestry Commission staff appreciate this, as do forestry contractors.
“Providing it is sustainably managed, thinning is a key element of good woodland management. It provides opportunities to open up of shaded and wet tracks, making them more accessible to people on foot, and benefits wildlife including valuable pollinating species.
“It will be noticeable where machinery has been, however work to repair tracks will take place as soon as possible after all tree felling has finished.
“We’ll do our best to minimise the number of paths that need to be closed, and I’d like to thank everyone for their understanding whilst forestry operations are underway.
Article continues below this advertisement “The work is planned using our approved ‘Forest Design Plans’ and seeks to enhance the ecological interest of this wonderful place, for Red squirrels and Dormice, and smaller less noticeable plants and creatures too.”
Warning signs will be in place around the work sites. Visitors are being reminded to pay attention to signs for the safety of themselves, that of others and dogs they may be walking.
