A NUMBER of trees are to be felled at Croft Castle over the coming months – but visitors should not panic as the move is expected to be a step towards re-instating the beauty spot’s historic wood pasture.
A 28 hectare (70 acre) area of trees will be felled from now through to the end of December as part of a plan to return the area to a high quality wood pasture, which will allow more species to survive and flourish.
Conifer plantations conflict with how the landscape looked up until the mid-20th century, so a conversion to wood pasture is planned, with the re-planting of native tree species such as oak, sweet chestnut and beech.
It will also allow wild flowers and wildlife to flourish on the woodland floor.
Croft’s landscape is designated as Grade II* for its historic and national significance and documented evidence shows the presence of wood pasture throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
This planned restoration will also enhance the setting of the Iron Age hill fort of Croft Ambrey, a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).
Some follow up thinning work will be required through until next March.
The restoration and re-planting is being funded by Natural England through its Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme to improve and maintain important landscapes.
For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle/our-work/
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