Red Fox Field & Bushcraft Ltd
Woodland Managment
We care for our woodland through tree planting, coppicing, and habitat piles. These practices help replace lost trees, encourage new growth, and create shelter for wildlife, keeping the woodland healthy, diverse, and full of life for visitors to enjoy.
Coppicing
Coppicing is a traditional woodland practice where certain trees, like hazel or willow, are carefully cut down to their base to encourage fresh new shoots to grow. As some of our rowan trees begin to decline, we use coppicing to help the woodland renew itself naturally. This natural cycle of cutting and regrowth helps keep the woodland healthy, lets in more sunlight, and creates a rich variety of habitats for wildlife to thrive.
Planting
As part of our ongoing woodland care, we’re replanting with the trees that have always belonged here — oak, rowan, hawthorn, blackthorn, and hazel. By keeping to these traditional native species, we help preserve the natural character and balance of the woodland. These trees support a rich variety of wildlife, from insects and birds to mammals and fungi, creating a healthy, resilient environment that will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Habitat piles
We create habitat piles from fallen branches, logs, and the bracken and brambles we’ve cleared from around the woodland. These piles provide vital shelter for insects, small mammals, and fungi, while helping to recycle natural materials, enrich the soil, and support a thriving web of woodland life.
Managing Paths
Keeping our woodland paths clear and safe is an important part of how we care for the site. Regular path maintenance helps prevent overgrowth, reduces trip hazards, and allows visitors to explore comfortably while protecting the surrounding plants and wildlife. We also stay alert for “widow makers” — dead or damaged branches that can fall from trees without warning. By inspecting and managing these safely, we help ensure the woodland remains a welcoming and secure environment for everyone to enjoy.