“It’s about cherishing the woodland at the bottom of your garden, or the stream that runs through it. It affects every aspect of life”- David Attenborough.

Restoring Our Woodland: A Commitment to Nature

At Thirley Cotes Farm, we are undertaking an exciting woodland restoration project to protect and enhance our natural environment for generations to come. We are aiming to enhance the structural and ecological diversity of the woodland, protect and preserve veteran trees, remove non-native confer species and re-establish native trees, shrubs and ground flora.

Why Are Veteran Trees Important?

Veteran trees—such as ancient oaks, beech, and yews—are invaluable to our woodland. Distinguished by their age, size, and unique characteristics, they often feature large trunks, hollow cavities and twisted branches. These trees provide vital habitats for insects, birds, and mammals and hold significant cultural and historical value.

Our Conservation Methods

Re-establishing native trees, shrubs and ground flora:

A crucial part of our restoration efforts is reintroducing native plant species to support a balanced ecosystem. By planting a diverse mix of trees such as oak, birch, and rowan, along with native shrubs like hazel and hawthorn, we create habitats that attract and sustain wildlife. Restoring ground flora, including bluebells, ferns, and wild garlic, helps improve soil health and biodiversity, ensuring our woodland remains a thriving and resilient environment.

Halo Thinning:

Gradually clearing vegetation around veteran trees to increase light levels and reduce competition. This careful approach ensures their continued health and resilience.

The Future of Our Woodland

Our restoration efforts aim to create a thriving, bio diverse landscape where native species can flourish and veteran trees can remain for centuries to come. This initiative is more than land management—it’s a commitment to nature conservation.
In addition, The Woodland Restoration project is just one of three projects that we are carrying out in 2025 to improve our ecological and environmental impact.

We look forward to sharing our progress and welcoming visitors to experience the beauty and history of our woodland. Stay tuned for updates on our journey!