The UK Forestry Commission has now granted a Felling Licence to The Parish Council. This will enable the regeneration programme to begin in the Autumn. There will be some coppice felling of Birch and Alder to lower sections of Canada Woods, including trees on or near the river bank where too much shading occurs and to the left and right of the footpath heading behind Francis Road and towards Lavington School (Section 1)
In the main Canada Woods area, we will be felling to the strongest in any large grouping to allow light to the woodland floor and give saplings a chance to continue to grow to restock the woodlands. (section 2) Trees in Canada Woods are virtually all the same age and due to the dense canopy, they have worked hard to become taller which in turn makes them weaker. Eventually these trees will fail; in order to protect Canada Woods for future generations we have created a 10-year woodland management plan which will see the reappearance of lost fauna and flora and a broader age range of strong trees.
In respect of the eroding river bank and footpaths we are looking into a bioengineering solution for the river bank to the left of the bubbling kettle, as you are looking at the river. This is one of the lowest parts of the bank and where people have entered the river over a long period of time. Some 13 meters of river bank needs to be protected. There are two places here that the footpath is slowly eroding into the river. This also needs to be addressed before the footpath is lost.
We have been looking for funding to make a safe, formal pedestrian access to the river. The process itself is a challenge as we will need the Environment Agency to issue a permit for these works to commence. However, The Parish Council is committed to this project and hope to provide you with more information very soon.
We hope as Friends of Canada Woods you will be encouraged to help with the regeneration programme and be more involved with our wonderful community asset. A big thank you to those who have already shown a keen interest in taking on this project.