Objective 1
Protect Nature and Wildlife
Our Woodland Management Plan for Laurel’s Wood is a 10-year strategy focused on ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the woodland. Approved by the Forestry Commission, the plan outlines key goals:
Thinning and regenerative felling to diversify the canopy structure
Enhancing biodiversity, with a focus on protecting our resident red squirrel population
Improving access infrastructure for forestry work and public use
Developing the woodland as a community space
Restore and Connect
Our first task was to create an access route. In a chilly February 2023, we cleared the overgrown original entrance, installed gates, a culvert, and hardstanding areas for forestry vehicles, setting the groundwork for future operations.
With access in place, we conducted baseline ecological surveys to assess the wildlife in the woodland and explore ways to support it. Working with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, we monitored for red squirrels, and a significant milestone was the discovery of a healthy red squirrel population! We continue to partner with LWT to preserve this habitat while controlling grey squirrels.
Opening the Canopy
Armed with this data, we began thinning the Corsican Pines for the first time since their planting in 2000—much-needed work to increase light levels and open up the canopy. This process also created harvesting rides, essential for future woodland access and growth.
Next, with the help of a neighbouring farmer, we dredged and repaired drainage ditches, dried out the central glade, and began restoring this beautiful open space at the heart of Laurel’s Wood.
In the summer of 2023, we established our first basecamp area amongst the trees and ran pilot community projects with local schools and charities, laying the foundation for our second objective, "Support Community Nature Engagement."
Shaping a Thriving Future
Though we've made great progress, woodland management is an ongoing process. Over the next few years, we will continue thinning the Corsican Pines, planting new trees—focusing on native species such as Oak, Aspen, Alder, and Cherry—and expanding pathways and accessible spaces. These efforts will help us create a diverse, vibrant woodland that serves both nature and the community.
Neighbourly Support
We are fortunate to have the support of skilled neighbours like the National Trust, Formby, who have embraced the CIC’s vision.
Their expertise and volunteer groups have been invaluable in helping us tackle some of the heavy lifting involved in our woodland restoration efforts!
Key Objectives
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Key Objectives
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Key Objectives ✽ Key Objectives ✽
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![Red squirrel]()
Objective 1
Protect Nature and Wildlife
Laurel’s Wood CIC launched a 10-year Woodland Management Plan, which aims to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.
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![Kids playing in Laurel's Wood]()
Objective 2
Support Community Nature Engagement
At Laurel’s Wood CIC, we aim to connect communities with nature, providing a space where everyone can enjoy its wellbeing benefits.
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![Toasting marshmallows on a fire]()
Objective 3
Provide A Venue for Businesses
Laurel’s Wood CIC aims to provide a venue for businesses with shared values to deliver services, by creating and maintaining a useable woodland space.
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![Table decorated for an event at Laurel's Wood]()
Objective 4
Provide A Venue for Events
We aim to provide a versatile venue suitable for a wide range of events — from wellbeing retreats to corporate days or charity events.
