Laurel’s Wood
The History and Restoration of Laurel’s Wood
Laurel’s Wood is a plantation woodland, originally established in 2000 by the current landowner for timber production. Approximately 70% of the woodland consists of Corsican Pine, a fast-growing conifer species, with the remaining 30% made up of beautiful broadleaf species such as Birch, Alder, Cherry, Hazel, Rowan, Oak, Elder, Willow, and Holly.
When the CIC took over the site in 2023, the woodland had been left unthinned since its original planting, leading to overcrowded trees and deteriorating timber quality. The dense Corsican Pines were blocking light, suppressing the growth of the surrounding broadleaf species, and overall tree health was suffering. In addition, two large drainage ditches were in disrepair, causing water to back up and flood parts of the woodland, damaging both the broadleaf trees and the Corsican Pines.
From Damage to Revival
Further challenges included sections of the woodland affected by historical storm damage, with windblown and hanging trees scattered across the site. The original access points were overgrown and completely inaccessible, making it difficult to navigate the woodland. The central open glade, which should have been a focal point, was waterlogged and overrun with thick bramble and shrub, making it impossible to see its true size or beauty.
Woodland Management Plan
The CIC’s first priority was to draft a Woodland Management Plan, outlining a 10-year strategy to restore and protect Laurel’s Wood. The plan focuses on enhancing the woodland’s long-term sustainability by improving biodiversity, regenerating tree health, and making the space more accessible for both wildlife and the community. The plan was approved by the Forestry Commission, and its implementation became the CIC’s primary objective: to "Protect Nature and Wildlife."
Discovering Wildlife
At Laurel’s Wood, we are committed to nurturing and preserving the wildlife that calls our woodland home. Following the establishment of access routes, we began conducting comprehensive baseline ecological surveys to assess the diversity of species inhabiting the forest. This allowed us to understand the ecosystems present and identify opportunities for supporting and enhancing local wildlife.
One of the most exciting discoveries during our surveys was the presence of a healthy red squirrel population. Partnering with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT), we monitored the site and were thrilled to find that these native squirrels were flourishing in our woodland. As red squirrels are a vulnerable species in the UK, preserving their habitat is a top priority. We work closely with LWT to ensure that Laurel’s Wood continues to provide a safe haven for them, while taking necessary measures to manage and control the presence of grey squirrels, which pose a threat to their survival.
A Haven for Wildlife
Beyond the red squirrels, Laurel’s Wood has a good diversity of wildlife. Roe deer and hares can be spotted roaming the woodland, whilst moths, butterflies and insects can be found soaring the glade. Sixteen species of bird were heard and/or seen during our surveys. Three species (Wren, Wood Pigeon and Song Thrush) have amber conservation status (meaning their conservation is of concern, but not yet critically endangered), protecting their habitat and food source is a priority. Excitingly, our surveys concluded potential for forty-seven species of bird to be using Laurel’s Wood!
Our woodland management plan aims to protect existing habitats and encourage more species to Laurel’s Wood. Thinning the dense Corsican Pine, increasing light through the canopy, protecting the older more substantial Pines (favourited by bats), planting native tree and shrub species (good food sources) and dedicating parts of the site to nature are all ways in which we aim to benefit the Laurel’s Wood ecosystem as a whole.
We will engage volunteers, school and charity groups in the implementation of our wildlife protection plans, if you would like to be involved please enquire here.
