Many people will wonder why we’re cutting down trees when there’s a huge drive to plant more trees. This is a valid thought and people are right to be concerned!
However, it’s important to recognise that not all habitats need trees and that, sometimes, too many trees can be a problem.
When it comes to the heathland at Peel Park and the Coppice LNR, it’s a matter of protecting a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.If left to its own devices then the heath would slowly be overtaken by trees and become a woodland, losing the valuable heathland habitat and the species it supports.
Again you might wonder, if this is the natural process, then why is Prospects intervening? Well “natural” is a loaded word nowadays; what is natural today and what was natural thousands of years ago are two different things. Heathland species evolved alongside large animals and herbivores that kept tree growth in check. The UK now lacks these vital species that managed the UK landscape and maintained habitat health.
It is now necessary for us to do the work of those ancient landscapers to help preserve a habitat that is historically, ecologically and culturally important to the UK. That is why we are thinning some of the self-seeded trees on the heathland at Peel Park and the Coppice LNR.
If you would to get involved in heathland management at Peel Park and the Coppice LNR, then contact Robert at Robert.gabryszak@