The Outwoods has entered a five-year Countryside Stewardship scheme run by Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

The scheme aims to preserve the ecology and habitats found in the Outwoods.

The Council is working alongside the Outwoods Management Committee to gradually remove non-native coniferous trees and return the Outwoods to a natural acid oak woodland over the next 10 years.

The coniferous trees such as Scots pine and European larch were planted around 80 years ago as a crop but add little to wildlife and plants in the local area. Over the years the non-native conifer trees have stopped native plants from growing and some wildlife from flourishing.

Native trees such as rowan and birch will be encouraged to grow back naturally, and oak trees will be planted in the areas where coniferous trees have been removed.

The first phase took place in November and December 2019 and the first oak trees were planted in February 2020.

The second phase took place in November 2021 and work took around three weeks to complete.

The next phases for the project are due to take place in Autumn 2022 and Autumn 2023.

A list of frequently asked questions about the project can be found on the FAQs page.

A short video outlining the project can be viewed below:

Last updated: Tue 30th November, 2021 @ 12:22