Kentish Express Ashford & District
Bid to restore woodland to former glory
Volunteers have launched a public appeal to help them restore an ancient woodland back to its former glory.
The Woodland Trust recently purchased Longbeech Wood, off Monkery Lane near Charing after a successful campaign to raise £1 million in donations.
The 257-acre woodland has suffered from tree diseases and has been used for commercial timber, meaning that there are few native ash, oak and hazel trees.
Meanwhile species of wildlife have declined, and there are only a few “scraggly patches” of “fragile” bluebells under the undergrowth.
Now site manager Clive Steward says it could take a further £500,000 to improve the woodland for native species.
He said the trust has been undertaking surveys to find out about the trees and species within the wood and the public can now view 3D images from drone footage online.
He added: “We’re really excited to finally show people these images of Longbeech, as for many it will be the first time they have had chance to see what state the area is currently in.
“We hope to see the quality and appearance of Longbeech improve over time, but desperately need help in raising money to manage it. We estimate the cost of restoring the site to be more than £500,000.”
The images give internet viewers the chance to zoom in and see individual trees at the site and to explore it in rich detail and understand the scale of the challenge ahead.
The proposals include improving paths and signage, sensitively thinning the non-native conifers so that light can filter through the woodland canopy and managing previously replanted areas with the hope that this will encourage plants and wildlife to recolonise.
Mr Steward added: “Purchasing Longbeech offers the perfect opportunity to showcase the way our woodland management can reap huge benefits for both wildlife and local communities.”
To find out more visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/appeals.