New horizons
The changes to woodland wrought by Storm Arwen has called for a rethink and change of approach, says Jon Snowdon
After a full ‘inventory’ of our ground I would say we got off lightly from Arwen’s lashing. There was destruction from the storm at the end of November but it was not as widespread as in many places. We were lucky. That said, much has changed.
We had one seat crushed under a tree. Isn’t it typical, all the trees around it are fine but the one tree we put a high seat on comes down with the seat underneath. One ground butt has been blown over and, sadly, our new tower is down. Amazingly, it is not damaged. We can simply lift it back up.
As it happens, when we were putting the tower up we did discuss if wire guys would be needed to secure it, as with any tent or marquee. The tower was secured firmly using long posts that were dug deeply into the ground, as are our ground butts. We tested the tower after it was erected and found it to be very stable and firmly held.
Hindsight proved that my decision was the wrong one and not for the first time. When we go in to repair or renew the damage then the towers and butts will all be guyed and posted as deeply as the ground will allow.
Damage
As to the tree damage that I mentioned last month, it is extensive throughout the northern estates. While the hung and fallen trees may well have already been cut to make byways, paths and roads safe, the process of dragging the massive tonnage of timber out is likely to be done later in the year. The ground needs to be firm and dry so the heavy equipment can be brought in without ruining the forest floor.
This work will take months – and in some cases years – and will inevitably disturb those areas. The bright side is that it will be done and the tree canopy will return, albeit with a few gaps and more blue sky showing through to tease the natural regeneration into growth.
The fallen trees that remain could still grow buds and leaves at what is now ground level. This is an added bonus for all of the wildlife but especially deer. They will now be able to access that rich nutritious growth that was, until now, always out of reach.
One thing I am certain about is that, as a whole, we are all able to absorb the shocks and get back up and get on with it. I salute those on the ground who went out in foul and dangerous weather to get services up and running again as soon as possible. That includes the foresters who have already started the clean up and reinstatement of our woodlands.
Deer
The cull on our estates has gone well to date but stalking in many areas is now more difficult, sometimes nigh on impossible, due to the damage. Clear sight lines that we have