Hillhouse Wood - West Bergholt

Long term intentions

One of the Trust's main aims is to prevent further loss of ancient woodland. This aim was achieved when the Trust acquired the site in 1994 thereby securing its status as ancient woodland in perpetuity.

The Trust's aim of improving woodland biodiversity will be met in a number of ways at this site. Firstly, coppicing of hazel will be continued in compartments 1 & 4. This will revive old hazel stools and ensure their survival, encourage a diverse ground flora with increased light levels, and reflect the traditional historical management of the wood. Secondly, coppicing will also take place along selected ride edges. This will serve to re-establish the ground flora in these important edge habitats. Thirdly, bracken and bramble will continue to be cleared in the open glade areas in order to encourage the bluebells and other spring flowers which have been in abundance in the past. In compartment 4 natural regeneration of native trees, including elm, will be encouraged. Fourthly, the ponds will be kept clear of overhanging vegetation and encouraged to develop as valuable wetland habitats with clearance of reed mace, bank-edge coppicing and de-silting from time to time.

The wood will be managed in order to increase the enjoyment by visitors. This will be done by maintaining a good circular route around the wood. Along muddy sections ridesides will be coppiced to widen the path and allow it to dry out. Footbridges, signs, entrances, gates and seats will all be maintained to a high standard for the public to use. The Friends Of Hillhouse Wood will continue to work in the wood on a regular basis working to an agreed five year programme. They will also continue to monitor the woodland in terms of its species composition in order to see the effects of the management works.