Pontburn Woods - Hamsterley Mill

Long term intentions

To gradually convert those parts of Pontburn Woods currently planted with conifers into predominantly native broadleaved woodland by the middle of the 21st century. The aim will be to create high forest woodland of mixed age and species structure, broadly characteristic of lowland mixed broadleaved woodland as described in the Forestry Commission’s Forestry Practice Guide 3. By employing continuous cover forestry methods to gradually remove the bulk of the conifers, existing remnants of ancient woodland ground and canopy flora will be saved so that these can eventually spread and colonise restored areas of the woods where these species have been lost. The four main watercourses within the woods will also be opened up by the removal of conifers to create a mosaic of open space and dappled shade along their margins. Both these activities aim to increase woodland biodiversity and so will help fulfil this corporate objective of the Trust. The broadleaved areas of the woods will be maintained as high forest woodland managed on minimal intervention principles with active work been largely confined to tackling tree safety and other hazard issues.

The current level of informal public access provision existing across Pontburn Woods will be maintained into the future to ensure visitors have extensive access to all parts of the woods. The approach to access facilities will be low-key, only providing steps, surfaced paths and bridges where these are necessary to negotiate areas of difficult terrain, in order to provide a more natural woodland experience for visitors.