The restoration project at Ashridge Estate in Berkhamsted has entered its third and final year.
The Plantation of Ancient Woodland project was started in 2022 in an attempt to restore the Ashridge woodland, which plays a critical role in maintaining local biodiversity.
In the last two years, 24 hectares of woodland have been restored at Ashridge, but this year will see attempts to restore 16 hectares of trees in the most inaccessible and ecologically vulnerable part of the estate.
Since the project began, one of the UK’s most rapidly declining bird species, the spotted flycatcher, has been recorded for the first time in the woodland.
Emily Smith, countryside manager at Ashridge Estate, said: “Over time, we’ll see an increase in ground vegetation and nectar sources as sunlight reaches the forest floor. This will create ideal conditions for breeding birds like blackcaps, song thrushes and garden warblers.
“We also expect to see more bats, butterflies, bees and hoverflies as they thrive in the restored ecosystem. Ultimately, these areas of Ashridge Estate will become a vibrant, thriving woodland.”
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