Holly Clearance work along Jerry's Hill
HOLLY CLEARANCE WORK BEGINNING ALONG JERRY’S HILL
During November and December a small team of foresters will be on site to start the next phase of the holly clearance work. This year the work will take place alongside Jerry’s Hill on Putney Heath.
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Why are we carrying out this work?
Reducing the coverage of Holly in some areas of the Commons’ woodland is of great benefit to the overall biodiversity of the site. The low levels of light that accompany the presence of this dominant and hardy tree greatly restrict the development of a well-structured woodland environment. Our aim is to ensure that it is not the dominant species so that a natural process of woodland regeneration can be allowed to take place.
Whilst Holly is a native species and is important in providing nesting opportunities for birds as well as nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, we retain 10% of the existing Holly in each hectare of woodland.
VISITOR SAFETYPlease be aware that heavy machinery will be operating in the area so to ensure the safety of visitors the horse ride will be temporarily closed when machinery is working close to it. There will be small fires on site to help dispose of the brash and We would ask visitors to avoid these areas. These fires are an important part of our woodland work programme and they will be supervised at all times by the foresters. The London Fire Brigade have been informed about the location and timings of these fires and therefore to prevent wasting the Fire brigade’s time or preventing the foresters from carrying out their work, we would please ask that if you have concerns about the presence of fires on the Commons, please telephone the Rangers Office: 020 8788 7655. |
Why do we burn the Holly?
In the pursuit of environmentally conscious woodland management, WPCC has carefully considered various disposal methods for the excess holly. Whilst alternatives were explored, the decision to burn the materials has been made taking into account several crucial factors.
Minimizing Environmental Impact:
One of the primary considerations was the potential damage to the Commons' paths if large vehicles were used to remove the holly. The existing network of paths, intertwined with overhanging branches, makes it impractical and potentially harmful to employ such vehicles. The preservation of the natural landscape and the safety of the site's users were prioritized in this decision-making process.
Safety Concerns:
Using large vehicles on multiple occasions to transport the holly would not only jeopardize the integrity of the Commons paths but also pose a significant risk to the safety visitors. By opting for a controlled burning approach, we ensure a safer and more efficient method of holly disposal without compromising the well-being of the community.
Practicality and Efficiency:
An analysis of alternative methods showed potential drawbacks. Chipping would require extensive time and diesel consumption, presenting logistical challenges and increasing the carbon footprint of the operation. Additionally, the Commons lacks the necessary space to accommodate the vast amount of chipped materials, potentially hindering regeneration and damaging soil health if left on the ground. Allowing the holly to decompose naturally on the ground could also impede regeneration and harm soil health.
For those seeking more information or with specific inquiries regarding the woodland management initiatives on the Commons, please contact Peter at peter@wpcc.org.uk.