Tree cutters branch out for dormice and orchids
Tree surgeons joined forces with countryside rangers to protect dormice and orchids which have put down roots at Coulsdon’s nature reserves.
UK Power Networks’ tree cutters, TreeSmiths, worked with experts at Happy Valley and Farthing Downs to protect dormice and other vulnerable species, while keeping overhead power lines safe and reliable for residents.
Low undergrowth was preserved, where possible, to keep the leafy corridors used by dormice and scrub was cut to provide dappled shade for fly orchids. Logs were stacked, rather than chipped, to avoid smothering flowers, use of machinery was minimised and air was let out of tyres to minimise the impact of vehicles.
The reserves, off Ditches Lane, which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and form part of the South London Downs National Nature Reserve, are host to a number of rare and endangered species.
Dominic North, senior countryside warden at Happy Valley SSSI and NNR said: “It was a real pleasure to work with Treesmiths, who really pulled out all the stops to make this work.
“It was great to team up with a contractor who was prepared to put in considerable time and effort working with us to meticulously prepare the safety work on the SSSI and scheduled monument. It required the planning of a military operation.”
Sam Smith, from the power firm’s contractors TreeSmiths, said: “Tree cutting and conservation go hand-in-hand. Our work takes us through SSSIs, areas of interest and wildlife, so we are always making sure we are working with local authorities and relevant bodies to do it in the right way.
“We like to work with the rangers as a team to ensure the wildlife is always thought of first, before any cutting takes place. With the right approach, we can enhance the habitat, leaving cover for the dormice at this site. Where we have to cut the trees we strive to do it in a way that helps wildlife and where we need to remove trees the flora that grows up brings increased diversity.”
The chalk grassland wildflowers, woodland and trails at Happy Valley and Farthing Downs are popular with dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and is grazed for conservation by Sussex cattle and traditional breeds of sheep. For further information visit Happy Valley Park and Farthing Downs.
Picture credit: Dominic North.
Published: 14/03/24
UK Power Networks’ tree cutters, TreeSmiths, worked with experts at Happy Valley and Farthing Downs to protect dormice and other vulnerable species, while keeping overhead power lines safe and reliable for residents.
Low undergrowth was preserved, where possible, to keep the leafy corridors used by dormice and scrub was cut to provide dappled shade for fly orchids. Logs were stacked, rather than chipped, to avoid smothering flowers, use of machinery was minimised and air was let out of tyres to minimise the impact of vehicles.
The reserves, off Ditches Lane, which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and form part of the South London Downs National Nature Reserve, are host to a number of rare and endangered species.
Dominic North, senior countryside warden at Happy Valley SSSI and NNR said: “It was a real pleasure to work with Treesmiths, who really pulled out all the stops to make this work.
“It was great to team up with a contractor who was prepared to put in considerable time and effort working with us to meticulously prepare the safety work on the SSSI and scheduled monument. It required the planning of a military operation.”
Sam Smith, from the power firm’s contractors TreeSmiths, said: “Tree cutting and conservation go hand-in-hand. Our work takes us through SSSIs, areas of interest and wildlife, so we are always making sure we are working with local authorities and relevant bodies to do it in the right way.
“We like to work with the rangers as a team to ensure the wildlife is always thought of first, before any cutting takes place. With the right approach, we can enhance the habitat, leaving cover for the dormice at this site. Where we have to cut the trees we strive to do it in a way that helps wildlife and where we need to remove trees the flora that grows up brings increased diversity.”
The chalk grassland wildflowers, woodland and trails at Happy Valley and Farthing Downs are popular with dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and is grazed for conservation by Sussex cattle and traditional breeds of sheep. For further information visit Happy Valley Park and Farthing Downs.
Picture credit: Dominic North.
Published: 14/03/24