Whippendell Wood isn't actually far, far away at all - its just down the A41 - but its not everyday you get to manage trees on the so-called planet of Naboo - and its certainly a wood worthwhile mentioning. Used as a location in The Phantom Menace, Whippendell is a terrific ancient woodland, owned by Watford Borough Council, and used very well by the local residents. The woodland is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the semi-natural vegetation found on the site, and the increasing amounts of deadwood - a habitat we need to see more of in our woods.
We've now come to the end of our first stage of work, concentrating on thinning out the non-native conifers and Sweet Chestnut plantations. We've also constructed a useful turning area for timber wagons - in a safe location away from the main car parking area. We'll be back next year to increase the size of some of the glades, and start to thin out more of the broadleaved areas.
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