These are our key aims over the next ten years based on our woodland management plan:

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The primary aim for Southwood is to achieve an increase in its BioDiversity. At the end of the first TEN years, we would hope to see:

• Good progress towards greater plant diversity; with a wide range of habitats and food sources available throughout the year; with a thriving and diverse wildlife supported by targeted encouragement. Four or more veteran trees will have been identified and supported.

• A pond fed by the springs in the wood will form a particularly important habitat. 

• The current dominance of skinny, sixty-year old oak will have been reduced and there will be progress with modification of its age structure.

• Southwood already has other species of native broadleaf trees, including beech, alder, silver birch, and ash, which will be encouraged and some hazel coppice woodland will be re-established.

• Invasive species, in particular rhododendron will have been eliminated as a threat to the wood's ecology and holly will have been reduced.

• Deer and grey squirrel will the subjects of management plans in order to minimise the potential damage they can do to young trees and wildlife. 

• There will be a modest output of a limited range of woodland products, primarily bio-charcoal derived in the first place from the rhododendron, and wood fuel.

• To facilitate work and access into the wood for work, recreational, and educational purposes, a network of pathways and tracks will have been developed along with appropriate facilities and equipment.

• To support the wood's development and inform the work being done, a network of experienced people and training resources will be established.

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Click on the button to read the full text of our management plan.