At Blackwood Forest we are part of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme and our locations are home to many other species, such as the purple emperor butterfly, pine martens, flycatchers and turtle doves. We work closely with Forestry England, Forest and Land Scotland, and Natural Resources Wales Wildlife Trusts and other ecological organisations to encourage, monitor and protect these species. By supporting scientific studies, we can contribute to the understanding of rare and threatened species and how they can be protected both on our locations and within the wider forest.
We believe in the principle of ‘ biodiversity net gain’ which means that our presence in the forest should go further than simply ensuring that biodiversity is unaffected. With the help of experts, we consider and study every location in detail and respond to its unique characteristics and the balance of opportunities for ecological enhancement. In the long term it should result in enhanced biodiversity, with a richer and more balanced ecosystem
- Our commitment to improving the biodiversity of Britain’s forests is wide-ranging and involves us in a huge number of ecological projects and activities, from monitoring butterfly numbers to supporting major species translocation projects, such as the reintroduction of Eurasian beavers in the Forest of Dean
- We carry out ecological monitoring & enhancement across all our locations
- Woodland management is carefully considered with the overall aim of creating new habitats to supporting increased biodiversity
- Our Forest Rangers are encouraged to develop their knowledge of ecology and personal interests as our advocates of the forest
- As part of our education programme, we engage our guests and local communities in our monitoring activities
- Over the next 5 years, our Conservation Fund will support a minimum of 30 projects with Forestry England and local wildlife organisations including the Wildlife Trusts
Our Conservation Fund in action