The programme is part of a ten-year strategy to provide the district’s woodlands with better protection for wildlife, resilience to change and future sustainability.

The first phase of the project has seen the start of a restoration programme at Oakley Woods to promote the establishment of native broadleaved trees. The initial work which is supported by the Friends of Oakley Wood required the removal of around one third of the conifer trees to create several 30 metre clearings. These new openings in the tree canopy will provide light and space for native trees to grow. Over the winter months the natural growth of the existing trees will be supplemented by further tree planting.

The Director of Reserves and Community Engagement at Warwickshire Wildlife, Karl Curtis said:

“Warwickshire is among the least wooded counties in the UK, which makes the woodlands in this district precious not only in terms of the landscape, but also for the role they play in securing carbon, purifying the air we breathe and prevention of flooding.

"Working alongside Warwick District Council the Trust are advocates for sustainable woodland management and protecting and encouraging wildlife habitats for biodiversity. One of the biggest threats to our woodlands would be a decision not to manage them, so while the current programme of work may appear destructive, the woodland will soon recover and attract a bigger range of wildlife and gain more resilience to pests, diseases and climate change.”

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger added;

“This is the start of an important long term strategy to protect and sustain our woodlands. After the Second World War, Oakley Wood was cleared and replanted with non-native conifers to remedy timber shortages.

"As a result, the woodland is all of the same age and therefore of limited use to wildlife, which benefits from a more diverse selection of native trees. Therefore, the work we are doing in partnership with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust will help to restore, enhance and sustain this beautiful woodland for generations to come. 

"During these works the contractors have avoided using the path network wherever possible and any areas that are disturbed will be repaired before works are completed, which will be before the start of the bird nesting season in March.”