Our work at Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges
The National Trust ranger and volunteer team work hard all year round to maintain the landscape, preventing the encroachment of silver birch and pine scrub on the heathland, and rhododendron in the woodland. These invasive species, if not managed, could result in the loss of important natural habitats.
Simon’s Wood is a mixture of broadleaf woodland, pine forest and open heathland in Finchampstead, Berkshire. We’re working to improve the quality of the woodland for wildlife and visitors to enjoy. Our long-term aim for Simon's Wood is to promote a habitat of mixed native woodland, with a mosaic of variably aged tree species and ground flora that can support a high level of animal diversity.
Restoring the views over the Ridges
Whilst the views can still be enjoyed today from several points along the Ridges, there has unfortunately been a decline in their splendour over the last century and parts have become obscured by now-mature Scot’s Pine trees, and less mature species such as silver birch, chestnut, rowan, and holly. This has also led to the loss of valuable open heathland habitat, which many species of birds, reptiles, and invertebrates depend upon.
The National Trust ranger and volunteer team are working hard to reverse this impact on the views and habitat by gradually clearing the trees that are obscuring the views. This is being done very gradually, over a period of several years, to give the wildlife time to adjust to the changes and not to shock the ecosystem. You may notice some evidence of these works as you explore Finchampstead Ridges, such as the cut stumps and log piles which go on to provide amazing deadwood habitat for invertebrates such as stag beetles and centipedes, and also attract an array of fungi.
The cleared areas will be allowed to regrow to form a scrub layer that will be easier to maintain as low level vegetation. This will provide good habitat for nesting birds and reptiles such as grass snake and slow worm, but will not obscure the splendid views that are an intrinsic part of this special site. We are also hoping to extend the existing heathland coverage, by harvesting seed and spreading it in cleared areas.
Rhododendron: Problem Species
In recent years, much of our work in the woodland was focused on an invasive plant species called Rhododendron ponticum. This purple-flowered shrub makes it very difficult for new trees or plants to grow, which is why we needed to remove it. The plant is a native of southern Europe and southwest Asia but was introduced as an ornamental garden plant to the UK in the mid-1700s. It's able to rapidly reproduce and has spread through many parts of the British countryside and has become extremely dominant.
Rhododendrons are unfortunately detrimental to British biodiversity. Whilst it may seem like rhododrenons would be good for British wildlife, studies have shown the opposite to be true. Birds and animals tend not to hide in its branches, and toxins in the plant discourage insects.
Since removing the plant with help from our volunteers a new population of stitchwort has appeared which in turn we hope will attract more insects and birdlife to the area. We have also planted hazel saplings, which further improve the biodiversity. Clearing the rhododendron will also give young native trees a better chance of establishing leading to a much healthier woodland habitat.
With much of the rhododendron cleared, we've been able to relocate a footpath through the woods near the Wellingtonia trees to help them stay healthy and to give more routes through the wood. More sunlight reaching the woodland floor helps to keep the pathways less muddy.
Thanks to the hard work of everyone on the team, managing the rhododendrons is now a background task. It is great to see how the woodlands and biodiversity are developing without their dominance.
Habitat Monitoring
As part of the process going forward, there is a shift of focus to include habitat monitoring. Recording the many species that live here will help us fully understand the area as habitat for wildlife and how we can support it. This involves a team of volunteers walking specific transects and counting what they find, be it birds, butterflies, moths, reptiles and other wildlife. One of the first initiatives has been to set up a transect with the Berkshire co-ordinator of the Butterfly Conservation Trust.
Volunteer teamwork
An active group of volunteers work hard all year round to maintain the landscape, preventing the encroachment of silver birch and pine scrub on the heathland, and rhododendron in the woodland. These invasive species, if not managed, could result in the loss of important natural habitats.
Finchampstead's dedicated volunteer team, numbering around 35 people, includes members of the local community from all walks of life who give up their time to ensure that Finchampstead Ridges stays special for everyone, for ever – people and wildlife alike.
