Winter in an ancient woodland: Restoring Reynolds & Holcot Woods (part 7)

In 2023 we began a journey to restore Reynolds and Holcot Woods – woodlands that had been without active management prior to our involvement. Our 10-year management plan aligns with UK Forestry Standards, Natural England’s and the Woodland Trust’s guidelines, and has received approval from the Forestry Commission. Through our efforts, we aim to enhance the resilience of these woodlands against pests, diseases, and climate change while promoting biodiversity. Follow us on this journey…  

Adapting to a changing climate 

As winter draws to a close in Reynolds & Holcot Woods, we’re reflecting on what has been a busy and productive season. The recent rainfall has been a constant reminder of just how quickly our seasons - and our climate - are changing. After the driest summer on record, this winter has become one of the wettest, reinforcing the need to carefully adapt our approach, including moving felling operations into late summer and early autumn. Despite the challenges the weather has thrown our way, progress hasn’t stalled. At the Woods, our restoration work has continued as planned, driven by a shared commitment to protect and nurture this special ancient woodland for generations to come. 

Planting for the future 

We’ve now planted more than 8,000 trees across Reynolds & Holcot Woods following the ash regeneration felling due to high levels of Ash Dieback - a truly monumental effort. Around 75% of this planting has been carried out by our own team, dedicated volunteers, and our fantastic Corporate Friends of the Forest. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has rolled up their sleeves and taken part. This work marks an exciting new chapter for the woodland. In time, these young trees will help create a richer, more structurally diverse woodland that is better equipped to withstand future challenges. By introducing a mosaic of light and shade and opening up new spaces, we’re laying the foundations for increased resilience, greater biodiversity, and more opportunities for wildlife to thrive. 

Building resilience through diversity 

We’ve planted a diverse mix of species - oak, birch, hazel, hornbeam, small-leaved lime, wild service tree, field maple and alder - to strengthen biodiversity and build long-term resilience in the woodland. This variety not only strengthens the ecosystem but also creates future opportunities for sustainable woodland products. In one compartment, densely planted hazel will be managed as short-rotation coppice, providing a sustainable, home-grown alternative to traditional hedge canes. Elsewhere, hornbeam and hazel will begin a phased coppice cycle this autumn. By 2032, we hope to have a further two hectares in active rotation, continuing a tradition of woodland management that benefits both wildlife and people. 

Short-rotation coppice:

a traditional and sustainable practice where fast-growing woody stems are cut on a 2–5 year cycle. In time, this could provide a home-grown alternative to the canes typically used in hedge planting 

Improving infrastructure for wildlife and visitors 

Elsewhere in the wood, work is underway on our final major infrastructure project: removing the old fence line between compartments 9a and 5d and the bridleway, creating a dead hedge, and removing several old gates. While this may look dramatic at first, these changes will bring long-term benefits for both wildlife and visitors. The new dead hedge will create valuable habitat for nesting birds, insects and other species, helping to establish a wildlife corridor across the site. Increased sunlight will help dry out the bridleway and encourage a more diverse ground flora. Removing the gates will also improve access around the site. By spring, the benefits of this work will be clear as new growth begins to return, and the area continues to improve. 

Signs of renewal  

The sun is beginning to linger a little longer each day, and there’s a real sense that the woods are stirring back to life. Snowdrops and primroses are brightening the woodland floor, hazel catkins are out, and the small-leaved lime and wild service trees are starting to burst into bud. This year’s bluebell display is shaping up to be truly spectacular - provided deer grazing remains at manageable levels. While deer management can sometimes be a sensitive subject, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding precious habitats like ancient woodland. Without careful control, deer can prevent young trees and wildflowers from establishing, limiting the woodland’s ability to regenerate naturally. Through increased management efforts, alongside the use of Trico as a deterrent, we are already seeing a reduction in deer damage. This is helping to support healthy regeneration as we work towards bringing deer populations down to sustainable levels. Species such as muntjac and Chinese water deer are capable of causing significant damage in a short space of time, so managing their impact is essential. By doing so, we are giving these special woods the best possible chance to flourish - not just for today’s wildlife, but for generations to come. 

Plans continue… 

Looking ahead, there’s plenty to be excited about. We’ll be installing new benches and interpretation boards to help visitors connect more deeply with the woods, creating wood pasture in the field (3a), and restoring the ride from one section of the woodland (7a) down to the lake. We’re also hoping to mill some of our own timber, carry out essential track repairs, and introduce a more thoughtful two-zone mowing regime to better support wildlife. 

Pond restoration is on the horizon too, alongside a wide range of ecological surveys - from bats and butterflies to birds, insects, ground flora and light levels. In partnership with the University of Cumbria, we’re looking forward to learning more about how the woodland responds after many years of minimal management. It’s an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to see how the Wood continues to evolve. 

Throughout the restoration project there will be open days, guided walks and volunteering opportunities to share our experiences and get local communities involved in this exciting project and we’ll be keeping you updated with the different stages as they happen. If you have any questions, do get in touch with our Community Forester, Luke Quenby.