“Much of the work we’re doing in September is to remove diseased and dying trees but we’re also thinning out some of the beech trees to allow more light to reach the woodland floor. In turn, this will allow ground flora to flourish, such as bluebells and wood anemones, as well as a mixed understorey of hazel, hawthorn, dogwood and spindle to grow.

“Having a variety of habitat throughout the woodland – from flowers to support insects, scrub to support both birds and small mammals like dormice as well as larger trees to support other birds and bats – is essential for a thriving wildlife population.”

The loss of mature woodlands and the decline in traditional woodland management methods has meant that numbers of many woodland bird species have declined.

As well as thinning out areas of woodland, the Trust also use coppicing to provide a variety of habitats. This involves cutting down trees almost to their base; the trees spring back to life with strong new growth and can be cut again on a seven to 15 year cycle.

Monkwood was once owned by LG Harris Brush Company who actively managed it to produce timber for brush handles. They planted many non-native trees but their management techniques, which included coppicing, created favourable wildlife habitats and the wood retained much of its ancient character.

Dominique added “The UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, with one in seven species at risk of extinction, so anything we can do to help wildlife will be of benefit. The work in Monkwood will benefit a whole host of wildlife that uses the wood.