Shatterford Woods - A Natural Networks Case Study

The Shatterford Woods project was a collaboration with Butterfly Conservation and Forestry England and was one of the first Natural Networks projects to be completed. Shatterford Woods lies just inside the Worcestershire’s northern border and forms an important satellite woodland to the Wyre Forest, an area which is home to several rare butterflies and a host of other wildlife.

The project involved widening and improving woodland rides and glades though several larch plantations: creating open, sunny habitats to benefit a range of wildlife. During the project over 2.3 km (1.4 miles) of woodland rides and clearings were enhanced, an area of hazel coppice was reinstated, and a south-facing bank was managed to expose it to the sunlight - providing excellent habitat for butterflies and other pollinators.