Woodland Management

Many of the woodlands in the Limewoods are owned by the Forestry Commission and are managed as part of the Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve. Other woods are owned and managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and private landowners.

The majority of ancient woodlands in the Limewoods area were already in active management before the start of the Limewoods Project. Forestry Commission woodlands are multi-purpose forests which provide timber as well as being managed for wildlife. To maintain and improve the ancient woodlands for biodiversity certain areas are coppiced, continuing the centuries-old practice of cutting trees such as hazel and lime to provide an ongoing supply of straight poles. Coppicing is also carried out in Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust woodlands to create a diverse woodland structure. Cut material is often used for firewood or to make charcoal.

Woodlands in private ownership are managed through agreements with Natural England if they are Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This management often includes coppicing, removal of non-native trees and widening of woodland rides.