Regenerative Felling - Upper Roughdown
The Box Moor Trust is committed to responsible woodland management and works in close partnership with the Forestry Commission to ensure all activities follow best practice and national guidance.
Following thorough consultation and in alignment with Forestry Commission recommendations, we will begin regenerative tree felling works at Upper Roughdown in January 2026.
These essential works are being undertaken in response to the declining health of trees in this area. Proactive intervention is necessary to protect public safety and support the long-term health of the woodland ecosystem.
While these works will result in a noticeable transformation of the landscape, they are part of a broader strategy to regenerate and restore the woodland. Over time, this will encourage natural regeneration, improve biodiversity, and create a more resilient woodland for future generations.
Below we have outlined where and why the works are important. We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we carry out these vital conservation efforts.
Where is Upper Roughdown?
Upper Roughdown forms part of the larger Roughdown Common site, which comprises Upper, Lower and Further Roughdown.
Upper Roughdown can be accessed from Felden Lane, Sheethanger lane or via Roughdown Avenue and following the route through Lower Roughdown and across the bridge over the A41.
Why is the health of the trees declining?
This area of broadleaved woodland contains a particularly high proportion of Ash trees, many of which are now showing signs of decline. You may have noticed the thinning canopy as you walk along the pathways — a visible symptom of the disease’s impact.
Ash Dieback weakens the structural integrity of affected trees, making them brittle and more prone to collapse. This presents a serious health and safety risk to anyone passing through, due to the increased likelihood of falling branches or entire trees.
Why are trees being removed in this area?
Upper Roughdown, as an open access woodland, is a popular area for walking and recreation. However, due to the increasing presence of Ash Dieback and the resulting decline in tree health, it has become necessary to carry out tree removal works.
These works are essential to ensure the area remains safe for public use. Diseased Ash trees can become brittle and unstable, posing a serious risk of falling branches or trees. By removing affected trees, we are proactively managing the woodland to protect visitors and maintain safe access for all.
In addition, this process forms part of a broader woodland management strategy aimed at promoting regeneration, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability of the site.
What is regenerative felling?
Regenerative felling is a sustainable woodland management practice that balances necessary tree removal with long-term ecological restoration. Rather than clear-cutting, this approach involves selective harvesting—removing diseased and/or overcrowded trees to create space and light for younger trees and natural regeneration.
Key objectives of the works include:
- Promoting natural regeneration of native species through seeding, coppicing, and targeted planting.
- Maintaining habitat diversity by preserving a mix of tree ages and species to support wildlife and ecological resilience.
- Minimising soil disturbance to protect the forest floor and encourage healthy regrowth.
- Ensuring public safety by removing structurally compromised trees at risk of falling.
We have been working closely with the Forestry Commission, and in line with their guidelines, the cleared area will be allowed to naturally regenerate for a period of two years. After this time, the site will be surveyed, and if necessary, we will carry out additional planting using a selection of native tree species to supplement naturally occurring growth. Our aim is to replace the same number of trees as felled, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthy and vibrant woodland.
These works form part of a broader woodland management strategy focused on biodiversity, sustainability, and long-term forest health. While the visual landscape of the woodland will undergo a noticeable transformation, the regenerative approach ensures that the area will recover and thrive over time.
How will this work affect public use of the area?
During the upcoming regenerative tree felling works at Upper Roughdown, visitors may experience some temporary disruption.
You may hear operational noise at times, particularly during the tree chipping phase. Our contractors will work within designated hours and aim to keep noise to a minimum. We will endeavour to ensure that chipping does not begin before 09:00.
The process will involve felling, chipping, and removing trees from the site. For safety reasons, it may be necessary to temporarily close access to certain footpaths and woodland areas. We kindly ask all visitors to follow signage, use alternative routes where provided, and avoid any cordoned-off zones.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us using the button below. We may add your question to our FAQs.