Our beech woods are lovely and they are one of the features that make this place special. But it is also true that beech is a very dominant species that tends to suppress other vegetation growing beneath it. It is necessary to maintain the biodiversity of the reserve to clear excess beech saplings. This was the work done by 18 volunteers today.
The cut saplings were then used as dead hedging alongside the paths to discourage trampling of the spring bluebells. The refreshments afterwards were much appreciated.
I sorry but I dont understand why you are removing Beach sapling, If it is suposed to a nature reserve, surely allowing new trees to establish themseles is a priority. I under stand the removal of rhododrendons as they are inasive, but not the Beach or any other woodland species. If you care to read Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald or any other modern books on nature conservation they all say the best thing to do is let nature take it course.