Felling Larch at Hisley Woods - It's All in the Timing

Pools of sunlight pick out the larch trees in Hisley WoodAs autumn makes its way across the Dartmoor landscape the colours are changing throughout the Bovey Valley Woods and the wildlife is getting set for winter. Glowing pools of sunlight illuminate the bronzing oak leaves and golden larch as the trees slowly slip into dormancy but they aren’t alone in their winter preparations. One of the treasured residents of the woods, the hazel dormouse, a protected species, is getting ready for hibernation. During October, they are building up their weight, busily foraging, eating plenty and storing body fat in readiness for lean times ahead.

The on-going ancient woodland restoration work at the Bovey Valley is being supported by Viridor Credits Environmental Company via the Landfill Communities Fund. The work also forms part of the wider Moor Than Meets The Eye Landscape Partnership which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work in Hisley Wood is part of a programme of restoration work for this winter.by Matt Parkins