Ash trees in Lower Woods
Lower Woods is one of the largest ancient woodlands in the south-west of England and is perfect for people who like to explore and to get deep into nature. It comprises 23 separate woods whose boundaries have remained unchanged for several centuries and a stretch of the Little Avon river runs through the nature reserve.
At almost 300 hectares (700 acres), Lower Woods is the largest Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and is jointly managed with Avon Wildlife Trust. It is one of the largest ancient woodlands in the south-west of England. A visit to Lower Woods is to go back in time. It comprises 23 separate woods whose boundaries have remained unchanged for several centuries, with some areas reflecting the landscape during the Medieval era, around 500 years ago.
Ash trees in Lower Woods have been affected by a fungal disease called Ash-dieback. There is a risk infected ash tree’s limbs will become brittle and break, falling onto walkways. GWT puts visitor safety first and we are taking pre-emptive action to avoid risks to visitors. Please take care when walking through the wood and please bear with us as we work to make the woods as safe as possible.
The photos show the cut tree trunks being loaded onto lorries for use as firewood. Also a huge pile of brash which will be chipped on site and used as biomass at a power station.
Chris Davies