Hem Heath Woods

The area of the reserve is 41 hectares (100 acres). There are four woods: the Oaks, at the southern end, is known to have been woodland for over 400 years; Newstead Woods, Newpark Plantation and Hem Heath were planted, on former farmland, in the mid-1800s. Although parts of the site may once have been heathland, there is no heath today. There is a network of walking trails in the woods.[1]

The woodland is managed so that it can regenerate naturally, and remain as woodland in the long term. Individual trees or small groups of trees may be felled so that a more open canopy will let seedlings establish themselves. The management of the wood is intended to ensure that a range of trees is maintained. The species include oak, ash, cherry, sycamore and beech. An understorey of woody shrubs is encouraged, including hazel, rowan and hawthorn, which provide homes for wildlife.[1]