Woodland management

There are 240 acres of typical north Chiltern Woodland, which has been managed commercially for generations. The earliest written record of marking trees for sale is 1717.

Conservation is given high priority and measures include: amenity tree planting, cutting and laying hedges, coppicing hazel and hornbeam, opening glades and encouragement of the edge effect of woodland, to provide different sizes of tree and shrub species, for birds and insects and the singling of tellers (hedgerow trees) to replace the ravages of Dutch Elm disease.

All woodland management is governed by the need for protection from deer, rabbits and the alien grey squirrel. Without control measures in place the damage to the young trees, especially beech and sycamore, would be devastating.

The woodlands are managed under the 20-year Forestry Plan, agreed with the Forestry Commission, and are registered under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS).

The principal tree species are oak, ash, wild cherry, beech and hornbeam, while there are also larch, pine, spruce and fir plantations.

Cricket bat willows are grown in the Gade Valley for home bat production and export to Australia and Pakistan.

Walking on the estate

We welcome walkers on the extensive network of public footpaths, bridleways and the Chiltern Way, which are well signed.

There is full public access to the Water End Meadows, under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and to High Park Wood. Stiles have been erected with the help of the Chiltern Society and a close liaison is maintained with the local Rights of Way Officer.

With assistance from Dacorum Borough Council stiles are being replaced by kissing gates to aid access for all. High Park Wood, though retaining timber production as an object of management, is actively managed for public access and nature conservation.

Conservation news

Posted 25/9/2009

New future for woodlands

After much research it seems probable that we will be able to heat the whole of the Home Farm Business Centre, including the Home Farm House with a woodchip heating system. We are looking into the boilers made by various providers.