Woodland Conservation Group (Tuesdays)

Shepherdleas Wood

Tuesday, 25^th August 2026

This session a group of 7 volunteers returned to the slopes behind Berry Hill to continue their work in an area we call ‘The Glade’.

Clearing dense undergrowth from the woodland floor to enable light to penetrate.

What is a glade?

A glade is a small, open area within the woodland that will provide a valuable mixture of light, warmth and different vegetation.  As you will be aware, much of the canopy in the woodlands is quite dense, so little light is able to penetrate and reach the woodland floor.

The glade in Shepherdleas Wood has resulted naturally, where three large trees have died but remain standing.  This standing deadwood is an important part of this habitat. A dead tree that is still standing can remain in the woodland for many years, gradually breaking down and providing food and shelter for insects, fungi, lichens and other organisms. Birds such as woodpeckers may also use it for feeding.

Why are glades important?

Woodland glades are important because they create conditions that are quite different from those beneath a closed tree canopy. More sunlight reaches the ground, encouraging grasses, wildflowers and other plants to grow. These, in turn, provide food and shelter for insects and other wildlife. The warmer, sunnier conditions can be particularly valuable for butterflies and other insects.

Clearing bramble from the woodland floor beneath the standing dead-wood trees.

Why do we clear brambles in a glade?

When we clear brambles from parts of the woodland floor, it might look as though we are simply making the woodland tidier. However, bramble is a highly successful species which, if left unmanaged, outcompetes other woodland floor vegetation. Where bramble has become dense, carefully clearing some of it helps to open the area. More light can then easily penetrate and reach the woodland floor, and other plants have more opportunity to grow.

Is bramble important?

Yes, it is! We are not trying to remove all the bramble. It is an important native plant that provides flowers for insects, berries for birds and dense cover for wildlife. Instead, we selectively reduce it where necessary to maintain a mixture of habitats.

The 'arisings' remain in the woodland to rot down and provide cover for wildlife.

Creating glades is therefore not about making the woodland look neat and tidy. It is about creating variety – areas of open ground alongside denser vegetation, living trees alongside standing deadwood, and sunny conditions alongside shade.

This variety is one of the things that makes a woodland rich in wildlife.