Have you noticed the wood pasture restoration by London Bridge in Hatfield Forest? Well, this work is being done to enhance the wild flower pasture land, the sort of which is becoming scarce throughout Europe. During this project staff are clearing one hectare of hawthorn scrub growth that has encroached onto what used to be pristine wood pasture, full of wildflowers.

Forty potential pollard trees will be selected and kept. The majority of trees that are felled will be cut for firewood and left to season for two years before being sold off as logs. To protect the ground from damage, anything that needs to be burnt will be carried out on a burning platform. Following this work that area will be fenced using dog-proof chestnut paling, and the Forest's sheep will graze the area for around five years to allow a greater variety of grasses and wild plants to grow.

It should look magnificent in time.

From: Laura Slater- Community Warden