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Woodlands
The Oaklands Park community owns thirteen hectares of forest cover, most of which is ancient semi-natural woodland. The woods were neglected in the second half of the last century and invasive species have been introduced and naturalised, threatening the biodiversity of the site. The Oaklands Park community is working to restore the woods to their full ecological potential by sensitive management of the site.
The woods comprise areas of hazel coppice, sweet chestnut coppice, high forest and also exotic introductions such as giant redwood. The wildlife species on site include otter, badger, fallow deer, all three native newt species, several bat species, buzzard, heron and kingfisher.
The woods are managed to conserve and enhance wildlife habitats and also to produce firewood and timber on a sustainable basis. The firewood goes to the houses to supplement the conventional heating and the timber is use in the woodworkshop.