Upcoming Woodland Management and Tree Safety Works
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust
Public Statement
Advance Notice of Woodland Management Works Along Oakham Road, Hambleton
Upcoming Woodland Management and Tree Safety Works
We would like to provide advance notice of planned woodland management works that will be taking place adjacent to Oakham Road near the village of Hambleton.
The works will involve the felling road-side trees and are being undertaken primarily to address public safety concerns associated with the increasing impact of Ash Dieback disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) within the woodland.
A significant proportion of the trees within the affected area are ash trees that are either currently showing signs of Ash Dieback or are likely to become affected over time. As the disease progresses, trees can become structurally weakened and more susceptible to branch or stem failure.
Given the woodland's close proximity to Oakham Road, which is subject to the national speed limit, as well as a popular pedestrian and cycle route frequently used by visitors to Rutland Water, there is an increasing risk posed by falling trees or branches. The planned works are therefore necessary to safeguard road users, cyclists, pedestrians and other visitors to the area.
Benefits for Wildlife and Biodiversity
While the loss of mature trees is always regrettable, the works also present an important opportunity to enhance the woodland for future generations.
Following felling, the affected areas will be replanted with a more diverse and resilient mix of native tree and shrub species. These will include oak, hazel, hawthorn, silver birch, wild cherry, goat willow, common alder, rowan and other native broadleaves. This will reduce reliance on a single dominant species and help create a woodland better able to withstand future pests, diseases and climate-related pressures.
Over time, the new woodland will provide a wider variety of habitats and food sources for wildlife, supporting greater biodiversity and improving the long-term ecological value of the site. The varied age and species structure that develops will benefit birds, mammals, insects and other woodland wildlife while helping to create a healthier and more sustainable woodland resource.
Management of the Works
The works will be undertaken in a series of phases over the autumn and winter periods between September 2026 and December 2030. Individual areas will be addressed as required, allowing woodland restoration and replanting to progress alongside the safety works. Scheduling will be determined by operational requirements, site conditions, ecological considerations and weather conditions, with felling activities taking place during the autumn and winter months when impacts on wildlife can be minimised.
The works will be carried out by suitably qualified and experienced forestry contractors operating in accordance with current forestry and health and safety standards.
Temporary traffic management and short-term restrictions to public access may be necessary while operations are underway. Any such measures will be clearly signed and kept to the minimum duration required to complete the works safely.
We appreciate that woodland felling can sometimes appear dramatic, particularly in the short term. However, these works are an important investment in both public safety and the future health and resilience of the woodland.
We thank local residents, visitors and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation while these necessary works are carried out.
For more information about Ash dieback management from The Wildlife Trusts:
For further information, please contact:
Paul Trevor – ptrevor@lrwt.org.uk
Senior Reserve Officer – Rutland Water
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust