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Woodland Regeneration |
Dunbeag is a 30 acre ancient oak woodland which has been managed in the past as coppice to provide charcoal and bark for the tanning industry. Under-planted by the Forestry Commission with mixed conifer species in 1963, it also suffers from an infestation of rhododendron spp.
The primary objective of the management plan is to remove the exotic conifer and Rhododendron and encourage natural regeneration. The extracted conifer is used for building; fuel-wood and crafts using a low-impact woodland management techniques which uses no chemicals or heavy machinery, and is based on permaculture principles. Organic methods of rhododendron control are being pioneered including mulching with carpet.
Pigs were trialled for a time to root around on the forest floor to help prepare the ground and encourage natural regeneration. We try to exclude browsing animals such as deer and sheep to aid natural regenerationare using brash boundaries and fencing. In addition, an agroforestry system is being developed which could be used as a model for forest crofting offering a sustainable way of deriving a living from the woods. These include forest gardens; orchards; polytunnels and livestock.
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