TREES AND WOODLANDS
The main aim of woodland management at Bowden Housteads Wood is to promote a structurally diverse and uneven-aged woodland incorporating a mix of new growth, dense young trees, and mature and over-mature trees.

For three to four years immediately following the production of a management plan for the wood in 1988, an extensive programme of felling took place in parts of the wood. The main purpose of this was to let more light through the canopy to the woodland floor, thereby encouraging the development of the ground flora and shrub layer and the regeneration of young trees. This work also has the effect of extending the lifespan and improving the shape of selected canopy trees. A particular focus of this work was the creation of glades, through the felling of small groups of trees within the woodland. Areas that have been managed in this way can be clearly identified by their dense groups of young trees.

Following the earlier success of this management work, group felling and thinning are continuing as part of the Fuelling a Revolution programme.

Native trees and shrubs typical of ancient semi-natural woodlands, such as Sessile Oak, Birch, Ash, Wild Cherry, Rowan, Common Alder, Crack Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn, are being encouraged, using natural regeneration whenever possible.

In some areas of woodland, management intervention will be minimal, either in order to protect species intolerant of disturbance or because management is not likely to be beneficial. For example, the Willow carr along the Car Brook will be allowed to develop naturally.

BIODIVERSITY
All management work within the wood and its surrounding areas will take into account the need to maintain or increase populations of scarce and diminishing species, such as Song Thrush, Grey Partridge, Skylark, Pipistrelle Bat, Linnet, Bullfinch, Spotted Flycatcher, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow and Turtle Dove, many of which are associated with woodland edges. In addition, berry-bearing trees and shrubs, such as Rowan, Whitebeam, Hawthorn, Holly, Guelder Rose and Elder, are being encouraged in order to provide a food source for birds.

Some dead trees or parts of trees left as a result of woodland management will continue to be left standing, with other dead wood being left on the woodland floor to benefit fungi, invertebrates, hole nesting birds and bats.

Many of the paths through the wood have been improved in the recent past and now provide access for a wide range of users. This lorry is delivering the material used to resurface the paths.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE
An archaeological survey of Bowden Housteads Wood has already taken place as part of the Fuelling a Revolution programme. Features of archaeological and historical interest, including woodland boundaries and areas associated with charcoal making and lead smelting are now being protected.

ACCESS AND RECREATION
In order to encourage public access and recreation, the footpath network is being improved, in particular to facilitate wheelchair access. Waymarking and seating facilities are also being maintained and improved.

Alongside this, work will be undertaken to reduce the frequency of inappropriate activities such as fly-tipping, vandalism and motorcycle scrambling. To achieve this, access points will be maintained and other parts of the site boundary will be strengthened.

The local community and users of the site will continue to be consulted about its management and encouraged to play an active role in this. In order to raise awareness of the history and natural history, recreational opportunities and management of the site, an extensive programme of educational and interpretative events is being run as part of the Fuelling a Revolution programme.