Hough paths to re-open following controversial tree felling
Older trees felled to make way more indigenous species.
Selby
Hambleton Hough’s footpaths will be re-opened to members of the public by over the next few weeks following extensive works aimed at managing the forest site for the long-term.
The controversial works have been taking place as part of a long-term management programme of forestry control by the Wildlife Habitat Protection Trust. They are planning a significant re-planting of the Hough with indigenous trees.
The trust says the tree felling has been part of standard forest management, with older trees being removed to make way for younger growth. Many of the Scots Pine and Larch trees at the site were old and, if left, could have become dangerous to people using the site.
The Hambleton Hough site is run by the Church Fenton-based Wildlife Habitat Protection Trust, on a 99-year lease from Selby District Council.
Once the final bits of loose or broken branches have been removed, the perimeter footpath will be re-opened. Some areas may remain closed, however, until the ‘brash’ has been cleared from the site over winter; once this is done new pathways will be introduced early next year.
Members of the Trust recently visited Hambleton Primary School to raise awareness of what has been done and why, as well as to discuss the replanting plans with the pupils there. Primary School pupils have also visited the site and the Trust has offered them an area for forest school projects. Discussions have taken place between the Trust and local residents regarding the private road that has been used for access to the site, and an agreement has been reached regarding the work around resurfacing. The Trust has also been in contact with community groups to look at getting people involved in replanting at the site.
Selby District Council’s Executive member with responsibility for Housing, Leisure, Health and Culture, Cllr Dave Peart explained, “We know the felling has caused some worry in the community with some residents contacting us and the Wildlife Habitat Protection Trust to raise their concerns. We support the efforts of the Trust to reach out to the local community to raise awareness of the reasons for the work to ensure the site will be a long-term community asset, and look forward to this site being open to members of the public once again.”
After Christmas a final stage of work will need to be done by a ‘chipper’. This will mean that the paths will be closed of a few days. Once the chipper has been on site, however, no significant works will need to be done for some time, and the replanting phases will take place.