Welcome to Cutlers Wood

We are pleased to now be able to share the plan for phase 1 of Cutlers, as approved by the Forestry Commission for the 24 hectares (59 acres) of land between Austy Wood and Ashen Coppice, to the west of the bridleway linking Cutlers Farm with Kington Lane. Many thanks to those of you who took the time to attend our session last summer and share feedback and ask questions during the consultation period.

About Cutlers Wood

The planting of 26,000 trees, a broadleaf mix of oak, hornbeam, hazel, small-leaved lime, amongst others, with a series of permissive footpaths linking to the public rights of way in place, will create new homes for wildlife and establish a new community asset, enhanced further by the layout of an orchard to the north of the site.

Surveying the site has identified four ghost ponds, which historically would have held water but have since been lost or filled for agricultural development and land reclamation over 50 years ago. Following detailed surveying of elevation levels and surface flow, two have been identified as suitable for restoration and an opportunity to create a ‘scrape scape’ – a series of shallow scrapes alongside the restoration of the original ghost pond.  

Work will be starting soon, including preparation of the site and installation of the deer fencing. Subject to ground and weather conditions, we are expecting to see trees being planted in the new year.

Get involved

We regularly run volunteer events, planting days, and opportunities to support conservation work across our sites.

To take part or learn more, please contact us at volunteer@heartofenglandforest.org or visit our volunteering web pages.