PG 2 - Duchy of Cornwall Hereford Estate
Duchy of Cornwall Hereford Estate Added 09/06/08.
As part of its landholding, The Duchy manages around 1,700 hectares of woodland - many of which have existed for several centuries - mainly located in the south-west of England.
Woodlands in Cornwall and Devon are mostly dominated by conifers, particularly Douglas fir, larch and red cedar. Such fast-growing species were planted back in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, either on former fields that were no longer suitable for use in agriculture, or in existing woodland. These species perform very well in the warm, moist climate of the south-west peninsula.
The woodlands in Herefordshire tend to contain more native broadleaved species, particularly oak, ash, chestnut, cherry and hazel. The deep and loamy soils in this part of the country make it an outstanding area for growing fine quality hardwoods.
In 1997 the Duchy adopted a new approach to management involving the use of 'close-to-nature' or 'continuous cover forestry' principles. The main aim is to rely wherever possible on nature to achieve sustainable and diverse woodlands. Sensitively managed, these woodlands will not only contain valuable timber and a wealth of wildlife but will also be attractive environments for the public, many of whom enjoy strolling through the Duchy's woods.
The images here demonstrate a range of techniques in the lowland broadleaf woods of Hereford.
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