Work to improve vital insect habitat continues at Trench Wood (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Work to improve vital insect habitat continues at Trench Wood

11:00am Thursday 5th January 2012 in News

WORK to improve an important insect habitat is set to continue this January at Trench Wood nature reserve near Droitwich Spa.

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s woodland is particularly important for several species of butterfly and the nationally rare aspen leaf-rolling weevil. Trench Wood was purchased by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation in 1986 because of its importance for butterflies and scrub-nesting warblers.

James Hitchcock, conservation officer for the woodland, said: “The work will take place largely in the south western area of the woodland and will involve thinning out non-native Italian alder and reducing the dominant sycamore to allow a wider variety of broad-leaved trees to flourish. This will provide a greater diversity of habitats for many species of insect, fungi and bird. In addition, we will also be widening two rides.”

The rides create sunny open spaces with plenty of wild flowers and plants along with sheltered scrubby areas – perfect for butterflies and many other insects.

Mr Hitchcock added: “This kind of work can often look quite drastic in places but it’s absolutely essential to ensure a variety of habitats is maintained and the success of the woodland continues.”

Last year large numbers of the rare leaf-rolling weevil, Byctiscus populi, were discovered in the wood. The beetle, known to exist in only ten woodlands throughout the UK, relies on the young aspen for survival. As part of the continued management of the wood, the trust has been managing aspen for the beetles – leaving mature trees along the side of the woodland rides to encourage young sucker growth.

“Volunteers are vital to our work so if any readers are interested in getting involved at Trench or any of our other nature reserves I’d encourage them to get in touch with us,” he said.

Many residents will remember that the woodland was once owned by the Harris Brush Company. Although they left many trees in the woodland, they undertook extensive clearance and planting of non-native trees for their business. The trust has been slowly removing these non-traditional trees in order to promote the growth of native trees to ensure suitable habitat for flowers, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

For more information about the work of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk. For information about volunteering at Trench Wood contact Anna Bunney, volunteer co-ordinator, on 01905 754919 or at anna@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org