Woodland management on Stokes Field and Ditton Common in autumn winter 2024-2025

Woodland management works have now been completed at Stokes Field and the site will be tidied up in the course of next week. At Ditton Common, the works are ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of December.

While our contractors carry out these important works, they are keeping the disturbance to a minimum and work sites are clearly signposted for everybody’s safety.

More information on the current woodland management works:

Woodland management on Stokes Field 

On Stokes Field, contractors have felled and cleared trees suffering from ash dieback disease to help slow the spread of this fungal disease and ensure the safety of residents visiting the site. There will be natural regeneration on this site from next spring. We will plant new trees next autumn, focusing on native species other than ash trees, to enhance the woodland's biodiversity.

Watch our video for more information on Stokes Field’s works.

Works on Ditton Common

The on-going works on Ditton Common include:

• the reduction of the tree canopy by a third to let light penetrate and create a more diverse forest structure with different tree sizes to support a wider range of wildlife
• the removal of invasive species such as Cherry Laurel, Rhododendron and Turkey Oak which deter the growth of native species and prevent them from flourishing
• a reduction of 50% of the holly understorey, which will be cut to ground level to improve light and public access.

Watch our video for more information on planned work for Ditton Common.

Why it is necessary to carry out woodland management:

We all know that local woodlands provide substantial benefits to residents, visitors, wildlife and the wider environment.

To continue delivering those benefits, woodlands need to be managed and protected properly, through sensitive and sustainable management so they remain healthy and resilient for the future.

As part of a 25-year plan approved by the Forestry Commission*, we carry out woodland management works in a different part of the borough every year. 

Our main objective in carrying out the current woodland management works is to maintain and increase biodiversity in our sites by supporting the growth and regeneration of native species and protecting them for the future.

We are managing local woodland for the future because: 

• well-managed woodland is better able to withstand extreme weather changes brought on by climate change such as drought, flooding and high winds 
• they have more resistance to the threat of pests and diseases
• woodland regeneration encourages the growth of strong, more diverse native seedlings, plants, wildflowers and creates habitats for birds and invertebrates, all contributing to increased biodiversity
• healthy trees are vital for better air quality as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This in turn benefits the local community and the wider environment.

Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said, ‘Local woods are a sanctuary for people and wildlife. We all love spending time there in all seasons. Canopy reduction and tree felling are sensitive issues for everyone. However, it is our responsibility to ensure that our local woodland remains healthy, strong and resilient and we are achieving this via sensitive and sustainable management for the short term and for the benefit future generations’.

Read further information about woodland management works. 

Find out how we are working towards a more biodiverse and sustainable Elmbridge. 

*The Forestry Commission are the government body who oversee forestry in Wales and England. They grant licences to fell growing trees and can enforce those licences and any conditions they impose during the process including checking works as required.