BAWT Woodland Management Plan

Our ten‑year Woodland Management Plan set out the initial work needed to restore the woodland and enhance its biodiversity. It put long‑term measures in place to support wildlife and improve access for visitors. The first phase of work — completed in 2025/26 — is explained in detail on this page.

The plan also guides how we will care for the wood in the years ahead, including reintroducing traditional management techniques such as coppicing to maintain the more open canopy created during Year One. Future management will be more targeted than the major works carried out over winter 2025/26, but it remains essential for the long‑term health of the woodland.

We’ve made a great start on the work proposed in the initial Management Plan.  You may have spotted some of the recent changes in Buckenham. Things can look a bit stark at first, but over time  these works will bed in and bring long‑term benefits for wildlife and for everyone who enjoys the wood.  The work undertaken in the first year of management has been focused on improving the ecological stability of the woodland and visitor accessibility. 

In year 1 of the Management Plan we have opened up the canopy through selective thinning and targeted tree planting, in designated areas. This will support the overall stability and longevity of the woodland, encourage biodiversity, and also make Buckenham Woodland safer for visitors to enjoy!

We have improved the stability of the path along the northern side of the woodland in June 2026 allowing for better accessibility and resilience of the ground in the wetter months. 

Two brand new gates made entirely of locally-sourced sweet chestnut have been installed. Additionally, four kissing gates, a bicycle rack, and a number of benches have been placed in the woodland for improved access and visitor experience. 

Four interpretation boards were designed and installed by BAWT  in June 2026, offering visitors information about the history, wildlife, and the ongoing management of the woodland. 

All the boundary fencing has been completed. A key area of the wood has been fully enclosed to support and protect ground nesting birds, and other wildlife to thrive in the woodland.

Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust started with a clear goal to secure, restore and care for Buckenham Wood both for wildlife and for the quiet enjoyment of the local community. Commissioning a Woodland Management Plan was an important early step, providing us with a long‑term guide for protecting the wood and securing its future.

For centuries, ancient woods like Buckenham Wood were carefully  managed for the production of  timber, fuel, and fencing. Traditional practices, such as  coppicing, created a mix  of habitats that supported a variety of wildlife. Over the last one hundred years, these activities ended and the wood was used for other purposes such as the extraction of sand gravel from the ground. With little to no tree management combined with challenges such as ash dieback and the increasing threat of invasive species, the biodiversity of the woodland  began to  decline.

The Buckenham Wood Management Plan explains how we can combine  traditional and modern woodland management practices to revive the woodland , restore habitats, and create a peaceful and beautiful place for the community. 

Funding from the GNGB and the support of the local community has allowed us to commission a professional Management Plan which is guiding us towards our key aims:  restoring and protecting the woodland while ensuring safe, welcoming access for everyone.

By its nature, ancient woodland restoration is a long‑term project that requires flexibility, care, and a willingness to adapt as the wood responds and circumstances change.

The plan was commissioned by BAWT and put together by a team of  expert ecological consultants. Additional advice  for the project was provided by Broadland District Council.  

 Buckenham Wood was assessed  by ecologists to  identify key features of the woodland assessing their condition and possible  threats such as competition from invasive species. This professional evaluation informed the recommendations for actions that should be taken; thinning of the canopy, veteranisation of young trees. 

Buckenham Wood will  continue to be monitored throughout the implementation of the management plan. Ongoing ecological assessment will track changes in the woodland, restoration progress, and identify if any management practices require adjustment. Butterfly surveys and breeding bird surveys also continue to be carried out. 

One of the plan's key recommendations from the management plan was the reintroduction of coppicing, to help maintain an open canopy structure. Visitors will notice selected areas entering a coppice rotation over the coming years. 

We must also continue our efforts to control invasive species like sycamore, which can quickly dominate and choke areas we have worked so hard to restore. There are plenty of woodland workdays planned for the future. Pulling up sycamore saplings is great exercise and a fantastic way to meet some brilliant people, follow the link below to find out more about you can get involved.

Finally, we want to say a huge thank you to you for your continued support of Buckenham Wood and Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust. Whether you’ve joined an event, taken part in a survey, followed our updates, volunteered your time, or enjoyed your last visit to the Wood — you’ve played a part in protecting this special place.

We’re looking forward to continuing to build our relationship with the community in the years ahead. By working together, we can nurture and protect Buckenham Wood so it remains a thriving, peaceful woodland for wildlife and for everyone who loves it.