Woodlands are not static but are always growing and evolving.
Storms, drought and disease all take their toll of old trees
and many of the beech trees are now well over 100 years old.
The loss of older trees creates gaps for young ones to grow,
but these saplings need thinning out if they are to have the
space and light they need to develop into strong trees.
Problems such as the damage caused by grey squirrels, who strip
large areas of bark from young trees, need to be tackled. Young
saplings are also in danger of being browsed by deer unless
they are protected.
Global warming may have a significant impact on Chiltern beechwoods.
Beech trees are especially susceptible to drought and if we
get longer, drier summers they may die back. In some places
they may be replaced by oak and ash.
There are many threats to the survival of our woodland heritage,
but with proper management the woods we enjoy today can give
equal pleasure to future generations.
