Updated 1st March 2010

Timber harvesting is continuing in Heckbarley at the western end of the valley. As the forest road through the site is muddy and large machinery is working along the road visitors are advised to use the bridleway from Cold Fell. This work will continue through 2010 and into 2011. It has not been decide how much of this area will be replanted and with what species. This will be part of a public review of the Wild Ennerdale Stewardship plan during 2010 and 2011.

In addition thinning work is continuing in Ennerdale and has moved to the south side of the valley between Silver Cove and Low Beck. Whilst all routes are open please look out for debris on the road and paths and do not approach working machinery or chainsaw operators. If your route allows please use the forest road on the north side of the valley past the YHA to access the top of the valley.

All the trees marked with paint at about 1.3m high are being removed. Trees marked with paint at the base and unmarked trees will be left standing. The thinning is aimed at giving the predominantly broadleaf regeneration more light and room to grow.

The aim of the harvesting work is to deliver the objectives set out in the Wild Ennerdale Stewardship Plan .

On Completion of all the harvesting the clear felled areas will be allowed to regenerate naturally with a mix of trees and more open habitats likely to develop. Spruce regeneration will be controlled by cutting when the young trees reach around 2 to 3m tall or by pulling when very young . More juniper and native broadleaves will be planted at the east end of the valley. Over the winter of 2009/10 we are planting around 10,000 Downy birch & Sessile oak and 1500 Juniper which will add to the 7,000 Juniper and 28,000 birch and oak already planted during 2006 and 2007 by National Trust, Forestry Commission and volunteers teams.

Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience that this work causes. I hope you will look forward to the benefits this work brings in further allowing the valley to develop as a wilder place where natural processes shape the future look and feel of the landscape. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Gareth Browning on 0771 2751060 or by email.