Ancient woodland near the Wrekin set for 2.6km of new concrete forestry tracks
The new tracks will help tackle ash dieback and keep deer numbers down
An ancient woodland near the Wrekin could see more than 2.6km of forestry tracks constructed to boost woodland management operations.
Plans have been submitted for changes to the network of forestry tracks at Limekiln Wood, an ancient woodland at the foot of the Wrekin hill.
The proposals involve approximately 2,610 metres of track in the 58.8-hectare woodland, with the routes designed to provide improved access for forestry machinery, including tractors, trailers and specialist harvesting equipment.
The works would involve upgrading existing tracks and creating several new sections. The 3.5m-wide tracks would be made up of layers of imported recycled crushed concrete.
According to documents submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council, some existing tracks have previously been surfaced, while others have fallen into disuse and are unsuitable for regular use by modern forestry machinery.
The new owners of the woodland, who purchased it last year, say the improvements are needed to allow activities such as timber production, thinning, coppicing and the control of deer and invasive species.
The woodland management plan states the area has been “under-managed” for several years and several issues “need to be addressed” including ash dieback which is present on ash trees throughout the woodland.
Documents also state that there are a “large number” of deer throughout the woodland, which are “having a negative impact” on tree regeneration.
“In order to deal with these issues it will also be necessary to improve and expand management access within the woodland,” documents state.
Limekiln Wood is located within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, almost the entire woodland is also recorded on the Ancient Woodland Inventory as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland.
The full application is available to view on Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning portal using reference number: TWC/2026/0784
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/shropshire-star
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