Tree axe explained

THERE had been concerns from dog walkers that a bike trail had already been laid out on Crompton Moor and trees were being chopped to accommodate it.

But Oldham Council says the work is part of its ongoing habitat management program during which the park’s and countryside service is thinning out part of the Whitesides plantation.

A felling licence was applied for in 2004 to thin out all the woodlands on Crompton Moor, which were planted 30 years ago by Greater Manchester Council.

Supported by the Forestry commission woodland grant Scheme, the work will allow the council to meet the aims of the Oldham Woodland Strategy and the Pennine Edge Forest, which includes managing woodlands responsibly.

Countryside Officer Laura Vayro said: “This work is essential for improving the woodland as a habitat, to varying its age structure and species diversity.

“Creating space in the woodland will enable people to access woodland on the moor, which at present is too dense. It will also create some open areas and glades within the woodland, which is favourable to the wildlife that inhabits the woods and the moors, including deer.”

The Whitesides plantation has never had any woodland management work carried out and officers say the work is long overdue and will allow a public footpath to be opened up again.