In a remarkable conservation effort, acorns harvested from some of the country’s oldest oak trees are being used to cultivate seedlings for a newly expanded National Nature Reserve (NNR) in Herefordshire. The project aims to safeguard the lineage of these ancient trees for future generations.
Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood NNR
The recently extended Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood National Nature Reserve builds upon the original Moccas Park NNR. The reserve’s size has increased from 139 to 239 hectares, encompassing both woodland and grassland areas with scattered trees (wood pasture). Notably, the Woodbury Hill Wood is now part of the reserve, thanks to the support of a Herefordshire family and the Woodland Trust.
- Moccas Hill Wood: Natural England is restoring Moccas Hill Wood to its historic wood pasture state.
- Woodbury Hill Wood: The Woodland Trust is working to restore Woodbury Hill Wood to ancient woodland conditions.
Ancient Trees and Wildlife
Within the reserve, ancient trees abound, including the venerable “Old Man of Moccas,” an oak believed to be over 850 years old. By restoring wood pasture and ancient woodland, the reserve benefits wildlife such as bats, beetles, and dormice.
The King’s Series of National Nature Reserves
The Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood NNR is part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves. This initiative, announced last year, aims to create a lasting public legacy by establishing a series of reserves in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Over the next five years (from 2023 to 2027), five new National Nature Reserves will be announced annually.
As part of National Nature Reserves Week, the Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood NNR joins two other reserves in celebrating England’s most vital natural places. Events are taking place across the country until May 31. Natural England approved the reserve’s extension in April.
A Bright Future for Ancient Trees
Emma Johnson, West Midlands Deputy Director for Natural England, expressed optimism about the reserve’s impact: “The extension of the Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood National Nature Reserve is going to make a real difference to the future of these ancient trees, ensuring the next generation thrives well into the 2500s!”
Restoring the Woodland
In the newly acquired woodland, ancient and veteran trees have been overshadowed by conifers planted in the 1950s. Restoration efforts involve gradually removing these conifers to create space for native woodland species. Large-leaved lime, wych elm, ash, and oak will thrive, providing essential deadwood habitat for invertebrates, including rare deadwood beetles, lichen, and fungi.
A Living History
Richard Brown, Site Manager of the Woodland Trust, emphasised the importance of ancient trees: “These trees are an essential part of our history. Surveying and tagging surviving ancient trees will help ensure their continued survival.”
Gillian’s Wood
The name “Gillian’s Wood” pays tribute to John Bulmer’s sister, from the Herefordshire family that owned Bulmers cider. With their support, the Woodland Trust now owns and manages Woodbury Hill.
As we look ahead, this ambitious conservation effort promises a brighter future for ancient trees and the diverse ecosystems they support.
