Heatherdene Forestry Works

There will be limited parking at the Heatherdene car park as we do important forestry management work in the woodland above. Some areas will be temporarily closed (view map of closure). 

What we're doing

We will be carrying out forestry management work in the woodland above Heatherdene car park to meet a SPHN (Statutory Health Plant Notice).

These trees have been infected by Phytophthora Ramorum, this is a disease that has affected large areas of larch plantations in the UK and will cause an infected tree to die very quickly.

The notice means we have to remove the trees within a certain timeframe, we have waited until September to try to limit the impact on site while still meeting the deadline.

What you might see on site

The works will require the use of mechanical harvesters and forwarders to fell, process, and remove the trees from the woodland.

There will be a combination of: 

  • Clear felling some sections of larch
  • Thinning in others to support woodland recovery

Changes to access at Heatherdene

While we’re on site, there’ll be a few temporary changes to how you access the area.

What you can still enjoy

  • Toilets: The toilets at Heatherdene will remain open throughout.
  • Footpath to Ladybower Dam: You can still walk between Heatherdene and Ladybower Dam.
  • Access to Bamford Moor and Bamford Edge: These areas remain accessible via the southern stile diversion.

Some areas will be temporarily closed

  • Footpath Closures: Some concessionary footpaths and close off public access through Heatherdene woodlands.
  • Car Park Access: The top level of Heatherdene car park will be closed to allow timber wagons and machinery to operate safely.
  • Weekend Access: We’re working hard to open more of the car park at weekends, but this may not always be possible.

How we're protecting nature

We really care about nature and always make sure that there is minimum impact on wildlife from any work that we do. Great care will be taken during the work to protect the many species who call this area home.

After felling, we will be planting a mix of native and forestry stock trees, these are more resilient to disease and will allow us to continue to sustainably manage the area for years to come.