Wooded heath is one of the UK’s rarest habitats. It is home to reptiles such as adders, ground-nesting birds like the declining tree pipit, and specialist plants including heather.
The project will benefit a wide range of species by restoring the open, sunlit woodland edges that provide vital feeding and nesting areas, especially for tree pipits - a small bird whose UK population has declined significantly in recent decades.
Opening up the landscape will also allow heather and other heathland species to regenerate, leading to the re-establishment of wooded heath – a nationally rare habitat characterised by open heathland with scattered trees, particularly oak.
The work is taking place along the north and south sides of the A287 dual carriageway, which runs along the reserve. Around three hectares of dense birch and scrub are being clear-felled from along the narrow, public-facing woodland edges.
Tom Hilder, Senior Nature Based Solutions Officer (practical delivery) at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “Although the felling may appear drastic at first, it is a vital step in restoring ecological balance. We carefully assess each tree’s health, species, and ecological value. Only selected trees, mostly birch and aspen, are being removed.
“This work will restore balance and lead to a richer, more biodiverse and resilient habitat, benefiting a range of species including rare adders, tree pipits, and heather-dependent insects.”
Tree pipits, despite their name, prefer open woodland edges, particularly on wooded heathland. The project will replace dense, less suitable woodland with a more favourable structure of scattered trees and edge habitat woodland – creating ideal nesting and feeding conditions. With a 29% reduction in their UK breeding range since the 1960s, restoring this habitat could make a real difference for their future.
The project also supports the Adder Project in Hook North, which aims to safeguard one of Hampshire’s most threatened reptile populations. Removing dense vegetation and opening up the woodland structure will create a warmer, sunnier environment with areas of bare ground - ideal conditions for adders and other reptiles.
Tom added: “Tree pipits are summer visitors that stage unmistakable, parachute-like song flights from open woodland perches - it’s this exact sort of habitat that’s disappearing across central and southern England as these landscapes succeed into denser woodland. Restoring this mosaic of scattered trees could be a lifeline for them.
“Likewise, adders - Britain’s only native venomous snake - flourish in sunny heathland and woodland edges, where they bask on warm ground to hunt their prey. Enhancing habitat connectivity, by establishing open corridors, will give them the open, sunlit areas they need to bask, hunt, and move safely across the landscape.”
All the work is fully licensed and supported by The Forestry Commission and Natural England. Ground-level assessments by the Trust’s ecology team have also confirmed there are no active nests or protected species present.
Work began in early September and is expected to take around four weeks, weather dependent. At times, large machinery will be present. The trust is working to minimise disruption with felling taking place under a licensed, safe extraction route recommended by its ecology team.
Tom concluded: “I’m really excited to see this work taking shape. Hook Common and Bartley Heath are special places, and it’s a privilege to be part of restoring them. These habitats are fragile, but with the right care they can bounce back quickly - and that means more space for wildlife, and a healthier landscape for future generations to enjoy.”
