Regeneration Work Restarts At Yarmouth’s Mill Copse To Boost Wildlife And Flora

Work has restarted to return Mill Copse in Yarmouth to its natural, native state, enhancing the woodland for plants, wildlife, and the local community.

The western half of Mill Copse, managed by Wight Nature Fund (WNF), will see the removal of long-standing conifer trees planted after the Second World War.

This follows earlier work on the eastern half, carried out around 35 years ago, which cleared non-native conifers and replanted native species — creating carpets of bluebells and other flora.

The new regeneration aims to improve foraging habitats for species like red squirrels and dormice, while reducing soil acidity caused by conifers, allowing native plants to thrive.

The work will also use ‘halo thinning’ around veteran oak trees to encourage a healthier, mixed woodland.

WNF has partnered with local firm ArbAdvice, which is carrying out the felling and using it as part of a City & Guilds arborist training course, helping educate the next generation of tree specialists on the Island.

The charity acknowledges that tree felling can cause concern for woodland visitors, but reassures the public that paths will be clearly signed, with temporary closures for safety.

Trustees say the work is part of a Forestry Commission-approved Woodland Management Plan, aimed at boosting biodiversity and restoring the woodland’s natural beauty.

Visitors to Mill Copse can expect a more vibrant, wildlife-friendly woodland in the years to come, with the added benefit of supporting local education and conservation efforts.