Work is continuing this autumn at Oakley Wood - similar to works undertaken in 2020. The solid foundation being built is part of a 10-year woodland management plan, in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

A third of the trees will be removed across specific areas. Several 30-metre clearings will be created. Native trees will have the right conditions to grow, supplemented by increased tree planting, which will begin this winter.

Councillor Alan Rhead, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said: "One of the biggest threats to our woodlands is the decision not to manage them. Sustainable woodland management and actively managing wildlife habitats for biodiversity can help secure the long-term future of woodlands.

"Trees of different ages and varied structures due to cyclical felling, thinning and coppicing will attract a bigger range of wildlife, and will also be more resilient to pests, diseases and climate change. With the support of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the Friends of Oakley Wood, we are returning Oakley Wood to a natural habitat for wildlife to thrive.

"I am aware of the concerns expressed by regular users about the condition the Wood was left in after the last round of work; consequently, I will be liaising closely with the managers to ensure that this next round of work leaves the Wood as the pleasant recreational location enjoyed by so many of our residents."

The Director of Reserves and Community Engagement at Warwickshire Wildlife, Karl Curtis, added: "Warwickshire is among the least wooded counties in the UK, which in turn is one of the least wooded countries in Europe.

"This makes Warwickshire's woodlands precious and important within the landscape. Woodlands have been essential to people for thousands of years, used for timber, fuel and shelter, and more recently for public recreation as well. We know woodlands play an important role in securing carbon, purifying the air we breathe and helping to prevent flooding.

"We are committed to making these woodlands better protected for wildlife and people, more resilient to change and sustainably managed."

Locals can get involved in their local woodlands by volunteering with the Trust, and the charity aims to provide positive opportunity and continued access for local people through their woodland management, making them healthy and vibrant places for both people and wildlife.