Secret Life of the Forest

Tuesday 16th November 2021

I watched the new Channel 5 programme Secret Life of the Forest Prime-time glimpse into the secret world of Kielder Forest | Northumberland Wildlife Trust (nwt.org.uk) about 4 seasons in Kielder Forest. The forest is 155,000 acres and was created 100 years ago - it is the largest manmade wood in England. It is a key area for endangered habitats and wildlife like the red squirrels, pine martens and my favourite on the show the osprey. They have amazing footage of an osprey catching a fish and flying it back to the nest. Restoration is also happening there in the Border Mires peatland. At the same time the forest provides 25% of England's wood output. It seems strange to me that a huge manmade plantation should be so rich in wildlife. I imagine that the key is in how it is managed. Definitely on my list of places that I would like to see. (Photo from the Forestry Commission)