During the last few months of our woodland planning we have immersed ourselves in observing and surveying species and wildlife.

The woodland has reached the closed canopy stage where the ground layer and shrub layer can't develop further. Thinning will allow a greater variety of woodland plants to thrive and benefit bio-diversity. The majority of the trees are the same age and there are too many too close, whilst also not allowing the crowns to spread as the trees get older.

SWe have thinned a little of the woodland but much more is needed. This has been slow due to Nigel and I disagreeing on which trees get chopped down or left as standing deadwood. Yes! as ridiculous as that sounds, its become a bit of a joke between us. I cant help but analyse the value in each tree when its not needed in this case.

We are also considering creating a small woodland glade, an area where birds and bats can feed and larger invertebrates come down to basque in the sun by the stream edge. Again we don't always agree where to forfeit the trees to do this.

So whilst we disagree....... we have been enrolling in every workshop and course imaginable. This includes Seed and Leaf Beetles, Mosses and liverworts, woodland walk leader, Rapid Woodland Assessment, the Cornwall Beaver Project, Arb Association seminars, local provenance seed germination, Badger surveying and much more!

We are identifying and recording every species as and when it shows itself.

There is nothing more valuable than studying the management of an ecosystem permanently. The long term surveying of one area throughout the seasons and observing any changes that management creates, teaches us about the improvements made, the solutions and when or where not to interfere.

In our work we aim to promote a better understanding of our natural habitat and how we can all manage our properties land to benefit wildlife and pollinators.  Supporting the virtues of environmental growth, sustainability, well-being and promoting better management of the natural environment, increases the size and how connected we are to the areas where nature thrives.

The Happy Habitats brand has the opportunity to expand into further fields which all share the same core value. We have the ability to grow as a Forestry School/nature  workshop, in eco-agriculture, badger vaccination, wildlife habitat conservation and beyond.

The Woodland is the heart and hub of our business, without it we are unable to incorporate the practical and inspirational elements of this growth.