by David Saunders
The long history of managment of the extensive woodland of the South east Corner of Britain has let to the diverse landscape and ecology we enjoy today. Some woods, with rare species have been taken over as nature reserves where the specific habitat requirements to preserve these uncommon species can be sustained. The majority of the woodland in SE England however has evolved in response to regular management for timber products for many centuries, and the habitats created support dormice and many species of woodland butterfiles which appreciate the clearings made as timber and coppice is harvested.