Ancient Acorns to Save Herefordshire’s Oldest Oaks
Amazing conservation work is underway in Herefordshire. Acorns from some of Britain’s oldest oak trees are being used to grow seedlings for the newly expanded Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood National Nature Reserve. This bold project aims to protect these ancient giants and their legacy for centuries to come.
Reviving Historic Woods
- Moccas Hill Wood: Natural England is restoring this area back to its ancient wood pasture state, undoing decades of change.
- Woodbury Hill Wood: The Woodland Trust is working hard to bring this site back to its original ancient woodland condition, supporting native species.
Home to the Legendary ‘Old Man of Moccas’
The reserve is home to some truly epic trees, including the “Old Man of Moccas,” a mighty oak believed to be over 850 years old. Restoring the reserve’s wood pasture and ancient woodland benefits a whole host of wildlife, from bats and beetles to elusive dormice.
A Bold National Push for Nature
As part of the government’s plan from 2023 to 2027, five new National Nature Reserves will be announced each year. Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood are leading the charge during this special sussex-police-joined-forces-across-the-country-last-week-for-operation-sceptre-a-national-week-of-action-alongside-our-community-partners-to-tackle-knife-crime-and-raise-awareness-of-the-dangers-of-c/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Nature Reserves Week.
Restoration in Action
In areas where conifers were planted in the 1950s, conservationists are removing these non-native trees to let native species like large-leaved lime, wych elm, ash, and oak flourish once again. This process creates vital habitats, including deadwood for rare beetles, lichens, and fungi to thrive.
“The extension of the Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood National Nature Reserve is going to make a real difference to the future of these ancient trees, ensuring the next generation thrives well into the 2500s!” – Emma Johnson, Deputy Director for Natural England
“These trees are an essential part of our history. Surveying and tagging surviving ancient trees will help ensure their continued survival.” – Richard Brown, Woodland Trust Site Manager
Honouring History: Gillian’s Wood
The name Gillian’s Wood pays tribute to John Bulmer’s sister from the Herefordshire family behind Bulmers cider. Thanks to their support, the Woodland Trust now owns and manages Woodbury Hill, securing this vital landscape for generations.
The Future Looks Green
This ambitious conservation drive promises a brighter future for Herefordshire’s ancient trees and the rich ecosystems they support. From tiny beetles to soaring bats, the reserve will be a haven for wildlife and a living legacy for all of us.
