Restoring Woodland Heritage in Staffordshire

"Tubex tree shelters allow us to protect saplings from browsing without excluding wildlife from the area. For example, fencing off large areas or culling every deer might solve the immediate problem of browsing, but it could have serious unintended consequences for the ecosystem.”

Simon Smith, Forest Manager at Robinson Forestry

The Project

The restoration work includes the expansion of Bentilee Wood and the replanting of Oxhay Wood, a 6.7-hectare area felled in the 1940s. By focusing on native species such as oak, field maple, hazel, and Scots pine, the project supports local ecosystems while ensuring long-term environmental benefits.

Additionally, a smaller 0.24-hectare shelterbelt is being created to screen Keele Services Lorry Park from a nearby farmhouse, complementing the larger reforestation efforts. Over the next 100 years, the restored woodland is expected to sequester approximately 3,500 tonnes of carbon, further contributing to climate mitigation.

Planting began in November 2024, with ecological and logistical challenges carefully managed throughout the process. Features such as archaeological remains, badger setts, and gas pipelines have been incorporated into the design, ensuring a “working with nature” approach rather than disruption.

The Solution

One of the key challenges of the project was managing resident deer and rabbit populations without disrupting the local ecosystem. Rather than relying solely on large-scale fencing, Robinson Forestry specified Tubex Recyclable Tree Shelters to protect saplings from browsing animals while maintaining ecological balance.

• 1.5m Tubex Recyclable Tree Shelters were installed in areas where deer fencing was impractical, offering protection without excluding wildlife.
• Smaller Tubex shelters were used in fenced areas, protecting saplings from rabbits while preserving food sources for local birds of prey, such as buzzards.

Funding for the project was secured through the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) grant, with additional incentives awarded for benefits such as water quality improvement, flood risk management, and biodiversity enhancement. The project was one of the first to take advantage of the new EWCO Fast Track system, streamlining the grant process for large-scale woodland creation.

In addition to tree planting, the project includes the introduction of leaky dams to slow water flow into the catchment area, reducing downstream flooding while supporting the site’s broader environmental objectives.

Tubex Recyclable Tree Shelters were chosen for their durability and sustainability. Manufactured with 35% recycled content, they provide a microclimate that improves early tree establishment. At the end of their lifespan, they can be collected and recycled through Tubex’s dedicated Collection & Recycling Programme, ensuring a fully circular product lifecycle.

Jonathan Capener, the landowner, shared his perspective:

“This work is helping to restore the woodland to how it may have looked in my grandfather’s time. It’s an important step in managing the land for the future.”