In essence, our aims are twofold:
a) to protect and improve the biodiversity of the wood, and
b) to encourage its quiet enjoyment by those who appreciate classic English woodlands.

The Lime Kiln Wood Trust (LKWT), which owns the wood, is keen to enhance its biodiversity, which has certainly declined over the decades since the Second World War. The reasons for this are probably complex, but like most other British woodlands, LKW has not been managed in a wildlife-friendly way for at least 40-60 years. Before that, most of the hazel (and some other species) was regularly and sustainably coppiced to produce poles and firewood, and taller trees such as ash and oak were also exploited for timber. This ensured that sunlight could reach the woodland floor, thus encouraging diverse populations of flowering plants, which in turn provided food and habitat for a wealth of birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates. Now, the wood is dominated by old hazel coppice, and some invasive species such as sycamore and beech are spreading too fast and driving out all but the most shade-tolerant plants. For example, local people can remember a time when most of the woodland floor was carpeted with bluebells in spring, but this species is now more or less confined to the north-eastern quadrant.

If left to its own devices, most of the woodland floor will become impoverished of flowering plants, and the animals which depend on a flourishing ground flora will also depart. One example of this are butterflies, several species of which are dependent on a diverse woodland ground flora for food. It is true that one could allow nature to take its course and depend entirely on the occasional tree blowing over to punch a hole in the canopy and let in a patch of light, but that would not be enough to produce the amazing vistas of spring flowers and insects which we all love.

Although LKW is privately owned, it has been used for quiet recreation by generations of local people, and the Trust is keen that this should continue. There has been some littering, graffiti and BMX-jump construction from time to time, but overall the intensity of use is not at present in conflict with our conservation aims, and we think the wood is a wonderful place for kids to explore, and their parents to enjoy. We intend to keep it that way.