Across the different habitat types, woodland species are currently most at risk - 14% have already become extinct since 1970 and 35% have declined. Historically, this is due to a loss of traditional woodland management and now we also have a new and serious problem to address - Ash dieback. Caused by a fungus, this destructive disease attacks Ash trees and can lead to the death of the tree. Sadly this has a knock-on effect on other rare species that use the trees as their homes.

The biggest threat to woodlands is lack of appropriate management (Hertfordshire State of Nature Report 2020). We will deliver a programme of traditional woodland conservation practices including activities such as removing scrub and invasive holly, creating rides and glades and installing fencing and gates to direct visitors to the more robust areas. We will also address the Ash dieback by cutting back the worst affected branches and trees to try and prevent further spread of the fungus.