Log piles offer significant value in our village and part of one or the recommendations in our biodiversity plan review with Dr Catherine O’Connell our ecologist who prepared our initial biodiversity plan.
We had a lot of loose wood/ fallen trees / branches after the storm in January so making these log piles are vital wildlife habitats- something we weren’t familiar with.
They provide shelter, breeding grounds, and food sources for a diverse range of species, including insects, amphibians, small mammals, and birds.
Value of the log piles
- Biodiversity Enhancement:
Log piles create a thriving ecosystem for a wide variety of wildlife, including insects, fungi, and animals that prey on them, like spiders, frogs, and hedgehogs.
- Habitat Provision:
They mimic the natural occurrence of fallen trees in woodlands, offering shelter for hibernating small mammals and insects, as well as nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Food Source:
Log piles provide food sources for various animals, such as worms and grubs for birds and mice.
- Educational Opportunity:
Log piles can be used to educate people about biodiversity, ecology, and the importance of deadwood in our woodlands.
- Carbon Sequestration:
While not the primary value, log piles can contribute to carbon sequestration by storing carbon in the decaying wood.