WORK to protect the character of ancient semi-natural woodland at Tarr Steps on Exmoor is about to get under way.
The designated Site of Special Scientific Interest is aimed at achieving the Government's target of bringing all SSSIs into "favourable condition" by 2010.
Exmoor National Park Authority, which owns the woodland, will be carrying out a series of tasks aimed at protecting the beech trees, removing invasive knotweed and rhododendron and managing a small meadow to benefit butterflies and wild flowers.
Some of the beech trees will be thinned to allow native species such as oak and hazel to thrive.
Two small groups of beech trees will be felled so that natural regeneration of oak can occur, improving the age structure of the woodland. Much of the felled timber will be left in the wood to increase an important habitat for insects, birds and fungi.
Plans of the work can be viewed at the national park's headquarters in Dulverton during office hours.
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