A DEDICATED group of rangers and volunteers are working hard to prepare the local environment for the spring and help protect specialist species in the area.

Ashley Pinnock, 35, works as woodland ranger at Belfairs Woodland Centre in Leigh, a facility that provides space for schools, groups and families to learn about south Essex’s fantastic ancient woodlands in an interactive way.

The centre also carries out vital conservation work, working to preserve and protect some important species that are local to the area by running crucial work parties – groups of volunteers that get stuck in with the activities.

Ashley said: “What we’re trying to do is maintain a high level of biodiversity.

“There are so many species here and we want to look after them. If the biodiversity isn’t maintained then you lose lots of species because it is no longer suitable.”

Over the winter period, the most important activity Ashley and the volunteers have been doing is coppicing.

Ashley explained: “Coppicing involves cutting an area of trees down to allow more sunlight to the ground. By doing this, you get lots of wild flowers growing which is followed by the arrival of lots of butterflies.

“Every time you coppice an area, the trees grow back. We’ve almost completed this year’s schedule so in spring we’ll get a lot of different species coming back to the area.”

Belfairs protects a lot of species that are flourish in the south Essex area, including the heath fritillary butterfly.

Ashley said: “The heath fritillary is one of the rarest butterflies in the country and was on the brink of extinction. It is only in four sites across the country and one of them is here.

“That is one of the main reasons we have the status and also why we have been recognised as a site of special scientific Interest. That species would not be here without coppicing.”

The woodland centre also helps to protect the hazel dormouse which is also endangered and also completely relies on coppicing to keep the environment suitable.

“Most of the work takes place between November and the end of February because more of the species are in hibernation at this time of year.

“So we do all the work in the winter and then in the summer we are able to measure the number of species and make sure they are thriving.

“I run several work parties throughout the year with groups of volunteers who help with various conservation tasks. You don’t need any skills to come along, just an interest in wildlife.”

If you would like to help Ashley preserve south Essex’s species, visit their website for more information at essexwt.org.uk/reserves/belfairs or get in touch with them on 01702 477467