TAKE a walk in Bluebell Wood at Meldon today (Thursday) and take advantage of the chance to share your views on its future. Dartmoor National Park Authority?s head of trees and woodland will lead a guided walk to enable local people to enjoy this beautiful example of ancient oak woodland and discuss the draft management plan which aims to safeguard the valuable habitats and use of the woodland by all species ? including humans. Rupert Lane, head of trees and woodlands, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: ?Meldon Wood is classified as ancient woodland, meaning that it has been woodland since at least 1600. ?Without doubt, it is one of the better Dartmoor woods, in respect of the lack of invasion by exotic species. ?The greater part of the main compartment is hazel, under an oak canopy, with superb bluebell ground flora. This has not been subject to any significant recent management, but it is in very good condition. ?However, in small pockets within the woodland, and in increasing numbers nearby, stand sycamore and beech, which, if unchecked for several generations, will alter the rich and diverse plant and animal communities associated with western oak woodlands, the characteristic indigenous woodland type for the region. ?The whole wood is open to access, with an excellent network of paths and bridleways. This freedom to explore the woods will be retained and, if needed, improved.? The walk starts at 5pm from the car park, just over the A30 flyover at Meldon. The walk will be followed at 6pm by a discussion about plans for the wood?s future management. The public consultation event follows agreement by the owners of the wood, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, to enter an informal management agreement with Dartmoor National Park Authority. A draft woodland management plan has been prepared which can be seen on the Dartmoor National Park Authority?s website, http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk, and may also be inspected during office hours at the National Park Authority?s headquarters at Bovey Tracey or at the Okehampton Information Point between the hours of 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
