Monterey Pines have become characteristic of the stretch of the South West Coast Path on the northern bank of the Helford River. The plantations need to be actively managed, although it can seem quite a severe process.
Left to their own devices, trees space themselves naturally. Thinning allows the strongest trees to establish more quickly by giving them space for their crown and roots to develop. The trees we leave should have greater stability and more options for management at maturity.
Thinning is essential in plantations and the timing is critical – if the work is neglected or significantly delayed then the options for future management are limited.
Charlie, North Helford Ranger
National Trust in Trelissick and North Helford 