DEAD wood is hugely important for woodland wildlife, providing a home for the small invertebrates that are an essential part of the wild food chain.

However, in many woodlands, dead wood has traditionally been cleared away or burnt, to keep access clear for workers and to give a neater impression. This can have a negative effect on many species.

At Gutteridge Wood, Hillingdon, London Wildlife Trust has kept dead wood in the nature reserve, making it a special place for wildlife.

Regular pruning of the trees replenishes the supply of dead wood and prolongs the health and life of trees, encouraging strong growth.

Over the past 18 months, a grant of more than £31,000 from Suez Communities Trust has helped the Trust improve and extend wildlife habitats at the reserve.

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Staff and volunteers have undertaken specialised pruning to create new dead wood areas and to improve the spread and density of trees. This increases the amount of light that reaches the woodland floor, encouraging wildflowers to grow.

You can visit now to see carpets of woodland bluebells, buzzing with visiting bees and butterflies.

Deer-proof fencing has gone up, to protect new wildflower growth, and the team has removed invasive plant species from woodland glades.

A new boardwalk for visitors allows easy access into the heart of the reserve.

Species helped by this work include stag beetles, jewel beetles, micro moths, small mammals, such as bank vole and wood mouse, bats such as pipistrelle and birds such as nuthatch, kestrel and the great spotted woodpecker.

To find out more about Gutteridge Wood, see www.wildlondon.org.uk/reserves