Hi
As a new member I want to briefly introduce myself before seeking advice.
I am a retired H&S Engineer and am now furthering my lifelong interest in
wildlife by running a Stag Beetle project in London's largest Royal Park
(Richmond Park - 1000 hectares) which was enclosed in 1637 and preservers
many species, habitats and features of a 17th century Royal deer park.

We see the Stag Beetle as a flagship species for the dead wood communities
in park and woodland and are working on leaflets and programmes to that
end. For more information on this project see
http://www.jwhs.co.uk/SB/RPSBP.html which is a web site aimed at the
public so expressed in simple terms.

Being in a major urban area, Richmond Park is accessible to millions and 4
million visitor come for many different reasons each year. Although the
site has statutory protection we will still have problems and one of
these, I am looking for help with, is the desire by many to build dens.
This activity means that much lying dead wood is constantly disturbed and
as the South East of England is getting less rain, particularly in the
summer, the wood dries out so increasing the rate of change of that
habitat and also providing some people with an easy opportunity to start
fires. We are hoping to get a visitor centre but for now our options are
rather limited.

Please can you suggest ways we can help people appreciate the value and
beauty of dead wood.

Regards
John

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