ROTTING branches and decaying tree stumps will litter the local woods as conservationists realise the importance of life after death.

Forest conservationists hope the 20ft stumps will become perches for birds of prey, nesting sites for woodpeckers and perfect habitats for bugs and fungi.

The "eco-perches" are part of the Forestry Commission's new policy to have more deadwood and attract more wildlife across 55,000 acres of land in North Yorkshire.

Forty conservationists and woodland chiefs met in Helmsley to discuss the benefits of retaining more dead and decomposing trees on the land, focusing in particular on The Deer Park, in the Duncombe Estate.

The subject may seem bizarre, but it is a serious issue, said Graham Haddock, planning manager with the Forestry Commission's Yorkshire Conservancy.

"Dead and decaying trees and branches are crucial to a vast range of wildlife, from birds to insects and fungi. Historically, such wood was removed from many forests to protect living trees against the perceived threat of beetle and fungus attack," he said.

"That has resulted in levels of deadwood far too low to sustain many important species. We want to see this situation rectified and encourage more woodland managers to adopt a new outlook."

A long-term conservation plan is being implemented at The Deer Park to restore the oak pasture environment back to its ancient character.

A similar policy has been adopted elsewhere on conifer clear fell sites, said Andrew Smith, North York Moors district manager.

"In the 1970s the focus was on forest hygiene, but now things have turned full circle and we're trying to mimic a natural forest cycle," he said.