A woodland garden does require a little bit of maintenance as you want to keep it looking like a garden, not a tangled mess, so management is needed, but with a relaxed, light touch.
Lifting the crown of trees and large shrubs will allow more sunlight to pass through; plants may need thinning out or cutting back while still ensuring a natural look; and keeping woodland garden paths topped up with bark chippings or ensuring the surfaces aren’t slippery will keep it a pleasant and safe environment to enjoy year-round.