SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 13
AncientAncient
WoodlandWoodland
RestorationRestoration
Jim Smith-Wright, Project Officer, Low Weald
Letting the light inLetting the light in
•10 Project Officers providing advice
•1,200 landowners will be engaged
•AWR information hub created
•2,400 people engaged through workshops
•64 volunteers active in various roles
•Volunteer speakers engaging 2,880 people
each year with talks on Ancient Woodland
•20 training events to engage 40 local
enthusiast groups to research & survey
restoration sites
•Development of flagship AWR demonstration
sites within WT estate
•New AWR guide based on research &
experience gained from project
Projects UK WideProjects UK Wide
Ancient Woodland Restoration
The Low Weald Project AreaThe Low Weald Project Area
The Low WealdThe Low Weald
Ancient Woodland Restoration
GeologyGeology
Ancient Woodland Restoration
Photo Courtesy of High WealdPhoto Courtesy of High Weald
AONBAONB
HeritageHeritage
Why are Ancient WoodsWhy are Ancient Woods
so Important?so Important?
Sources of life for centuriesSources of life for centuries
Food for the SoulFood for the Soul
Ancient Woodland Restoration
Conifers in Ancient WoodlandConifers in Ancient Woodland
Ancient Woodland Restoration
Ancient Woodland Restoration
Conifers in Ancient WoodlandConifers in Ancient Woodland
Why Restore Now?Why Restore Now?
Ancient Woodland Restoration
Principles of Ancient WoodlandPrinciples of Ancient Woodland
RestorationRestoration
Ancient Woodland Restoration
• Survey & assess
• Secure & enhance remnant features
• Move towards semi-natural
composition
WhatWhat’’s on Offer?s on Offer?
Ancient Woodland Restoration
• Advice
• Assessment
• Training
• Guidance
WhatWhat’’s ons on
Offer?Offer?
Ancient Woodland Restoration
Guidance & More Information
Thank youThank you
Jim Smith-Wright
07768 506664
JimSmith-Wright@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Ancient Woodland Restoration

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Environmental Impacts Of Farming
Environmental Impacts Of FarmingEnvironmental Impacts Of Farming
Environmental Impacts Of Farming
SHS Geog
 
Site 2 ancient hedgerows
Site 2 ancient hedgerowsSite 2 ancient hedgerows
Site 2 ancient hedgerows
Ashlee Savage
 
Future Forests The Decision V1
Future Forests The Decision V1Future Forests The Decision V1
Future Forests The Decision V1
SHS Geog
 
Hedges for Habitat - Notes
Hedges for Habitat - NotesHedges for Habitat - Notes
Hedges for Habitat - Notes
cvadheim
 

Viewers also liked (20)

Onshore Windfarm Part 2
Onshore Windfarm Part 2Onshore Windfarm Part 2
Onshore Windfarm Part 2
 
Geoff garrett
Geoff garrettGeoff garrett
Geoff garrett
 
Environmental Impacts Of Farming
Environmental Impacts Of FarmingEnvironmental Impacts Of Farming
Environmental Impacts Of Farming
 
Living Landscapes Ppt
Living Landscapes PptLiving Landscapes Ppt
Living Landscapes Ppt
 
Hedgerows for Woodfuel: ORC Machinery Trials 2014/2015
Hedgerows for Woodfuel: ORC Machinery Trials 2014/2015Hedgerows for Woodfuel: ORC Machinery Trials 2014/2015
Hedgerows for Woodfuel: ORC Machinery Trials 2014/2015
 
Site 2 ancient hedgerows
Site 2 ancient hedgerowsSite 2 ancient hedgerows
Site 2 ancient hedgerows
 
The National Forest
The National ForestThe National Forest
The National Forest
 
The characterisation of “living” landscapes: the role of mixed descriptors an...
The characterisation of “living” landscapes: the role of mixed descriptors an...The characterisation of “living” landscapes: the role of mixed descriptors an...
The characterisation of “living” landscapes: the role of mixed descriptors an...
 
Forest management and below-ground litter: Carbon dynamics of UK forest soils
Forest management and below-ground litter: Carbon dynamics of UK forest soilsForest management and below-ground litter: Carbon dynamics of UK forest soils
Forest management and below-ground litter: Carbon dynamics of UK forest soils
 
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Hedgerows
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: HedgerowsWest Weald Landscape Project Conference: Hedgerows
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Hedgerows
 
Future Forests The Decision V1
Future Forests The Decision V1Future Forests The Decision V1
Future Forests The Decision V1
 
ECoW_Leaflet_HighRes
ECoW_Leaflet_HighResECoW_Leaflet_HighRes
ECoW_Leaflet_HighRes
 
Landscape Projects
Landscape ProjectsLandscape Projects
Landscape Projects
 
Hedges for Habitat - Notes
Hedges for Habitat - NotesHedges for Habitat - Notes
Hedges for Habitat - Notes
 
Constraints to Continuous Cover Forestry in Ireland
Constraints to Continuous Cover Forestry in IrelandConstraints to Continuous Cover Forestry in Ireland
Constraints to Continuous Cover Forestry in Ireland
 
Native Plant Presentation
Native Plant PresentationNative Plant Presentation
Native Plant Presentation
 
VA: A Study of Landscape Architecture Design Methods - Virginia Polytechnic I...
VA: A Study of Landscape Architecture Design Methods - Virginia Polytechnic I...VA: A Study of Landscape Architecture Design Methods - Virginia Polytechnic I...
VA: A Study of Landscape Architecture Design Methods - Virginia Polytechnic I...
 
Ecology and Planning
Ecology and PlanningEcology and Planning
Ecology and Planning
 
Creating an Agile assurance landscape for projects, Adrian Pyne
Creating an Agile assurance landscape for projects, Adrian PyneCreating an Agile assurance landscape for projects, Adrian Pyne
Creating an Agile assurance landscape for projects, Adrian Pyne
 
Session 1.1 agroforestry systems in china
Session 1.1 agroforestry systems in chinaSession 1.1 agroforestry systems in china
Session 1.1 agroforestry systems in china
 

Similar to West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Low weald ancient woodland restoration project

Little spotted kiwi
Little spotted kiwiLittle spotted kiwi
Little spotted kiwi
tarnzg
 
U.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study Abroad
U.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study AbroadU.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study Abroad
U.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study Abroad
agcomm09
 
Blpa 2011 grant presentation
Blpa 2011 grant presentationBlpa 2011 grant presentation
Blpa 2011 grant presentation
BLPA Project
 

Similar to West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Low weald ancient woodland restoration project (20)

An Assessment of Otters in Naas
An Assessment of Otters in NaasAn Assessment of Otters in Naas
An Assessment of Otters in Naas
 
The History of the Westcountry RIvers Trust
The History of the Westcountry RIvers TrustThe History of the Westcountry RIvers Trust
The History of the Westcountry RIvers Trust
 
Deveron
DeveronDeveron
Deveron
 
2007 04 Newport Wetlands Centre - Sue Rice, Countryside Council for Wales
2007 04 Newport Wetlands Centre - Sue Rice, Countryside Council for Wales2007 04 Newport Wetlands Centre - Sue Rice, Countryside Council for Wales
2007 04 Newport Wetlands Centre - Sue Rice, Countryside Council for Wales
 
Wing Sang 2012 Volunteer Orientation
Wing Sang 2012 Volunteer OrientationWing Sang 2012 Volunteer Orientation
Wing Sang 2012 Volunteer Orientation
 
Cherished landscapes
Cherished landscapesCherished landscapes
Cherished landscapes
 
Australia ICOMOS Plan for Contribution to World Rural Landscapes
Australia ICOMOS Plan for Contribution to World Rural LandscapesAustralia ICOMOS Plan for Contribution to World Rural Landscapes
Australia ICOMOS Plan for Contribution to World Rural Landscapes
 
Meso and neolithic nearpod slideshare
Meso and neolithic nearpod slideshareMeso and neolithic nearpod slideshare
Meso and neolithic nearpod slideshare
 
Ecotourism in New Zealand.pptx
Ecotourism in New Zealand.pptxEcotourism in New Zealand.pptx
Ecotourism in New Zealand.pptx
 
VNPA's Nature and Conservation Report - presentation by Matt Ruchel
VNPA's Nature and Conservation Report - presentation by Matt RuchelVNPA's Nature and Conservation Report - presentation by Matt Ruchel
VNPA's Nature and Conservation Report - presentation by Matt Ruchel
 
Building bridges in berrylands kbn presentation
Building bridges in berrylands   kbn presentationBuilding bridges in berrylands   kbn presentation
Building bridges in berrylands kbn presentation
 
Mesolithic and Neolithic Ireland
Mesolithic and Neolithic IrelandMesolithic and Neolithic Ireland
Mesolithic and Neolithic Ireland
 
Little spotted kiwi
Little spotted kiwiLittle spotted kiwi
Little spotted kiwi
 
Landscapes for Life Conference 2018 - Bowland Haytime
Landscapes for Life Conference 2018 - Bowland HaytimeLandscapes for Life Conference 2018 - Bowland Haytime
Landscapes for Life Conference 2018 - Bowland Haytime
 
How wild is wild enough: do bears make the wilderness wild for tourists?
How wild is wild enough: do bears make the wilderness wild for tourists? How wild is wild enough: do bears make the wilderness wild for tourists?
How wild is wild enough: do bears make the wilderness wild for tourists?
 
Belfast Tour Giants Causeway
Belfast Tour Giants CausewayBelfast Tour Giants Causeway
Belfast Tour Giants Causeway
 
Byron Brooks, Ethan Hansen, Troy Hansen and Peter Twigg: 'Camels in country: ...
Byron Brooks, Ethan Hansen, Troy Hansen and Peter Twigg: 'Camels in country: ...Byron Brooks, Ethan Hansen, Troy Hansen and Peter Twigg: 'Camels in country: ...
Byron Brooks, Ethan Hansen, Troy Hansen and Peter Twigg: 'Camels in country: ...
 
U.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study Abroad
U.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study AbroadU.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study Abroad
U.K. Natural Resources & Agricultural Sustainability Study Abroad
 
Blpa 2011 grant presentation
Blpa 2011 grant presentationBlpa 2011 grant presentation
Blpa 2011 grant presentation
 
2006 05 Severn Estuary Perspective - Roger Wade, Environment Agency
2006 05 Severn Estuary Perspective - Roger Wade, Environment Agency 2006 05 Severn Estuary Perspective - Roger Wade, Environment Agency
2006 05 Severn Estuary Perspective - Roger Wade, Environment Agency
 

More from Sussex Wildlife Trust

More from Sussex Wildlife Trust (20)

Nature-based Approaches
Nature-based ApproachesNature-based Approaches
Nature-based Approaches
 
Carbon Sequestration by Paul Brewer
Carbon Sequestration by Paul BrewerCarbon Sequestration by Paul Brewer
Carbon Sequestration by Paul Brewer
 
Carbon reduction and tree planting by Portsmouth Water Limited
Carbon reduction and tree planting by Portsmouth Water LimitedCarbon reduction and tree planting by Portsmouth Water Limited
Carbon reduction and tree planting by Portsmouth Water Limited
 
Net Zero for the South Downs National Park
Net Zero for the South Downs National ParkNet Zero for the South Downs National Park
Net Zero for the South Downs National Park
 
Empowering Local Government to be leaders by Susan Halliwell
Empowering Local Government to be leaders by Susan HalliwellEmpowering Local Government to be leaders by Susan Halliwell
Empowering Local Government to be leaders by Susan Halliwell
 
Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation Organisations by Henri Brocklebank
Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation Organisations by Henri BrocklebankChallenges and Opportunities for Conservation Organisations by Henri Brocklebank
Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation Organisations by Henri Brocklebank
 
Environment Bill and Net Gain update by Julia Coneybeer
Environment Bill and Net Gain update by Julia ConeybeerEnvironment Bill and Net Gain update by Julia Coneybeer
Environment Bill and Net Gain update by Julia Coneybeer
 
Local Nature Recovery Strategies by Sue Beale
Local Nature Recovery Strategies by Sue BealeLocal Nature Recovery Strategies by Sue Beale
Local Nature Recovery Strategies by Sue Beale
 
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): from concept to reality
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): from concept to realityBiodiversity Net Gain (BNG): from concept to reality
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): from concept to reality
 
Thinking Strategically about nature at the county and regional level by Kate ...
Thinking Strategically about nature at the county and regional level by Kate ...Thinking Strategically about nature at the county and regional level by Kate ...
Thinking Strategically about nature at the county and regional level by Kate ...
 
Current approaches to Biodiversity Net Gain in practice within the South Down...
Current approaches to Biodiversity Net Gain in practice within the South Down...Current approaches to Biodiversity Net Gain in practice within the South Down...
Current approaches to Biodiversity Net Gain in practice within the South Down...
 
Developing a Net Gain Policy in an Emerging Plan by David Scully
Developing a Net Gain Policy in an Emerging Plan by David ScullyDeveloping a Net Gain Policy in an Emerging Plan by David Scully
Developing a Net Gain Policy in an Emerging Plan by David Scully
 
Wilder Horsham District by Helen Peacock
Wilder Horsham District by Helen PeacockWilder Horsham District by Helen Peacock
Wilder Horsham District by Helen Peacock
 
National strategic approach to tree planting
National strategic approach to tree plantingNational strategic approach to tree planting
National strategic approach to tree planting
 
Strategic approaches elsewhere web
Strategic approaches elsewhere webStrategic approaches elsewhere web
Strategic approaches elsewhere web
 
Carbon management in Southern Water may 2020 Emma Bennett
Carbon management in Southern Water may 2020 Emma BennettCarbon management in Southern Water may 2020 Emma Bennett
Carbon management in Southern Water may 2020 Emma Bennett
 
Soil presentation francesca baylis final web
Soil presentation francesca baylis final webSoil presentation francesca baylis final web
Soil presentation francesca baylis final web
 
Terrestrial habitats and carbon web
Terrestrial habitats and carbon webTerrestrial habitats and carbon web
Terrestrial habitats and carbon web
 
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Pearl-bordered fritillaries
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Pearl-bordered fritillariesWest Weald Landscape Project Conference: Pearl-bordered fritillaries
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Pearl-bordered fritillaries
 
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Working with the WWLP partner's pers...
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Working with the WWLP partner's pers...West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Working with the WWLP partner's pers...
West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Working with the WWLP partner's pers...
 

Recently uploaded

Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...
Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...
Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...
ZAPPAC1
 
Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...
Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...
Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...
BrixsonLajara
 
Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...
Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...
Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...
HyderabadDolls
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...
Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...
Principle of erosion control- Introduction to contouring,strip cropping,conto...
 
Delivery in 20 Mins Call Girls Dungarpur 9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash O...
Delivery in 20 Mins Call Girls Dungarpur  9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash O...Delivery in 20 Mins Call Girls Dungarpur  9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash O...
Delivery in 20 Mins Call Girls Dungarpur 9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash O...
 
Green Marketing
Green MarketingGreen Marketing
Green Marketing
 
Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...
Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...
Disaster risk reduction management Module 4: Preparedness, Prevention and Mit...
 
Book Call Girls in Kathua { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 Star Hotel
Book Call Girls in Kathua { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 Star HotelBook Call Girls in Kathua { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 Star Hotel
Book Call Girls in Kathua { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 Star Hotel
 
Water Pollution
Water Pollution Water Pollution
Water Pollution
 
Mira Road Reasonable Call Girls ,09167354423,Kashimira Call Girls Service
Mira Road Reasonable Call Girls ,09167354423,Kashimira Call Girls ServiceMira Road Reasonable Call Girls ,09167354423,Kashimira Call Girls Service
Mira Road Reasonable Call Girls ,09167354423,Kashimira Call Girls Service
 
Call Girls Brigade Road ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budget
Call Girls Brigade Road ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budgetCall Girls Brigade Road ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budget
Call Girls Brigade Road ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budget
 
A Review on Integrated River Basin Management and Development Master Plan of ...
A Review on Integrated River Basin Management and Development Master Plan of ...A Review on Integrated River Basin Management and Development Master Plan of ...
A Review on Integrated River Basin Management and Development Master Plan of ...
 
Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...
Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...
Joka \ Call Girls Service Kolkata - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 8005736733 Ne...
 
Low Rate Call Girls Boudh 9332606886 HOT & SEXY Models beautiful and charmin...
Low Rate Call Girls Boudh  9332606886 HOT & SEXY Models beautiful and charmin...Low Rate Call Girls Boudh  9332606886 HOT & SEXY Models beautiful and charmin...
Low Rate Call Girls Boudh 9332606886 HOT & SEXY Models beautiful and charmin...
 
Call Girls in Dattatreya Nagar / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Phot...
Call Girls in Dattatreya Nagar / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Phot...Call Girls in Dattatreya Nagar / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Phot...
Call Girls in Dattatreya Nagar / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Phot...
 
Vip Salem Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your Area
Vip Salem Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your AreaVip Salem Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your Area
Vip Salem Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your Area
 
Russian Escort Dubai 0503464457 Dubai Escorts
Russian Escort Dubai 0503464457 Dubai EscortsRussian Escort Dubai 0503464457 Dubai Escorts
Russian Escort Dubai 0503464457 Dubai Escorts
 
Jumping Scales and Producing peripheries.pptx
Jumping Scales and Producing peripheries.pptxJumping Scales and Producing peripheries.pptx
Jumping Scales and Producing peripheries.pptx
 
Climate Change
Climate ChangeClimate Change
Climate Change
 
Yil Me Hu Spring 2024 - Nisqually Salmon Recovery Newsletter
Yil Me Hu Spring 2024 - Nisqually Salmon Recovery NewsletterYil Me Hu Spring 2024 - Nisqually Salmon Recovery Newsletter
Yil Me Hu Spring 2024 - Nisqually Salmon Recovery Newsletter
 
Call Girl in Faridabad ₹7.5k Pick Up & Drop With Cash Payment #8168257667
Call Girl in Faridabad ₹7.5k Pick Up & Drop With Cash Payment #8168257667Call Girl in Faridabad ₹7.5k Pick Up & Drop With Cash Payment #8168257667
Call Girl in Faridabad ₹7.5k Pick Up & Drop With Cash Payment #8168257667
 
Trusted call girls in Fatehabad 9332606886 High Profile Call Girls You Can...
Trusted call girls in Fatehabad   9332606886  High Profile Call Girls You Can...Trusted call girls in Fatehabad   9332606886  High Profile Call Girls You Can...
Trusted call girls in Fatehabad 9332606886 High Profile Call Girls You Can...
 
Sensual Call Girls in Surajpur { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 St...
Sensual Call Girls in Surajpur { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 St...Sensual Call Girls in Surajpur { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 St...
Sensual Call Girls in Surajpur { 9332606886 } VVIP NISHA Call Girls Near 5 St...
 

West Weald Landscape Project Conference: Low weald ancient woodland restoration project

Editor's Notes

  1. Intro Self Work for WT on AWR project in Low Weald Talking today about Ancient Woodland Restoration Project as a whole Specifically what is being done in the Low Weald area And the principles involved
  2. Looking at Project as a whole across UK WT outreach project to facilitate restoration of ancient woodland Also engage public with project & raise awareness of ancient woodland’s significance Taking forward key work & research carried out in pilot areas: Project Officers in 10 priority restoration regions across UK, incl myself in Low Weald Working with key partners in each region Launched in England this week at CFS HLF funding nearly £2 Million of project costs Remainder (c. £1 Million) from other sources Focusing on privately PAWS (Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites): Private woodlands identified by Independent Panel on Forestry as standing to benefit most from restoration
  3. Low Weald covers large part of SE England below London, including parts of East & West Sussex, Kent & Surrey Comprises mainly vale of Wealden clay: elongated horseshoe around High Weald sandstone outcrop Woodland prominent across Low Weald covering 13% Well over half is ancient woodland: 18,000 ha, of which 4,500 ha is PAWS c.3000 ha of PAWS in private ownership (target resource) PAWS broadly scattered across Low Weald, but concentrated in West & South of project area, & around Ashford Low Weald project hosted by High Weald AONB Working partnership with, amongst others, Petra at Sussex Wildlife Trust: "West Weald Landscape” & "Gatwick Green Space” project areas
  4. (Private PAWS, West Sussex) Geological character of Low Weald created by erosion of soft heavy clay over time by network of rivers: Leaving broad undulating vale with localised ridges of limestone & sandstone Narrower streams also create gill woodlands (refer to photo) Important microhabitat characteristic of area Heavy clay soils also make woodland access & harvesting operations difficult (without causing damage)
  5. Long tradition of working woodlands in Low Weald reflected by many large coppice stools, banks & ditches Particularly characteristic is use of ‘stub’ trees to mark boundaries Sawpits (Photo: Working Sawpit, possibly within Ashdown Forest) Evidence in many ancient woods of area’s long history of charcoal burning for iron & glass industry: Charcoal hearths Extraction pits More impressive earthworks e.g. hammer ponds, provided power for ironworks
  6. (Private ASNW in E Sussex) Hopefully preaching to converted here but… to quote from our very eloquent WT Messaging Guide(!) “If you ask someone to picture a wood, they’re likely to imagine lush, green woodland with towering trees, flowers carpeting the floor and wildlife peaking out from the branches. It’s a vision from childhood and the stories we grew up with. They may not realise it but it’s a vision of ancient woodland…” However it goes way beyond just aesthetics, important for: Scarcity: just 2% of UK covered by ancient woodland Only 56% survives in a semi-natural state (i.e. has not become plantation). Biodiversity: ancient woodlands unique & irreplaceable. Soils developed undisturbed over centuries: As a result most biodiverse terrestrial habitat in UK Home to 232 of most endangered species, most endemic to ancient woods Ecosystem services: more on this later Culture: for their folklore, & leisure & learning opportunities History: as discussed, lack of disturbance in woods often means wealth of archaeology retained, missing from wider landscape: Sites can open window on how our ancestors lived & worked
  7. (Scots Pine, Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent) WT not attempting to demonise conifers: Nothing inherently wrong with them (or plantations): can be very important asset, & very beautiful But generally not appropriate on ancient woodland Primarily because: Often fast growing, exotic species which outcompete native species for light & other resources Clear felling, soil cultivation & chemicals applied to establish plantations, has depleted / threatened ancient woodland features & communities Secondary effects: Acidification of soils & dense thatch of needles can suppress ground flora & broadleaf regeneration Damage to archaeology & soil communities from windblow & harvesting operations Comparatively poor biodiversity value of planted species Invasive nature of some species e.g. Hemlock – difficult to control once established
  8. (Private PAWS West Sussex) To highlight this… Photo shows stifling pine monoculture: note almost complete lack of ground vegetation Even species such as pine, which have relatively thin canopy, can be a problem: Stands often neglected & not thinned as became uneconomic / otherwise difficult to work Subsequently become extremely dense & shady, & timber value further degraded
  9. (Windblown spruce stand, private PAWS, W Sussex) Restoring PAWS only realistic way to increase area of ancient woodland But a time-limited opportunity: Many plantations due to be felled again: If re-stocked with further round of conifers, would compound damage to remaining wildlife Many remnant flora & fungi have persisted in soil until now, but can only last so long… Increasing recognition of ecosystem services & role of woodland within this… PAWS woods have most potential to significantly increase level of ecosystem services provided, through restoration Converting single age monocultures into structurally & biologically diverse woods increases resilience to: Disease Climate change Windblow Economic benefits: Locally sourced firewood & timber increasingly valued & invested in New suite of grants under CAP reform may include options specifically targeted at restoration
  10. Photo (Brede High Woods): Successfully restored stand of oak along ride edge in foreground (glimpse of original stand in background) Most threats to remnant ancient woodland features from excessive shade or light: Therefore approach to remove conifers slowly from plantations: To allow light back through canopy & avoid further damage to soil Not so rapidly or to such great extent as to shock ecosystem, or allow opportunist species e.g. bramble to take over Approach of careful light management similar to Continuous Cover Forestry, & supported by Oxford Institute for Forestry research 1. Initial surveys to establish key remnant features & habitats: Ground Flora Dead Wood Veteran & Ancient Trees Archaeology Edge features: gills, rides, glades & external edges 2. First round of works focus on thinning around these: Encourages existing broadleaves, specialist species & habitats to recover / re-colonise from nearby woods where possible 3. Once woodland more robust, begin thinning remainder of stand, improving structure & encouraging natural regen Over time move towards native broadleaf matrix at all tiers of woodland But not to entirely remove conifer component: May wish to retain some for timber potential May have value for some important wildlife Vital part of woodland’s story
  11. What are we able to offer you? Free assistance & advice for landowners to restore their woods Incl. grant applications, management plans etc Each woodland treated as individual, taking owner’s objectives into account PAWS surveys, including Woodland Heritage surveys by vols Specialist training for industry professionals on restoration & related subjects (Also knock-on benefits to communities & individuals will include: Cultural & educational enrichment Increased recreation opportunities & health & wellbeing Improvements to local environment)
  12. If interested in Project and would like to know more, or have any questions, please speak to me afterwards… (Also have Leaflets and Best Practice Guides available to take away (?))