The Dorset Trees, Woods and Forest Strategy

Transcription

1 The Dorset Trees, Woods and Forest Strategy

2 Acknowledgements This work has been produced by David Rees, Dorset Woodlink Officer. Dorset Woodlink is hosted by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dorset Woodlink Partnership: County Tree Arboricultural Office Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB Dorset AONB Dorset Biodiversity Partnership Dorset Coppice Group Dorset County Council Dorset Wildlife Trust Forestry Commission Forestry Enterprise Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Greenwood Tree Project Natural England Thanks to all the organisations, individuals and committees who have contributed towards the development of this work. Particular thanks to the Dorset Woodlink Steering Group who have helped guide the ongoing development of this work: Tom Munro Dorset AONB Andrew Pollard Dorset Wildlife Trust Bruce Rothnie Forest Enterprise Byron Harris North Dorset District Council David Blake Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB Emma Brawn Greenwood Tree Project Mandy Joyce Dorset Coppice Group Mark Durk Forestry Commission Melanie Heath Natural England Pete Moors Dorset Coppice Group Richard Preston Forestry Commission Sarah R Bentley Dorset AONB Sean Cooch Natural England Tim Bagwell - FWAG Front images: Dorset wooded landscape David Rees Woodland horse riders Forestry Commission Speckled Wood David Rees Bluebell beech woodland David Rees Oak and Douglas Fir timber framed building Tom Munro Designed by Origin Designs Ltd. All maps are based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Dorset County Council. LA

3 Contents Section 1 Key Themes 28 Executive Summary 5 Section 5 Introduction 7 The Future 34 Section 2 Vision Statement 9 Section 6 Recommendation and Priority Actions 37 Aims of Strategy 10 Section 7 References/Bibliography 42 Policies 11 Further Sources of Information 44 Section 3 Dorset s Trees, Woods and Forests 13 Appendix 1 Key Strategic Links - Policies and Strategies 46 Current Woodland & Tree Resource 20 Appendix 2 Description of Key Issues 50 Section 4 Appendix 3 Key Stakeholders 57 Key Strategic Links 27

4 Hazel Hurdle by Pete Moors, Shalimar Design

5 Executive Summary Section 1 5 The vital contribution of Dorset s trees, woods and forests for landscape, biodiversity, recreation, culture and heritage will only be sustained and improved through an integrated strategic approach. Their environmental, social and economic outputs will be maximised through planned and coordinated management providing opportunities to meet the needs of the future. Honeysuckle berries Forestry Commission Key issues for consideration are: The right tree in the right place highlight the necessity for targeting specific locations where there s an identified need, and choosing the right sites, management and species to deliver a range of social, economic and environmental benefits To provide a focus for the future of Dorset s Trees, Woods and Forests To protect existing trees, woods and forests whilst at the same time identifying the need for appropriate open space management through tree removal To encourage access, recreation and education opportunities To raise awareness of the need to manage invasive species (such as deer and rhododendron) in an appropriate manner To reduce isolation and fragmentation of wooded habitats To improve opportunities for climate change mitigation and adaptation Promote the place of timber and wood products in the present and future economy Ensure trees and woods are fully considered in future developments by promoting new planting where it fulfils environmental, social and economic gains Utilise the woodland resource to provide a sustainable, renewable energy resource Promote the multi-benefit role played by ancient and veteran trees, hedgerow trees and orchards Promote benefits of trees, woods and forests and their role in rural and urban environments Dorset s trees make up part of the landscape s fabric; are important habitats for wildlife; are intrinsically part of the historic environment as well as revealing past human activity; provide us with a sustainable source of building materials and fuel; and are sites of sporting and recreational interest. They can also be a cause of negative effects when poorly sited or poorly managed. The trees, woods and forests of Dorset are very much a product of human activity and as such provide an insight into the historic landscape of Dorset. They have a long tradition of wide rangingl benefits. In this document we look to the future to identify how they can contribute to challenges that lie ahead. Climate change is now a major concern, rural industries are in economic decline, many woodland species are showing population decline and demands on land for housing and recreation is increasing. In Dorset, trees, woods and forests have an important role to play in mitigating these effects. They can aid rural economic recovery through the provision of timber for construction and fuel to heat homes. They can act as carbon sinks and provide opportunities for leisure and recreation thus improving mental and physical health. They also have an important role to play in urban landscapes, reducing pollution and noise levels, providing shade to properties and increasing people s sense of wellbeing. This County strategy has been developed with reference to relevant regional, national and international strategies and policies. It is intended to inform and influence local decision-makers: local authority planning departments, woodland owners and managers, community/parish planning and developers. Mountain biking Forestry Commission The strategy has been compiled by the Dorset Woodlink Project, the first county-wide tree, woodland and forest initiative in Dorset. Since its inception in 2006 the project has successfully brought together a wide range of organisations, groups and individuals involved or interested in safeguarding and promoting the many opportunities trees, woods and forests provide. The production of the Trees, Woods and Forests strategy sets out the actions for the Woodlink Partnership over the next 10 years.

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7 Introduction Section 1 7 Trees, woods and forests, in the right place, can make a significant difference to the conservation of biodiversity and quality of people s lives. This can improve the places in which people live and work, provide economic benefits and give a sense of identity and ownership to communities, both urban and rural. Harvesting oak Forestry Commission Moors Valley country park David Rees Despite the loss and inappropriate management of some trees, forests and woods, Dorset still has a significant asset that needs to be managed. Today s trees, woods and forests can meet a range of social, economic and environmental objectives. They provide environments resilient to climate change, places for exercise and healthy living, and can aid the development of low carbon economies. Utilising Dorset s trees, woods and forests can provide a number of services, environmentally, socially and economically, making their future management more important than perhaps it was in the past. Long tailed tit David Rees This Strategy, Dorset s Trees, Woods and Forests, is the first of its kind for Dorset and the South West. It describes the historical associations of trees, woods and forests within the county and identifies key challenges and opportunities affecting their future. Accepting these challenges and taking forward the opportunities to make our trees, woods and forests productive, biodiverse, economic, healthy, sustainable and attractive in the years to come will require strong partnerships and leadership. It will mean private woodland owners, conservation agencies, businesses, community groups, local and central Government and the public working together, providing for and sharing the benefits that trees, woods and forests have to offer. The woodlands and trees of Dorset provide a distinctive and historical backdrop to the county. For centuries they have provided tangible benefits to the community and wildlife, and are a part of the cultural and historical identity of the county. They are an intrinsic part of the landscape and many of the county s woodlands and veteran trees were a vital part of the rural economy and of great social significance. To secure a sound, sustainable future for Dorset s woodlands, we need to continue growing, managing and planting trees for high quality timber and combine this with wider social, environmental and historic benefits. Veteran trees, ancient woodlands, forests, orchards and historic parklands characterise many areas of Dorset s landscape. For centuries they have played an important role in the cultural, social and economic activities of the people of Dorset. The interactions between people and trees have created many different and varied woodland habitats and landscapes, making them unique and special to the people who visit, live and work around them. The purpose of the strategy is to be the first point of focus for the future of Dorset s trees, woods and forests. It identifies how the county can improve the management of trees, woods and forests whilst working towards achieving social, environmental and economic objectives. The strategy will contribute to the delivery of Local and National Government agendas on environment, sustainable communities, renewable energy, land use planning and health. Traditionally, woodland and forestry management takes place over extended periods of time, in many instances over 60 years and this strategy is set within this context. However many of the subjects covered within this strategy alter over much shorter periods of time, so for action planning and implementation the timescale of this strategy is 10 years, with a mid-term review at five years.