| Ash-maple Woodland - SW |
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{image} SW
Resource Breakdown:2
1Action for biodiversity 2SW Biodiversity Audit (1996) |
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Definition1 Semi-natural ash woodland on calcareous substrates with associated
maple, small-leaved lime, elm and oak, and may be ancient or secondary
in origin.
Current Extent1 It is estimated that the South West holds 10% of the total ancient ash-maple woodland resource in the UK. The area of secondary woodland is currently unknown.Examples of important sites in the South West1
Habitat Loss1 {no information currently available]Associated Species1 Mammals
Birds
Invertebrates
Plants
Mosses
Liverworts Lichens
Current
factors affecting the habitat in the SW
UK biodiversity objectives and proposed targets Ash and maple woods are addressed within the wider UK - Broadleaved
and Yew Woodland Habitat Statement Conservation Direction: Maintain the extent and habitat quality, especially
of ancient and semi_natural broadleaved woodland, and expand broadleaved
woods, particularly with new native woodland which is linked to ancient
and semi-natural woods. South-west biodiversity objectives and proposed targets OBJECTIVE 1 Minimise any further loss of ancient ash-maple woodland OBJECTIVE 2 Ensure that all semi-natural ash-maple woods are appropriately managed for wildlife, to maintain local distinctiveness, to meet local needs TARGET: ongoing OBJECTIVE 3 Increase the area of ash-maple woodland by 10% through removal
of conifer on ancient sites OBJECTIVE 4 Increase the area of ash-maple woodland by 10% through new planting expanding existing woods, targeting links between existing semi-natural habitats. TARGET: by 2010 OBJECTIVE 5 Promote a campaign for the use of locally sourced wood, including coppice products, especially by promoting the value of ash, e.g. for furniture making TARGET: by 2000
Most of the Ash-maple woodlands in the region are designated SSSIs
and/or have NNR status; two proposed SACs exist; Wye Valley Woods, and
the Avon Gorge Woods The Brayden Forest Project, (managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust) is working closely with Forest enterprise on restoration of conifer plantations on ancient wood sites e.g. Webbs Wood; other examples of restoration include Harridge Wood (Somerset). Coppicing and coppice products are promoted through the Wessex Coppice Group, who provide training and advice; the Wildlife Trusts through their practical management on reserves and the marketing of products; and the Royal Forestry Society through their demonstrations and networking. The Woodland Trust plays a significant role in the region creating new woods on land donated to the Trust. A community Forest for Bristol is an up and running major initiative. Butterfly Conservation 'New Life to Old woods' campaign aims at promoting the importance and value of veteran trees for dead wood, lichen habitat and cultural value. Policy and legislation
Ensure appropriate woods are recognised and protected through
SSSI/NNR, LNR series using Natural Areas (by 2000)
LEAD: LAs Management
Establish deer management groups in all counties (by 2000) Promote sustainable game management and establish sites for best practice (by 2003) LEAD: FA Ensure that Forest Design Plans recognise distinctiveness and
management requirements including nonintervention (ongoing) All management plans for Ancient Woods to contain retention of
veteran trees as a prerequisite to felling licenses and WGS funding
(by 1998)
Ensure the restoration of conifer plantations on ancient wood
sites (10%) is addressed in appropriate schemes and plans (Forest design
Plans, WGS, Challenge Funding) and establish sites of best practice
(by 2010)
Increase the current area of hazel and ash coppice (up 30%) by
initiating coppice regimes in stands with a recent history of coppicing
and ensure their long term financial viability (by 2010) LEAD: FA Advisory LEAD: FA Research and monitoring
Expand Ancient Woodland Inventory to include woods < 2 ha (by
2003) Research the effects of high forest silvicultural systems on native
plant and animal communities in order to investigate to what extent
these systems can mimic the habitat requirements of the target species
(by 2010) Education and awareness raising
Promote a campaign for the use of locally sourced wood, including coppice products (by 2000) LEAD: FA, LAs Promote cultural and archaeological value of ancient woods and
produce a report for each Natural Area (by 2003) Raise awareness in private woodland owners of the importance
and special value of ash-maple woodlands (ongoing)
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