| Species Rich Hedgerows - N Devon |
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| Extent/Distribution There are no figures currently available on the mileage of species rich hedgerows in North Devon; however, the many miles of hedgerow in North Devon represent a highly significant and under-rated wildlife habitat. Some of the larger, wider hedges in the district probably represent the edges of former ancient woodlands, the centres of which were cleared to created open fields. Hedges in North Devon vary from dense, well trimmed lines of shrubs such as hawthorn and blackthorn, to overgrown hedgebanks containing mature ash and oak. Devon probably has more species rich hedges remaining than any other county in the UK, reflecting its large size, its pastoral landscape and the favourable management and agricultural systems adopted by local farmers. Perhaps 75% of hedges in the county are species rich, suggesting that there may be at least 40,000 km (26,000 miles) of species rich hedge in Devon. Since it has been estimated that there are 190,000 km of species rich hedge in the UK, Devon may have much as 20% of the national resource! Changes in agricultural practice, combined with expansion of towns and villages and development of the road network, have resulted in significant removal of hedges and a deterioration in management. Little data is readily available to quantify changes in this resource. It is however, know to be declining both in quantity and quality, both through outright hedge removal and through neglect or mismanagement. A 1977 study of hedges within Exmoor National Park estimated that 320 km (200 miles) were lost through removal in the preceding 20 years, leaving 5,600 km (3,500 miles). This action plan seeks to influence management of hedges by farmers, developers and others, to reverse the decline of biodiversity. The plan recognises that persuasion and encouragement are usually more effective tools than legislation, and that farmers must be fully involved in any decisions that are made. It acknowledges that further changes to field patterns are inevitable and, in some circumstances, desirable. OBJECTIVE 1: OBJECTIVE 2: Improve the quality of existing species rich hedgerows (including
hedgebanks) by increasing their favourable management for conservation
and enhancement. Encouraging new planting according to local tradition. OBJECTIVE 3: Extend and improve knowledge of the hedgerows within North
Devon by recording their physical location, biological, historic, cultural
and agricultural value. OBJECTIVE 4: Foster greater public understanding, involvement
and enjoyment of species rich hedgerows, through sharing knowledge about
their wildlife, cultural value, local diversity and management. OBJECTIVE 5: OBJECTIVE 6: see above Much positive action is already being taken by a wide
range of bodies to maintain or enhance the district hedges, for example:
Policy and legislation Ensure that planning policies and development plans protect hedgerows
from inappropriate development, removal, maintenance or treatment and
seek to minimise adverse effects on hedges from planning proposals. Ensure the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 legislation is maintained and enforced LEAD : NDDC Planning Authority PARTNERS: NDDC Parks & Amenities Maximise use of section 106 Agreements and public open space adoption to create new locally distinctive hedgerows through planning gain and bring existing hedgerows under sympathetic management and design LEAD : NDDC Planning Authority Encourage appropriate, sensitively sited and designed new woodland planting and wildlife areas, with priority to linking, buffering and building upon existing species rich hedgerow sites within North Devon. LEAD: FC PARTNERS: DCC, NDDC, EN, DWT, DHG Secure national funding for North Devon's hedges and data collection. LEAD: NDDC, DCC Promote and support the involvement of local communities in the study and conservation of their local hedgerows within North Devon Explore and obtain funding to promote hedgerow management practice within North Devon Support the Devon hedge group, as a county forum for promoting Devon's hedge conservation, local distinctiveness and central data storage LEAD: NDDC, DCC, DHG PARTNERS: MAFF, EN, DHG Management
Monitor change in hedge quantity, quality and management. Adapt
priority areas to take this into account. Achieve the favourable management of 10% of species rich hedgerows in North Devon by the year 2006 and 20% by 2010. For this to be achieved funding opportunities will need to be identified and encouraged LEAD: MAFF, DHG, PCs PARTNERS: NP, DWT, DHG, EN Gather information on local crafts people able to carry out good traditional hedge management LEAD : DRST, DHG, PCs PARTNERS: DCC, NDDC, PCs Encourage and support their training and use to secure a skill base relevant to North Devon's hedges. LEAD: DRST, DWT, SWDP PARTNERS: MAFF, NDDC, DCC, EN Research
and monitoring
Record 50% of the hedgerows within North Devon using photographic
data collection techniques by 2004. 100% by 2007. Identify most valuable
and vulnerable for priority action. Monitor changes to this baseline data every 5 years LEAD: NDDC, DHG Maintain registers of hedgerow retention and removal notices LEAD: NDDC Planning Identify all the different hedge types within North Devon and
classify them using landscape characteristics Assess level of demand from land managers for financial incentives
for hedge restoration and management within North Devon Assess the level of importance that residents of North Devon put
on hedgerows within the landscape. Advisory Offer advice and promote the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 and their applications.
With the emphasis on hedgerow benefits and long term management techniques.
(Grant aid will be essential for this to work positively).
LEAD: DRST, DWT, SWFP Education and awareness raising
Promote the information provided by the Devon Hedge group on management
techniques recording, grants and the importance of hedgerows in the
ecological landscape. Produce a directory of local contractors and crafts people able
to carry out good traditional hedge management and rural skills in order
to maintain rural skills and employment. Encourage effective local co-operatives and rural industries making and utilising hedge and woodland produce. LEAD: Timber Growers Association [no information currently available] |
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