| Oak Woodland - LBAP Devon |
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Devon LBAP |
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| Extent/Distribution Devon has approximately 14,937 ha of ancient woodland (Isaac and Reid 1997) of which the largest element is oak woodland. no information currently available OBJECTIVE 1 OBJECTIVE 2 To ensure the existing stock of oak woodland is managed so that it retains its capacity to perpetuate itself and its oak-dominated natural character Targets All oak woods already under management to come under regimes which promote sustainable natural regeneration by 2000; The proportion of smaller (< 5 ha) WGS-funded woods subject to management which promotes oak regeneration to increase by 25% by 2005. OBJECTIVE 3 To ensure that the existing stock of oak woodland is managed to enhance its wildlife value. Targets All woodland under management to be subject to regimes promoting characteristic oak woodland fauna and flora by 2000; Proportion of smaller (< 5 ha) WGS-funded woodlands subject to management which enhances wildlife value to increase by 25% by 2005. OBJECTIVE 4 To expand the area in Devon of well-managed oak woodland with a diverse and characteristic community of animals and plants, without consequent loss to other semi-natural habitats Target 5000 ha of new, predominantly oak, woodland by 2005, largely through the enlargement and linking of existing semi-natural woodlands. OBJECTIVE 5 To foster greater public understanding, involvement and enjoyment of oak woodland, its wildlife and its management. Targets At least one accessible oak woodland nature reserve or Community Woodland within 20 km of every main settlement (> 10,000 people) in Devon by 2005 (where appropriate on landscape conservation grounds). Double the number of oak woodlands with public access and/or involvement, targeted to those areas currently lacking such sites, by 2005. [ see above] Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS), run by Forestry Authority, provides incentives
for people to create and manage woodlands and forests to increase production
of wood, improve the landscape, provide new habitats for wildlife and
to offer opportunities for recreation and sport. WGS is broken down
into grants for establishing new woodlands (Planting Grant and Natural
Regeneration Grant) and grants for existing woodlands (Restocking Grant,
Natural Regeneration Grant, Annual Management Grant, Woodland Improvement
Grant and the Livestock Exclusion Premium). Biodiversity objectives
are being incorporated into the WGS. Policy and legislation Ensure planning policies protect oak woodland sites from inappropriate
development requiring planning permission, by linking to Ancient Woodland
Inventory, CWS data and other sources of information. Ensure the requirements for felling licences are maintained and
enforced. LEAD: FA Maximise use of Section 106 Agreements to create new oak woodland through planning gain. LEAD: LPAs [TARGET 2010] Favour appropriate, sensitively sited new woodland planting and natural regeneration, with priority to linking, buffering and building upon existing oak woodland sites. LEAD:FA PARTNERS: LPAs, EN, DWT [TARGET 2010] Encourage establishment of further Community Woodlands. LEAD: LAs PARTNERS: WT, DWT, EN, FA, NPAs [TARGET 2010] Management
Continue or investigate management programmes to control invasive
species which inhibit native oak regeneration or which are detrimental
to oak woodland wildlife. Continue or instigate management to diversify woodland canopies
and age structures, with particular emphasis on establishing suitable
grazing regimes. Use planting mixes, predominantly of local provenance oak, where
woods are too small or otherwise unable to regenerate naturally. Where control of pests is required, encourage use of ecologically benign methods. LEAD: FA PARTNERS: MAFF,FE, EN, NT, NPAs, LAs, DWT, TGA [TARGET 2010] Identify and seek to acquire or establish new accessible woodland nature reserves in areas currently without them (such as in South Hams and Mid Devon). LEAD: LAs, WT, DWT PARTNERS: FE,SW Forest Project, NPAs Research
and monitoring
Identify all oak woodland sites through survey and evaluate to identify County Wildlife Sites. LEAD: DWT, NPAs PARTNERS: WT/LAs,NPAs, EN [TARGET 1999] Maintain and update Ancient Woodland Inventory and seek to expand to cover woods below 2 ha. LEAD: EN PARTNERS: FA, WT,DWT [TARGET 2010] Conduct and coordinate research into appropriate management methods which promote natural regeneration and which maintain and enhance characteristic oak woodland wildlife. LEAD: FA, EN PARTNERS: NPAs [TARGET 2010] Produce and update a register of research in progress for better coordination and communication between conservation, forestry and academic circles. LEAD: EN PARTNERS: NPAs, FA [TARGET 2010] Education and awareness
raising
Encourage effective local co-operatives and rural industries making
and utilising oak woodland produce, e.g. charcoal, firewood, furniture,
and timber. Produce a "Guide to woodlands on your doorstep" for Devon. By 1999. LEAD:WT,DWT PARTNERS: NT, LAs Encourage local Tourist Information Centres to stock woodland interpretative and promotional leaflets and guides. LEAD: DWT NPAs, NT,WT [TARGET 2010] Improve interpretative provision on existing oak woodland nature reserves and public woods. LEAD:WT, EN,NT, DWT, NPAs [ TARGET 2010] Ensure woodland management operations in public areas are provided with signage explaining reasons for work. LEAD:WT, DWT, EN,NT,FA, LAs PARTNERS:NPAs [ TARGET 2010] no information currently available |
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