| Woodland - Cotswold Water Park |
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| Extent/Distribution In total there are estimated to be 134 ha of woodland in the Cotswold Water Park (this figure includes woodlands of more than 1 hectare in size). This is likely to be a conservative figure as there are many linear riparian and small interlinked secondary woodlands found within lake compartments which have not been assessed. Ancient woodland is poorly represented (12.3 ha ) and most of the remainder are secondary or plantation woodlands of relatively recent origin. Secondary woodlands often consist of a combination of ash and pedunculate oak on drier areas and some examples support an interesting ground flora. Other important habitats are likely to be the riparian woodlands along the Coln and Swill Brook which comprise riparian ash and willow/alder carr woodland. Little information currently exists about these woods however. Some landscape planting exists around developments In spite of these woodlands, overall, much of the landscape is very open especially to the East of the A419.
OBJECTIVE 1: To maintain the woodlands designated as Key Wildlife Site (Gloucestershire)
or Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (Wiltshire) in the Cotswold
Water Park, and the woods Vine’s Break, and Duke’s Break*,
and to enhance the management of these with the aim of increasing their
species diversity where possible. Rationale: The Cotswold Water Park has few woodlands, and woodlands are important habitats for many species of conservation concern. The maintenance and management of the most important existing sites should be a priority, as new woodlands are not replacements for existing woodlands. OBJECTIVE 2: Rationale: The Cotswold Water Park and surrounding area has very little wooded cover and yet woodlands are the most biodiverse habitat in the UK. It is therefore important that woodlands should be created for the biodiversity of the area, especially, as in association with wetlands, they support many local species of conservation concern like bats and hobbies. New woodlands must not be planted on other habitats of nature conservation interest however, - for example on unimproved grasslands. OBJECTIVE 3: Rationale: Wet woodlands of recent origin can be almost as valuable as ancient drier woodlands for nature conservation. A further advantage of wet woodlands is that they can quickly grow by natural colonisation. It is recognised that this option may not be practical for all landowners as wet woodlands have low potential for timber production. (This objective should be reviewed in the light of the UK costed habitat action plan on wet woodlands, which should be written by 1998). OBJECTIVE 4 Rationale: Woodlands close to water habitats are important for
invertebrates and bats. However, studies have also highlighted the negative
impact of dense shading by trees and scrubs upon the plant communities
of lake fringes. Therefore the selective management of trees bordering
the lakes should be a priority as well as measures to increase the width
of the marginal zones. see above no information currently available Policy and legislation Planning Framework Management
Habitat Creation
LEAD: FA To provide management advice on newly created woodlands. LEAD: FA To continue to provide advice to help lake owners to manage the
trees and woods surrounding their lakes.
Research and monitoring
Research and Monitor Education and awareness raising
none no information currently available |
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