Woodland project helping owners

Woodland project helping owners turn over a new leaf

Valuable woodlands have been revitalised thanks to a ground-breaking Woodlands Project by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, supported by the Woodland Trust, Defra and the Forestry Commission. 

Nearly 90 owners with 500 hectares of woodland have been advised over the past three years on improving and managing their woods or creating new woodland.  The project is due to finish later in 2013.

Woodlands are vital for wildlife and landscape in the Shropshire Hills AONB, but many are left to themselves and lack the variety of structure and conditions which many species prefer.  In particular many ancient woods, which have been continuously wooded for at least 400 years, are in need of restoration and are rated as being ‘at risk’.   They are also untapped assets for the rural economy.

Key findings show that:

• The Forestry Commission has allocated £25,000 of grants to 14 schemes which have been advised by the Woodlands Project in the Shropshire Hills AONB.
• 70% of the woodland area assessed by the project officer is ancient woodland, most in need of restoration to native broadleaves by removing conifers planted in the 20^th century.
• Seven management plans have be drawn up using Forestry Commission grants to help owners make more of their woods and access further grant aid.
• Fifteen other woodland management plans have been prepared for owners. 

Simon West, from the Forestry Commission, said:

“We estimate that about 50% of woodlands in the private sector are under-managed, which means it’s an asset not realising its potential.  This project is making a real difference on the ground, providing vital advice to owners and helping them secure crucial funding from our grant schemes.”

Woodland cover in the Shropshire Hills AONB is 16.8%, well above the UK national average of 9%. 

Brian Barker, AONB Woodlands Officer, added:

“Ancient woods have an irreplaceable value, even where new trees may have been planted, but many owners don’t know where to turn for advice to manage them.  That’s where we have been able to help.  A key aim is usually to encourage a gradual move to restore more natural woodland, capable of supplying wood fuel or other wood products.  Putting these woods back to work is often the best way to reinvigorate them.”

The main purpose of AONB designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty, while also taking account of economic and social needs, promoting sustainable development and meeting the demand for recreation.  The Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership co-ordinates this work, and is hosted by Shropshire Council and funded in addition by Defra, Telford & Wrekin Council and project funders.