Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2890_mitigation
9
August 2011
Galloper Wind Farm Substation
detailed assessment places the site in The Sandlings landscape character area which,
within the vicinity of the site, corresponds with the area covered by the Estate
Sandlands landscape character type given in the Suffolk Landscape Character
Assessment.
It states that ‘The Sandlings on the estate are mainly under intensive arable cropping
and forestry plantations, with only comparatively small areas of heathland remaining.
..….’
Soils of the Sandlings are typically loamy sands which are free draining and have very
little capacity to hold moisture. Agricultural productivity is limited due to extent of
droughtiness of soils which impedes plant growth.
Heathland
The ILMP states that ‘Historically the Sandlings were almost entirely covered by
lowland heath, a semi-natural habitat created by clearance of the primary forests and
the subsequent low intensity agriculture practised by early settlers of the area.
However, improvements in agricultural technologies have over recent time made the
Sandlings much more viable for intensive commercial agriculture and forestry, and
these landuses have become increasingly dominant influences on the landscape.
The Sandlings on the estate are mainly under intensive arable cropping and forestry
plantations, with only comparatively small areas of heathland remaining. ……’
(Paragraphs 5.19 and 5.20)
Woodland
The ILMP refers to a number of small areas of lowland mixed deciduous woodlands in
the Sandlings including Sizewell Wents. It states that all woodlands on the Estate are
under a management plan and that landscape is an overriding management objective,
with improvement of wildlife being a further benefit. It states that ‘The management
of the …… woodlands will seek to increase the proportion of broadleaved species where
appropriate and improve the structure of the woodlands by ride clearing and
widening. Woody shrubs will be planted along ride sides and on the edges to maximise
the habitat potential of the woodland edge, and to benefit woodland edge species such
as woodlark.’ (Paragraph 6.61)
It gives the following management guidance for Sizewell Wents and some other
woods on the Estate:
General Management Specific Management Actions
Woodland plantations are managed in
accordance with normal silvicultural
practice. Thinning, felling and replanting
Ride areas to be managed and kept open
by cutting of vegetation.