eccelsall woods management plan.pdf - University of Sheffield

Additional interest is created by base rich flushes, drainage ditches and
streamsides along the Limb Brook and elsewhere which typically support a mix of
both the NVC type W7 and W8 woodland, characterised by Ash, Alder, (and Wych
Elm), Hazel, (and Guelder Rose), and a more diverse field layer. Sycamore is now
frequent within many of these areas.
In accordance with national woodland policies (Forestry Commission, 1998;
UKWAS, 2006) the introduction of further non-native species is not recommended,
as this will only serve to further dilute the historic meaning and wildlife value of this
ancient woodland. In the long-term, the proportions of introduced species should
be reduced, whilst bearing in mind that many of the introduced species are long
established and form part of the cultural history and aesthetic appeal of the
woodland. Long-term removal should not be the goal, but rather a gradual shift to a
greater semi-natural character where required and practical.
Recent silvicultural management
Following the 1962 storm and the resulting windthrown damage, a number of small
plantations were established within the openings created, including a wide variety
of species, for example, Sitka Spruce and Beech. Only a few signs of these
plantations survive and their impact on the woodland has been limited. Most of the
areas windthrow have now filled with dense Birch-dominated pole-stage natural
regeneration.
In 1982 an experimental glade was created in Wood 2 as part of a research project
by the University of Sheffield (Gilbert 1982). This has now infilled with dense Birch
and Oak regeneration.
During the previous management plan, active silvicultural management was reintroduced
to the woodland after an absence of 100 years. Beech dominated
stands within Wood 3 (Compartment 116g) was thinned, helping to diversify the
structure, kick-start the regeneration process and encouraged the recovery of the
severely impoverished ground layer, with knock-on benefits for wildlife. The other
areas of beech woodland (Compartments 114b and 115b) have been affected by
safety related tree works, helping to open the canopy and encourage extensive
regeneration of predominantly native trees, and some recovery of the ground layer,
especially in compartment 114b. Parts of the Sessile Oak-birch stands in Wood 2
(Compartment 114a) were also thinned to favour the development of the better
trees, and reduce the proportion of Sycamore, whilst the recent plantations at Limb
Lane (Compartment 116a) and Whirlow playing fields (Compartment 116b) were
thinned for the first time.
In 1994, an experimental coppice with standards area was developed in Wood 1
(Compartment 115d), but follow-up management was intermittent. During the
previous management plan the area was brought back into active management
through the planting of additional shrubs/coppice and the periodic manual control of
bracken and bramble. Continued control of competing vegetation will be needed
over this plan period to allow the developing coppice to become properly
established, and gradually shade out the bramble, etc. In the next 10 years, a
reduction in the number of standards would be useful, to allow more light to reach
the coppice and field layers.
Tree work related to health and safety is an on-going part of the site’s maintenance
programme, and in the last two decades has helped to develop an impressive
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