Cardinal Beetle © Forestry Commission
<strong>Dorset</strong>’s Trees, Woods and Forests Section 3 13 Why Trees, Woods and Forests are important Trees, woods and forests and <strong>the</strong>ir associated benefits (biodiversity, woodfuel, timber for construction, social wellbeing, etc) have <strong>the</strong> ability to contribute to <strong>the</strong> improvement of 21 of <strong>the</strong> Quality of Life indicators for <strong>the</strong> South West and 39 of <strong>the</strong> 68 UK national indicators including protecting natural resources and creating sustainable communities (Willis 2004). In addition, <strong>the</strong> area of woodland in <strong>the</strong> UK, <strong>the</strong> protection and expansion of ancient and semi-natural woodland and <strong>the</strong> sustainable management of woodland are national indicators in <strong>the</strong>ir own right. <strong>Woodland</strong>s, particularly ancient woodlands are significant archaeological remains and should be conserved as such. <strong>Woodland</strong> can be a major contributor not only to UK sustainable development policy but also to policies on health, Yellow Archangel © David Rees education, social inclusion, rural development and biodiversity. The <strong>Woodland</strong> Trust and National Forest objectives highlight <strong>the</strong> demand for new woodlands to deliver environmental and socio-economic benefits. Examples of how trees, woods and forests can contribute include: • Biodiversity – woodlands, forests and trees provide habitats for a great variety of animal and plant species, many of which would not survive without <strong>the</strong>m. In particular, ancient woodlands are enormously important as <strong>the</strong> plants and animal species have evolved and developed with continuous woodland cover or traditional woodland practices such as coppicing. • Landscape – trees and woodlands form an important component of <strong>the</strong> landscape. Wooded landscapes, such as <strong>the</strong> Marshwood Vale, ei<strong>the</strong>r directly or indirectly contribute to our quality of life. They help give landscapes a sense of place, identity, quality and security which in turn promotes enjoyment, access and economic return. • Climate Change Mitigation – forests and woodlands play a vital role in <strong>the</strong> absorption of carbon emissions. The amount of carbon sequestered is dependent on <strong>the</strong>ir management and wood can be used as a carbon-lean energy source. Tree species, thinning, productivity and yield class are all factors that need to be considered in <strong>the</strong> future. Woodfuel is a growing market in <strong>Dorset</strong>. • Economics – forests and woodlands contribute to <strong>the</strong> strength of local, regional and national economies in many different ways. Directly this is achieved through timber production and processing, employment opportunities, local products, rural development, and land regeneration; indirectly through landscape benefits which attract tourist revenue and local visitors. Declining income from broadleaved woodlands over <strong>the</strong> last 20 years has resulted in a massive reduction in resources available for work in woodlands of all kinds. However, forestry is one of a few industries based on renewable resources, and has a vital future role in a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. • Access & Recreation – woodlands and forests are some of <strong>the</strong> most popular visitor destinations in <strong>the</strong> UK. Activities such as walking, cycling and riding can provide health benefits as well as enjoying a sense of tranquillity and well being to local populations. Woods and forests are increasingly being managed for a wide range of activities such as shooting, mountain biking, walking and wildlife watching, creating revenue for landowners and associated businesses. • Education – <strong>the</strong> woodland environment provides an ideal opportunity to learn about <strong>the</strong> relationship between humans and <strong>the</strong> natural environment, and can offer all manner of cross-curricular learning opportunities. This helps develop an awareness of <strong>the</strong> rural environment and links between rural and urban environs. The development of forest schools has been a successful way of increasing education opportunities and contributing to education enabling us to appreciate our heritage and culture and live a healthier life. <strong>Dorset</strong> currently has no accredited Forest School • Communities and Places – trees, woods and forests can provide a wide range of benefits to all sections of <strong>the</strong> community. They reduce noise and air pollution and provide sustainable urban drainage and shade. They create a green infrastructure, provide a sense of ‘well-being’, inspire people, improve neighbourhoods and bring people of different cultures, generations, backgrounds and religions toge<strong>the</strong>r for a common goal or purpose. • Water Quality – In many instances woods and forests can improve water quality and reduce <strong>the</strong> potential for flooding. Trees can stabilise slopes and riverside banks and strategically located woodlands can protect water from diffuse pollution from agriculture and nutrient run-off. <strong>Woodland</strong> on floodplains also has <strong>the</strong> potential to physically ‘retain’ water in times of heavy rainfall, reducing peak flows. • Cultural and Historical Heritage – <strong>the</strong> trees, woods and forest we see today are <strong>the</strong> product of historic land management systems. Evidence suggests that humans were managing woodlands in <strong>the</strong> Mesolithic period. This continued management incorporated open space creation, coppicing, pollarding and cultivating fruit in orchards. It has given a unique identity to <strong>the</strong> cultural and historic landscape of <strong>Dorset</strong>.