Woodland Strategy 11.34 Mb - the Dorset AONB

Dorset’s Trees,
Woods and Forests
Section 3
13
Why Trees, Woods and Forests are important
Trees, woods and forests and their associated benefits
(biodiversity, woodfuel, timber for construction, social
wellbeing, etc) have the ability to contribute to the
improvement of 21 of the Quality of Life indicators for
the South West and 39 of the 68 UK national indicators
including protecting natural resources and creating
sustainable communities (Willis 2004). In addition, the
area of woodland in the UK, the protection and
expansion of ancient and semi-natural woodland and
the sustainable management of woodland are national
indicators in their own right. Woodlands, particularly
ancient woodlands are significant archaeological
remains and should be conserved as such. Woodland
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 Woodland Trust and National Forest objectives highlight the 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 them. In particular, ancient
woodlands are enormously important as the 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 the landscape.
Wooded landscapes, such as the Marshwood Vale, either 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 the absorption of
carbon emissions. The amount of carbon sequestered is dependent on their 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 the future. Woodfuel is a
growing market in Dorset.
• Economics – forests and woodlands contribute to the 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 the 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 the most popular visitor
destinations in the 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 – the woodland environment provides an ideal opportunity to learn about the
relationship between humans and the natural environment, and can offer all manner of
cross-curricular learning opportunities. This helps develop an awareness of the 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.
Dorset currently has no accredited Forest School
• Communities and Places – trees, woods and forests can provide a wide range of benefits
to all sections of the 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 together for a common goal or purpose.
• Water Quality – In many instances woods and forests can improve water quality and
reduce the 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. Woodland on floodplains also has the potential to
physically ‘retain’ water in times of heavy rainfall, reducing peak flows.
• Cultural and Historical Heritage – the trees, woods and forest we see today are the
product of historic land management systems. Evidence suggests that humans were
managing woodlands in the Mesolithic period. This continued management incorporated
open space creation, coppicing, pollarding and cultivating fruit in orchards. It has given a
unique identity to the cultural and historic landscape of Dorset.