Woodland Strategy 11.34 Mb - the Dorset AONB

Section 4
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There is now an overwhelming body of scientific evidence that indicates that climate change
is a serious and urgent issue. And whilst there are some remaining uncertainties about the
eventual impacts, the evidence is now sufficient to give clear and strong guidance to
policy-makers about the pressing need for action.
Climate change is potentially a serious threat to society at every level. With changes in
precipitation patterns, warmer temperatures and more carbon being emitted than
sequestered, trees, woods and forests have an important role to play in reducing this impact.
A landscape scale approach to new planting provides the opportunity to adapt for the future,
planting tree species that will combat the changes in the environment, sequester or off-set
carbon, provide a sustainable fuel source for the future and reduce habitat fragmentation.
There is significant effort underway throughout the South West region to conserve our
biodiversity but major challenges lie ahead if we are to stop further losses, re-establish lost
wildlife and enable it to adapt to the pressures of climate change. The South West Nature
Map shows the best areas to maintain and expand (through restoration and/or re-creation)
terrestrial wildlife habitats at a landscape scale.
With the correct planning and investment trees, woods and forests can deliver a multitude
of benefits. The management of Dorset’s trees, woods and forests will have to improve in
order to combat the threat of climate change and provide increased recreational and access
opportunities. There must be robust mechanisms in place for producing quality wood
products with minimal environmental impact whilst at the same time providing opportunities
for recreation and development of a green infrastructure.
Many existing trees, woods and forests are under pressure from developments, particularly
in urban and peri-urban areas. In particular, individual trees in urban areas are likely to face
increasing pressure from developments and in 2008 Dorset County Council produced a Tree
Policy to take forward a co-ordinated approach to the issues facing urban and highway trees.
Ecotowns, growth points and low cost housing will also have an impact of trees, woods and
forests and these present an opportunity to bring together and develop a green
infrastructure around urban areas providing a better living environment.
Overstood hazel coppice © David Rees
Many old orchards have been lost simply because
they have not been valued by the authorities that
control development. Local councils have to find
land for housing quotas assigned to them by
central Government. Economically dormant
orchards within and on the edges of villages and
towns may present lucrative opportunities for
development for landowners who have found
it difficult to continue to make a living in
horticulture. Small orchards which may be
beautiful features in the centre of villages
commonly succumb to infill policies. Today these
remaining trees are the last of these regional
varieties and face extinction if they are not
nurtured properly. The value of old orchards was
highlighted in August 2007 by their designation
by DEFRA as priority habitats in UK Biodiversity
Action Plans. They were added to the list because
of their scarcity, the orchard area in England
having declined by 57% since 1950, and because
of their importance for many kinds of wildlife.
Increasingly central government is passing decision making and financing down to the local
level. This means that Dorset will have more responsibility for its own affairs and so this
strategy is the first step in highlighting what trees, woods and forests can offer in Dorset.
The wider Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) as well as its Environmental
Stewardship and England Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) themes will play a vital role in
delivering this strategy.
Merveille Du Jour © Les Hill,
Butterfly Conservation
With a large percentage of woods and forests in private ownership, contacting and engaging
with their owners is fundamental in implementing this strategy. Dorset Woodlink is ideally
placed to promote the benefits of trees, woods and forests to the ‘wider audience’ and to
take forward the implementation of this strategy.
Further information can be found in Appendix 2