Woodland Strategy 11.34 Mb - the Dorset AONB

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Section 4 32 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
Timber forwarder © Forestry Commission Mobile sawbench © Forestry Commission Wood products © Dorset Coppice Group Gluelam and laminated timber frame © Forestry Commission
Page 1 and 2: The Dorset Trees, Woods and Forest
Page 3 and 4: Contents Section 1 Key Themes 28 Ex
Page 5: Executive Summary Section 1 5 The v
Page 8 and 9: Maple Leaves © David Rees
Page 10 and 11: Section 2 Aims of Strategy 10 Outdo
Page 12 and 13: Cardinal Beetle © Forestry Commiss
Page 15 and 16: Section 3 History The character of
Page 19 and 20: Section 3 Woodland Ownership 19 (Al
Page 21 and 22: Section 3 Oak 13.3% Woodland Area b
Page 24: Section 3 24 Accessible woodlands O
Page 29 and 30: Key Strategic Links Section 4 29 So
Page 34 and 35: Section 5 The Future 34 This strate
Page 36 and 37: Woodland Anemome © Forestry Commis
Page 38 and 39: Section 6 38 Environmental cont’d
Page 40 and 41: Section 6 40 Economic Issue Recomme
Page 42 and 43: Section 7 References/ Bibliography
Page 44 and 45: Section 7 Further Sources of Inform
Page 46 and 47: Section 7 Appendix 1- Key Strategic
Page 48 and 49: Section 7 48 • Identify gaps and
Page 50 and 51: Section 7 Appendix 2 - Description
Page 58 and 59: Leaves © David Rees
Page 60: Oak Trunk © David Rees

Woodland Strategy 11.34 Mb - the Dorset AONB

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