Woodland Strategy 11.34 Mb - the Dorset AONB

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Section 7 Appendix 2 - Description of Key Issues 56 With 52% of Dorset’s woodlands under 100 hectares (and 20% of those under 10 hectares), the economies of scale are difficult to achieve. Even where markets exist, it is difficult to convince local wood using businesses to use locally grown timber (even though more sustainable than timber shipped in from abroad) and the effort involved, combined with the costs of harvesting and transport means that it becomes uneconomical. • encouraging sustainable management of woods and forests, particularly ancient and semi natural woods; • creating jobs and improving economic importance in rural areas • providing alternative uses for agricultural land The combination of increasing interest in promoting and using local timber products, sustainable woodland management raised awareness of certified timber production means that there is potential to increase viable timber production. However, there are still the economies of scale to consider. In line with the decline in timber prices, there has been a loss of skilled, experienced workforce. Many private estates no longer have forestry ‘gangs’ and nearly all harvesting work is carried out by contractors. What is needed is a coordinated, co-operative approach to the production, promotion, marketing and selling of timber. Dorset, with its embryonic woodfuel market and a significant growth target for new housing is well placed to reap the rewards of such an approach. Timber of high quality, both conifer and broadleaf, is always likely to be in demand. For centuries it has been used for construction, furniture and joinery. Quality timber can only be produced by continued management of trees, woods and forests. In recent years, with the increased costs of woodland management and a reduction in the number of professional foresters in Dorset the production of quality timber has declined. Competition from abroad, where good quality timber can be sourced; harvested and shipped to the UK cheaper than it can be produced here has also had a major impact on managing for quality timber. However, there are examples, usually within the larger estates, where continued woodland management is producing economic, good quality timber and with it some associated wildlife benefits. The woodlands and forests of Dorset have the potential to produce high quality timber, although there is no short-term solution. With increasing emphasis on sustainability and ‘carbon-miles’ there is the potential to deliver quality timber, sustainably at a local level. This would need a co-operative approach and pro-active marketing and promotion of locally grown timber. England Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) EWGS consists of 6 grants for the creation and stewardship of woodlands. The primary objectives of the EWGS are to sustain and increase public derived from existing woodlands in England and to invest in the creation of new woodlands in England of a size, type, and location that most effectively deliver public benefits. It is envisaged that this will be achieved by:
Appendix 3 - Key Stakeholders Section 7 57 All parish councils. Bournemouth Borough Council Butterfly Conservation CCWWD AONB Christchurch Borough Council ConFor Country Land & Business Association Country Landowners Association Crichel Estates Ltd. DERC Dorset AONB Dorset AONB Partnership Dorset Coppice Group Dorset County Council Dorset Wildlife Trust Dorset Woodland & Forestry Forum East Dorset District Council Environment Agency Euroforest Forde Abbey Estate Forest Enterprise Forestry Commission FWAG Herpetological Conservation Trust Knighton Countryside Management Melbury Estates MOD Morden Estates National Farmers union National Trust Natural England NFU North Dorset District Council Poole Borough Council Purbeck District Council Rempstone Estate Office Royal Forestry Society RSPB The National Trust The Old Parsonage The Silvanus Trust Wessex Silvicultural Group Wessex Water West Dorset District Council Weymouth and Portland District Woodland Trust
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 32 and 33: Section 4 32 There is now an overwh
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
show all

Woodland Strategy 11.34 Mb - the Dorset AONB

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?