EL353 Woodland & Landscape Management

EL 353 Woodland and Landscape Management Module Tutor Brodie McAllister Submitted by Darren Nankervis

1.Contents 1.

2.

3.

4.

Contents Introduction Statement Survey 4.1

4.2

4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6

General Factors 4.1.1.1 Grid Ref 4.1.1.2 Location 4.1.1.3 Tenure 4.1.1.4 Land use, past and current 4.1.1.5 Neighbouring land use 4.1.1.6 Access 4.1.1.7 Designation of special areas.

Physical factors 4.2.1.1 Size 4.2.1.2 Topography and landform 4.2.1.3 Geology 4.2.1.4 Soils 4.2.1.5 Climate 4.2.1.6 Rainfall 4.2.1.7 Temperature 4.2.1.8 Wind 4.2.1.9 Land classification 4.2.1.10 Summary of physical factors Forest Ecology Grassland Wildlife Timber value

5. Compartments 5.1 Compartment 1 5.1.1.1 Soil 5.1.1.2 Rooting depth 5.1.1.3 Tree species 5.1.1.4 Overall timber value 5.1.1.5 Recreation 5.1.1.6 Interpretation 5.1.1.7 Access 5.2 Compartment 2 5.2.1.1 Soil 5.2.1.2 Rooting depth 5.2.1.3 Tree species 5.2.1.4 Overall timber value 5.2.1.5 Recreation 5.2.1.6 Interpretation 5.2.1.7 Access

5.3

5.4

5.5

Compartment 3 5.3.1.1 Soil 5.3.1.2 Rooting depth 5.3.1.3 Tree species 5.3.1.4 Overall timber value 5.3.1.5 Recreation 5.3.1.6 Interpretation 5.3.1.7 Access Compartment 4 5.4.1.1 Soil 5.4.1.2 Rooting depth 5.4.1.3 Tree species 5.4.1.4 Overall timber value 5.4.1.5 Recreation 5.4.1.6 Interpretation 5.4.1.7 Access Compartment 5 5.5.1.1 Soil 5.5.1.2 Rooting depth 5.5.1.3 Tree species 5.5.1.4 Overall timber value 5.5.1.5 Recreation 5.5.1.6 Interpretation 5.5.1.7 Access

6. Analysis overview 6.1 Strengths 6.2 Weaknesses 6.3 Opportunities 6.4 Threats 7. Evaluation (Ideal management objectives) 7.1 To protect the conservation interest of the forest 7.2 To use the forest as an educational resource 7.3 To maintain access 7.4 To obtain up to date information on silvicultural and community management of forests.

8. Constraints 8.1 Physical 8.2 Legal 8.3 Community 8.4 Conflicts 8.5 Owner aspirations 8.6 Public liability 8.7 Landscape 8.8 Resources

9. Appraisal 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Option 1 9.2.1.1 Advantages 9.2.1.2 Disadvantages 9.3 Option2 9.3.1.1 Advantages 9.3.1.2 Disadvantages 9.4 Option 3 9.4.1.1 Advantages 9.4.1.2 Disadvantages 9.5 Conclusion 10. Objectives 10.1 Commercial 10.1.1.1 Introduction 10.1.1.2 Harvesting 10.1.1.3 The 5-year plan 10.1.1.4 The 25-year plan 10.2 Recreation site usage 10.2.1.1 Pathways and trackways 10.2.1.2 Car-parking 10.2.1.3 Facilities 10.2.1.4 Optimal development site 10.3 Conservation overview 10.3.1.1 New grassland 10.3.1.2 New tree planting 10.3.1.3 Water habitats 11. Appendices 11.1 Appendice1 11.2 Appendice2 11.3 Appendice3 11.4 Appendice4 11.5 Appendice5 11.6 Appendice6 11.7 Appendice7 11.8 Appendice8 12. Bibliography

2.Introduction Stockhill is situated in the northern part of Somerset, and central in the Mendip hills A.O.N.B. Wells is 5km south and Cheddar 9km west. It is owned locally

by Waldegrave Estates and Forest Enterprise. Planted by the forestry commission as commercial conifer woodland in the late 1940's, it contains several species, predominantly Picea Abies (Spruce). The site contains an approximate ratio of 40% high forest, 30% maturing plantation, 20% new plantings and 10% open space.

The local geology is a landscape of caves, mines and quarries on a plateau between 250-300m above sea level. The site also contains roman and Iron Age antiquities. The forest is largely planted over a former lead working mine, the remainder of this is known as the Priddy Mineries (A Somerset Wildlife trust nature reserve and an SSSI) where a landscape of spoil heaps and mining supply pools are inhabited by lead tolerant species. Several footpaths cross the area. The Waldegrave pool central to the forest and SSSI is a public attraction, which contributes a steady flow of visitors to the area. The area is also a known breeding site for nightjar, long eared owls and 18 species of dragonfly.

The Unique character of the area will draw increasing numbers of visitors in the future, which is somewhat at odds with a commercial plantation. There will likely be demands for improved access, parking, signing and footpaths. The approx. 50yr old conifer plantation is not universaly accepted as being of a natural character. The dominant woodland of the Mendips is Ash due to the underlying carboniferous limestone. However areas above 250m including Stockhill overlay red sandstone, with a natural climax vegetation of Sessile Oak. Future development would be constrained by the SSSI to the west, Nitrate restriction zone to the northeast and the various antiquities of the area. Parts of the forest are over such rough terrain that it is not suitable for commercial forestry. Clear cutting practice is at odds with the aesthetics of the area and is leading to some wind throw. There are also drainage problems in the highest land area. Despite cutting ditches the soil does not freely drain and trees are dying before they reach maturity.

The even-aged plantation has been restructured to create a mosaic of different age-classes of trees and a sustained flow of timber. Creating temporary open space, as areas are clear felled, has lead to nesting and feeding habitats for long-eared owls and nightjar. Both these species are locally scarce and do not use agricultural land or broadleaved woodland. Both species utilize ephemeral open ground due to the succession of the vegetation. Without this conifer woodland and the succession of clear fell sites neither of these species would occur, which indicates that some of the currents practice should be continued.

Stockhill forest outline with an overlay grid of 1km. Also shown is the neighbouring Priddy mineries site SSSI.

A map of the Mendip Hills A.O.N.B area in north somerset, including the propsed east extension. The outer box is 10 x 10km the area of local character study. The inner box is approx 2.5 x 2.5 km, the area covered

by Stockhill forest.

3.Statement Stockhill has previously been managed through the England Forestry Strategy objectives see Appendice (1). This management plan is influenced by multiple benefit forestry ideas with an appreciation of local character and enhancing recreation without losing commercial productivity. The plan will take a conventional approach of site analysis and evaluation. The silvicultural objectives can follow various timescales, two of these 5 and at 25 years have been chosen.

Commerce Illustrates mature woodland ready for harvest.

Amongst the key Objectives are: U Remain commercially viable through silvicultural practice by

felling and restocking with a mixture of coniferous and broadleaves and thinning where needed.

U Enhance conservation through the structural diversity of the

forest: maintaining the mosaic of vegetation (vital for long eared owl and nightjar), creating glades and graded edges to woodland blocks, also with small scale planting in certain areas to maximise the diversity of the forest.

Conservation A picture showing the Waldegrave pool that borders the Priddy mineries and stockhill forest

U Promote the forest as an educational and recreational resource,

and zone the forest to cater for all interested user groups. Improve legibility by repairing and maintaining fences and features and better interpretation e.g. �way markers�.

U Improve the local area character. The forest is not static and can

expand or contract in different areas. Enhance the west border to extend the Priddy mineries character. Allow natural climax vegetation in certain areas and create a less distinguishable boundary. Maintain and make reference to the limestone walls and various archaeological features of the site.

U Maintain an effective ongoing management and involvement of

the community and bringing together different disciplines. Allow community aspirations to inform a template for the future management of the forest, which would be carried forward by volunteers, employed personnel and various other bodies.

Recreation The car park pictured here late on a summer evening was packed with cars earlier in the day.

4.Survey 1.1 4.1 General Factors

4.1.1.5 Neighbouring land use The Waldegrave estate owns the land from north hill in the west and stretching towards Chewton Mendip. Land uses are predominantly for grazing, though there are scarce areas suitable for arable e.g. the field at the NE end of Stockhill.

The plateau area is largely devoid of settlement with the exception of Priddy village and some isolated farmsteads.

The nearest commercial quarry site in use is now 15km east, outside the existing A.O.N.B. There is a camping site at Priddy but little other tourist use.

4.1.1.1 Grid Ref 546514 4.1.1.2 Location The forest is on the Mendip hills A.O.N.B in north Somerset.

Stockhill forest lays 2km east of Priddy village. It is 5km north of wells & 9km east of cheddar.

4.1.1.3 Tenure Waldegrave estates & forest enterprise own the forest. The land was purchased at the end of the 1940’s and developed by the forestry commission as a commercial enterprise.

4.1.1.6 Access Aerial map showing field boundary and pattern

4.1.1.4 Land use, past and current Prior to planting by the forestry commission the land of the forest is now situated on was scrubby land and rough pasture.

The site though once used as a quarry and mine, was last reworked for ore at the at the St Cuthbert's Works until 1908.

The mined area was left to revert to scrub and heath. It has developed into a mature forest, although successful establishment has not been universal. The forest is currently used as a recreational, educational and interpretive resource by the local community, organisations etc. Although several tree species were planted, picea abies dominates. For a list of tree species see appendices (2,3).

Landscape typical of the surroundings to Stockhill

The A39 from Wells to Farrington Gurney lays to the east and the B3135 branches from this towards Cheddar past the north boundary of Stockhill. There are no significant wayleaves for overhead wires or other services on the site. In the SW corner of the site a forestry commission building stands and at the SW border 2 residential homes, which front what may have been the site of a service access point but it has been subsequently blocked. Footpaths cross through the Priddy mineries SSSI and Stockhill forest. These run: -East West from Priddy towards Chewton Mendip 3 km NE. -North-South through the forest heading towards Pen Hill with it’s distinctive communication mast 2km SE. 4.1.1.7 Designation of special areas A nitrate restriction zone begins at the northeast border of the site and covers a large area stretching towards Chewton Mendip. The forest borders the Priddy mineries SSSI a site of importance because of its rare lead tolerant habitat a result of mining sporadically since the Iron Age. The area is in the central eastern end of the Mendip Hills plateau and existing A.O.N.B; plans for an eastern extension to the A.O.N.B are being negotiated. There have been several successful applications to the woodland trust in the area. Less nearby are two national nature reserves and environmentally sensitive area just south of Priddy.

The forest enterprise has been involved in managing the site as a commercial enterprise, more recently for its conservation value as it borders the Priddy Mineries SSSI and has attracted rare wildlife such as the long eared owl and tawny owl. In 2000 there was an upgrade of paths for disabled access through the Mendip Hills joint advisory committee. The pathway project has been a partnership between the AONB Wardens, Forest Enterprise and Bardon Aggregates in response to growing recreational use. Representatives from elected local councils, the Mendip Society and Somerset Wildlife trust have been involved in the upkeep and development of stockhill. Also involved in the area are English nature and the environment agency, because of areas of special status (SSSI and Environmentally Sensitive area).

Priddy the only settlement of note in the area

4.Survey 4.2 Physical factors

4.2.1.4 Soils

4.2.1.1 Size

Soils are a friable silt-loam around the north and northeast borders. The poorest soils are in the central area and above the south sandstone rise; they form freely draining acidic soils and form podsols or peaty gleyed podzols. The south border is a thin calcareous soil, of weathered materials and wind-blown silt, in its upper layer to become acidic. The NW Quarter and Far East border are on thin brown soils of low fertility.

Stockhill is listed as non-agricultural (derelict and mineral sites) and grade (4) (poor quality) land with a low output suitable only for grazing or forage crops. Soil differences are reflected in the vegetation types present.

Stockhill forest is approximately 200ha in size. High forest covers approx. 80ha; the remainder is semi mature plantation approx. 55ha, new plantings approx. 45ha and open space 20ha.

4.2.1.2 Topography and landform Stockhill is on a gently undulating plateau above 250m with hills over 300m to the south and west. The forest itself is fairly uniform with patchy areas of high canopy. The landscape is level at the forest centre and this broadens towards the west boundary. There are two low hills within the north and south boundary.

The NW part of the site contains areas of undulation (remnants of mine workings).

4.2.1.3 Geology Stockhill has a complex underlying geology. The south rise of stockhill forms an E -W ridge of old red sandstone; carboniferous limestone strata lay along the south border below this. Quartering the northwest area and bordering the most easterly border is Conglomerates & Breccia.

Clay, Shale and Slate underlie the NE and area north of the B3135.

A

Key: A: shows geology B: soils C: topography For more detail see appendice (4)

C

B

4.Survey Physical factors 4.2.1.5 Climate The Mendip Hills are exposed to moist, mild, westerly winds from the Bristol Channel but maritime influences decline further eastwards leading to lower rainfall and colder winters.

Temperature generally decreases with altitude, while wind speeds are highest in the west, and exposure is most severe on the coast and in the uplands.

4.2.1.6 Rainfall Stockhill has an average rainfall of 1060mm per annum and increases from the south towards the north by approx 100mm The mean for England is 836mm. October and November are recorded as the wettest months and May as the driest.

4.2.1.7 Temperature The accumulated temperature for the plateau area lies between 550 in January and 1298 in July, this low estimate includes higher areas and it is likely that Stockhill would be a little warmer than this.

An annual range in mean monthly temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius is experienced.

4.2.1.9 Land Classification The Area is an A.O.N.B with several SSSI’s and a nitrate protection zone to the NE. There are many ancient monuments and a national nature reserve to the SW. 4.2.1.10 Summary of physical factors The area has a partially oceanic climate. There is a relatively low annual potential water deficit and lower than average temperatures for the SW region. Low stocking density, scrub, open ground, standing water, car parking and wayleaves. See (appendices 4 and 5) Key: A: Shows rainfall pattern across the local mendip area.

B: Indicates accumulated average temperature.

C: Land classification with AONB in orange, nitrate sensitive area in blue/green, SSSI in yellow and pinpoints of ancient monuments, NNR in red.

D: shows an area that is subject to wind damage.

Darker green show increasingly high rainfall, yellow is closer to average.

A Orange/Green average temperature

4.2.1.8 Wind The prevailing winds are from the southwest.

Gale force winds are experienced approx 12 days a year. The surrounding low hills partly protect stockhill from the strongest winds. There are broad shelter belts that protect the plantations within the boundary of Stockhill.

Blue/Purple Lower average temperature

D

C

B

4.Survey 4.3 Forest Ecology

4.5 Wildlife

Conifer plantation dominates, including picea abies with smaller stands of sitka spruce, scots pine and european larch.

Many of the mature stands have not been thinned since planting on 1.5 – 1.8m spacing, which creates a dark and relatively bare forest floor.

The forest supports a significant amount of wildlife including foxes, roe deer, rabbits, and small mammals. Rides and clearings have provided much needed shelter for a diversity of butterflies and feeding is provided by the vetches. violets and cuckoo flower growing here. The main species found are small blue, common blue, green veined white, dark green fritillary and meadow brown.

Beech woodland forms many parts of the boundary, where tree cover is thin the ground vegetation is more diverse.

With a path and ride system throughout the forest in addition to areas of failed planting and clearance there is a significant amount of forest edge habitat. This adds structural diversity to the forest. Scots pine; beech and occasional oak are seen regenerating There is some bryophyte cover also.

4.4 Grassland Grassland habitat in the forest is composed of several types: U The NW quarter contains mesotrophic grassland with false oat-grass arrhenatherum elatius, soft-brome bromus mollis, yellow oat-grass trisetum flavescens, yellow rattle rhinanthus minor, cowslip primula veris and lady's bedstraw galium verum. .

U Centrally and on the south hill a mosaic of acid dry dwarf-shrub heath and acidic grassland occurs. Heath species include heather calluna vulgaris, bell heather erica cinerea, gorse ulex europaeus and western gorse ulex gallii, bilberry vaccinium myrtillus.

U Much of stockhill contains acidic grassland and is dominated by heath moor-grass although wavy hair-grass deschampsia flexuosa is also common. Other species include prickly sedge carex muricata ssp lamprocarpa, sheep's fescue festuca ovina, heath bedstraw galium saxatile and tormentil potentilla erecta. .

U At the south and north border areas grassland is a type characterised by sweet vernal grass anthoxanthum odoratum, red fescue festuca rubra, common bent agrostis capillaris, pignut conopodium majus and sorrel rumex acetosa. .

U Bluebell hyacinthoides non-scripta, a species rare outside woodland habitats in Somerset occurs in great number on the east boundary.

The conifer forest has a number of associated species including, nightjar and long eared owl. In the past Hen Harrier have been noted in the more open parts of the forest.

Areas of wetland attract amphibians such as frog, toad and palmate newt and damsel and dragon flies such as the large red the common blue and the blue tipped damselflies. Priddy Pools supports a very rich fauna. 15 species of dragonfly have been recorded including the notable four-spotted chaser libellula quadrimaculata and ruddy darter sympetrum sanguineum. Five British species of amphibian occur and there are good populations of great-crested newt triturus cristatus, smooth newt triturus vulgaris and palmate Newt triturus helveticus. 3 species of reptile, viviparous lizard lacerta vivipara, sdder vipera berus, grass snake natrix natrix, and at least 2 species of fish; perch, perca fluviatilis and three-spined stickleback gasterosteus aculeatus are present. Breeding birds include moorhen gallinula chloropus, coot fulica atra, mallard anas platyrhynchos, reed bunting emberiza schoeniclus and sedge warbler acrocephalus schoenobaenus.

See appendice 6 for species lists.

4.Survey 4.6 Timber value Stockhill has been run as a commercial venture since 1949, and has grown to have ecological and recreational value since. It is important that the forest remains a viable enterprise as its character has grown out of this aim.

Market prices for timber are currently low. Chip wood from the site is likely to attract only at an approximation £1 – £2 per ton standing. The haulage costs should not be high as there are a number of large populations with a commercial market within approx 20 miles. The forest contains much that is classed as chip wood, presently with a very low market value. Therefore transport costs place a significant burden on what is already a poor value crop.

A

Negotiating roadside prices for timber could be a viable proposition. A recent estimate places Saw logs at £30 per ton, pallet wood £21 per ton, slats £23 per ton and pulp/small roundwood £17 per ton, delivered to the mill. This could be profitable if combined with subsidised or low-tech extraction.

Present practice There are several ways stockhill may be cost effective: U Delayed felling increases timber value, there are several mature stands of scots pine on the site.

B

U Increased thinning and spacing at edges reduces timber quality, which may be the reason for density of planting at stockhill.

A: A stand of mature pine increases in value with age.

U There is a minimal amount of maintenance in cultivation, fencing and clearance of brash away from more publicly used areas. However herbicides are probably locally applied at re-stocking.

U There is a clear felling policy in operation which is more cost effective and leads to a kind of regeneration that encourages the nightjar and long eared owl, however it is not aesthetically pleasing to the public and leaves surrounding plantation at risk of wind throw.

D

B: Young plantations are planted densely as this produces timber that is more cost effective.

C: Re-stocking may require additional maintenance in early stages.

D: Certain relatively valuable timber crops are grown such as western red cedar pictured here.

C

5.Compartments 5.0 COMPARTMENTS For ease of description and subsequent management the forest has been divided into five compartments see compartment map. The general descriptions of these compartments have also been used as they fit well with the issues and factors that need to be addressed before undertaking any physical forest management. The compartments have been described using factors, which will have a direct bearing on both their management and the physical constraints. Yield and volume models could be calculated using FC booklet 39 (procedure 8/9) prior to felling operations.

Brief Details C1 U Area of 12ha.

U Most common trees are beech and norway spruce.

U Contains a sizeable boggy area.

C2 U Area of 51ha.

U Trees include norway spruce, euopean larch, western red cedar, scots pine, eastern hemlock, douglas fir.

U Includes a very rough undulating area.

C3 U Area of 41ha.

U Trees are comprised of scots pine, norway spruce, eastern hemlock.

U Contains car-park and principal visitor site.

C4 U Area of 59ha.

U Most common trees are beech, douglas fir, scots pine, norway spruce.

U Includes boggy area, forestry commission building.

C5 U Area of 34ha.

U Common trees in the area are picea abies, beech, western red cedar.

U Contains antiquities e.g. tumuli.

Map showing the five compartments that the site has been divided into from C1 to C5

5.Compartments

5.1 Compartment 1 Area is 12ha in size and consists of fully mature plantation, and high forest. Top heights over 45 feet. Broad belts of beech or norway spruce forming a matrix where they border eachother.

Trees have a relatively high diameter at breast height (dbh).

Moderately dense plantation, but some high canopy where beech predominate on west side and provide good shelter from wind.

5.1.1.1 Soil Friable silt loam over 30cm depth, thin silty calcareous soil predominates to the west.

5.1.1.2 Rooting depth The rooting depth is 30cm. However water logging results from springs. This has the effect of creating anaerobic conditions for extended periods within the year thus killing roots.

5.1.1.3 Tree species Over 50% Picea abies with many broadleaves, e.g., it contains old hedgerow boundaries of hawthorn. It is a small forest area.

This woodland consists of mature beech with hawthorn undergrowth. There is a small amount of ash and also an area of norway spruce plantation at over less than 50% of the area.

5.1.1.4 Overall timber value The overall timber value is good. Market values for chipwood are approx. £1-£2 per ton. Transportation costs are approx £10 per ton. Bristol and Bath are at a distance of approximately 20 miles and are profitable in respect of transport costs being lower.

5.1.1.5 Recreation Recreational facilities include footpaths that are un-surfaced.

The path does not allow access for wheelchair users. There are boggy and sensitive areas of path. It is least used for cyclists or pedestrians and is isolated by the B road.

5.1.1.6 Interpretation Facilities are poor with a low visibility at the entrance.

5.1.1.7 Access Access is only acceptable. The network allows for a semi circular walk from its entrance ending .25km east on the B road.

The paths are linear and functional.

5.2 Compartment 2 51ha in size with fully mature plantation and a large cleared area. Top heights of over 60ft. Some matrix planting with european larch, scots pine and spruce. Belts of western red cedar on the rides and beech forms a north shelterbelt. The dbh is relatively high. Planting is dense, little high canopy/undergrowth.

5.2.1.1 Soil The NW Quarter consists of thin brown soils or podsols of low fertility that become more acidic toward the west border.

5.2.1.2 Rooting depth The soil is thin averaging less than 30cm.

5.2.1.3 Tree species The trees are a mix of beech and eastern hemlock on the west border, there is a broad shelterbelt of mature beech all along on the north boundary. More central are stands of western red cedar, scots pine and some european larch. Some beech and pedunculate sessile oak regeneration occurs along rides. Tsuga and Picea abies are planted in the east of the area. There are new plantings of Picea Abies and Young Larch.

5.2.1.4 Overall timber value As for C1 but variable. However there are notable stands of scots pine with the potential to “cherry pick” and extract timber of higher value. Also contains areas of poor timber over rough ground.

5.2.1.5 Recreation Recreational facilities include the well-established path network and tracks. There is some evidence of horseriding. Walking and dog walking are also common activities.

5.2.1.6 Interpretation There are currently no formal interpretive facilities in this compartment. Any interpretation currently undertaken here is by the Ranger Service taking groups round the forest.

5.2.1.7 Access There is good access to C2 from the west road. However informal paths have developed and are often overgrown, making the path difficult in places. The large open area toward the north of the compartment allows easier access through the forest itself.

5.3 Compartment 3 Area is 41ha in size and consists of 50% mature plantation the rest being under 30 years in age. Top heights reach about 45 ft but average at 30ft. The planting is dense but interspersed with open areas. The plantation is largely single species norway spruce. Scots pine forms a belt along the west boundary. The dbh is probably lower due to the younger age of trees but also because soils are poorer at the west boundary.

5.3.1.1 Soil Some of the poorest soils. They are freely draining acidic soils and form podsols or peaty gleyed podzols.

5.3.1.2 Rooting depth Average, 25cm.

5.3.1.3 Tree species Close to the west border the woodland here is norway spruce and a plantation of mature pine around the car park itself. Some western red cedar and pine line the rides, there has also been localised planting of cherry, sorbus and alder at one location on the ride. The majority of planting is norway spruce with a small amount of european larch.

5.3.1.4 Overall timber value Less than C1 and C2.

5.3.1.5Recreation Recreational facilities are good compared to the site as a whole.

This is the most popular walking area because of its proximity to the car park. With good surfaced paths it is suitable for all users including the disabled.

5.3.1.6 Interpretation Interpretation is clearest here, with a trail description marker.

5.3.1.7 Access The footpaths are fairly formal and broad with spaces for overflow parking a short distance in, currently out of use.

Compartments

5.4 Compartment 4 Size of area is 59Ha. It contains some mature plantation with heights of 60ft with a high dbh and a little naturalised high forest. Mostly young norway spruce between 5-20 years. It is not yet over 30ft, is very dense, sinlge species with a low dbh.

5.4.1.1 Soil The poorest soils are above the south sandstone rise, they form freely draining acidic soils and form podsols or peaty gleyed podsols. The south border is a thin calcareous soil, of windblown silt, and weathered in its upper layer to become acidic.

5.4.1.2 Rooting depth Low (less than 25 cm) to average (30cm) 5.4.1.3 Tree species At the southeast corner of Stockhill are several groves of mature beech. At the west boundary road vegetation is scrubby and contains a few native species, sorbus and blackthorn. Young plantings of pine and norway spruce are along the south border.

There is also sessile oak and beech regeneration occurring locally. Towards the SE boundary vegetation becomes more naturalised and includes species such as alder, sorbus and birch.

5.4.1.4 Overall timber value As for C2 overall but very high in SE corner, otherwise low .

5.4.1.5 Recreation Recreational facilities are limited. While there is a good path for all users central in this area, the less used paths are not suitable for the disabled. This site appears to be highly used by cyclists and on the day I visited motorcycles.

5.4.1.6 Interpretation There is little signage except at the access point, The routes are legible until the brow of the hill is crossed which leads to an extensive isolated area around the south and east border.

5.4.1.7 Access A broad track running towards the brow of the hill from the south of the carpark. The paths are generally broad and in good condition, though not all are covered paths. One or two paths are not maintained and the site is not all easily accessible.

5.5 Compartment 5 Size of area is 34Ha. Consists of mature and young plantation.

Top heights range of about 60 ft. Also a belt of mature beech line the east side at about 60ft. The dbh is high. Planting is very dense, with little undergrowth.

5.5.1.1 Soil The poorest soils are those of the central area, they form freely draining acidic soils and form podsols or peaty gleyed podsols.

Soils change to a friable silt-loam in the NW quarter of the area.

5.5.1.2 Rooting depth Average, 25cm over the majority of the site, but High above 30cm in the north east quarter.

5.5.1.3 Tree species In the south of the area western red cedar, and spruce with localised sessile oak regeneration. Centrally beech and norway maple have regenerated along the wider rides. Young planting of larch are in the north half of the area and picea to the south.

Beech form a belt along the east boundary.

5.5.1.4 Overall timber value As for C1.

5.5.1.5 Recreation Recreational facilities are limited. Walking and dog walking is the main form of recreation within this area and occasional mountain bike use.

5.5.1.6 Interpretation As for C2 5.5.1.7 Access As for C2 however there are more informal footpaths through this compartment many resulting easier access below the canopy the tracks have become linked with short sections of path that have been continually used as desire lines.

Area map showing current outline of stockhill forest. Clear felled areas and young plantation can clearly be seen by their lighter colour. This Aerial map is largely accurate except the centre bottom C4 is now a cleared area as is an area in the SE corner of C3.

6.Analysis 6.0 Overview

6.2 Weaknesses

Most people now take Stockhill forest for granted because it has become a part of their landscape over the last 50 yrs. Its status as an amenity site cannot be separated from its neighbour Priddy mineries, they actually enhance eachother. The thought of returning the amenity to private property or back to the pre-existing landscape would not be acceptable to the majority of people. It is likely people prefer little change, want easy access and legibility and to a lesser degree additional planting of broad-leaved species to add variety. The prospect of an exclusive conventional timberrelated business only is not a viable option. It does seem that the existing management is also coming round to this view, with certain amenity enhancements beginning to take place. There are other possible benefits such as the facilitation of local jobs, recreation, education that are not necessarily at odds with timber production. A new plan has to be devised if Stockhill is to meet its full potential and to remain a working amenity in the long term.

Some of the factors, which relate to Stockhill’s attributes and potential, could conversely be cited as weaknesses.

U The woodland is not in an area that the visiting public associate with woodland or forest walks. People are drawn to well known attractions such as Cheddar gorge about 10 miles distant. This makes it a challenge to promote to a wider audience.

Archaeological richness

6.1 Strengths U It is greatly enhanced by its location next to Priddy mineries, which increases habitat and character diversity. It is in an otherwise open and relatively treeless landscape becuase of this it has a significant inherent value. The eye is naturally drawn to it when viewing the landscape from further afield it lies atop a landscape that differs from all the surrounding area by its geology and natural vegetation.

High forest in a treeless area

U The forest’s close proximity to the B3135, car parking and ease of access make it an ideal informal recreational resource for both visitors and locals alike. It is close to Wells and makes for a convenient place for a walk, jog or bike ride when inclement weather makes a similar excursion to the coast less attractive.

U As a valuable educational resource schools make use of the forest through the Ranger Service and as part of the national curriculum.

The Somerset wildlife trust also uses the area for training.

U The car park can often over-full for its size, the carrying capacity of the site needs to be optimized beyond existing plans, and how it is managed is a problem, as people are concentrated all in one site for several attractions, which are Waldegrave pool, Priddy mineries and stockhill itself.

U Wildlife interest – In the wider context the forest increases diversity supporting forest dwelling species, e.g., coal tit, great tit, long eared owl. However a significant amount of species diversity related to the Priddy mines interest has been lost as a result of the forest cover. The forest has low potential habitat diversity being predominantly an even aged coniferous plantation, largely unthinned with little interest in terms of woodland ground flora and associated fauna. Species diversity is low and while habitat and structural diversity is better through the presence of open areas and forest edge, the forest has little to offer in terms of species diversity.

U Educational value - of wildlife interest there is only so much that can be studied in the forest in its present form. Management of the forest is biased towards a commercial enterprise and does not maximise its educational role.

Clear felled wasteland

U It is of a size that opportunities could be exploited which will provide locals with a modest supply of firewood on a sustainable basis. Much of the timber is of poor timber form but conversion to chips could be worthwhile with the growing interest in overwintering cattle corrals in the area as well as the developing market for wood fuel heating not withstanding the use chips could have for footpaths within the forest.

U State of the forest – Mature plantation edges are being left to the risk of wind throw by large scale clear cutting and it is not aesthetically pleasing. There is little diversity through not performing the actions of thinning and stooling or creating a various layered canopy, because of this the forest is largely uniform. Some trees are of poor value as an economic resource due to their location on unsuitable ground and management should be more flexible to the fact that the area the forest covers has differing conditions.

U Apart from a few signboards the site is very poor in terms of its interpretation, informal paths are very random and there is no differentiation in the perceived usage of various areas of the site.

Overflow parking or picnic area?

6.Analysis 6.4 Threats

6.3 Opportunities U Restructuring a more diverse forest structure with species diversity creating a multiple benefit forest including, enhanced wildlife value, educational value, recreational value and modest timber value.

U Some sites are suffering from increasing congestion, erosion of paths and features and pressures for new facilities.

U Unimproved limestone grassland continues to decline under agricultural improvement, or is prone to neglect, undergrazing and scrub-encroachment.

U Encourage and harness community support and involvement in order to strengthen local “ownership� of the forest.

U Encourage joint funding bids through the relationship with various bodies to fulfill management aims and objectives, thus bringing in more funds to the area and facilitating less commercial projects.

Increasing range of tree species on rides

U Promote the forest as a multiple benefit model for the potential future management of conifer plantations, using community involvement as a means of securing this.

U Secondary woodland of landscape value rather than natureconservation significance, are unmanaged and neglected.

U Dry-stone walls are in long-term decline: they collapse with age and require regular maintenance, which is labour-intensive and expensive.

U Community and sustainable rural development projects based on multi purpose forest management should be fostered.

U Perform long-term management of unimproved grasslands areas, inc. the removal of scrub and the use of appropriate grazing regimes.

U Existing hedges and hedgerow trees are often neglected and are becoming overgrown and dilapidated.

Allowing grassland habitats to develop U Too many visitors in one area are detrimental to the wildlife through disturbance of the habitat and can pose a fire risk, which has not been addressed sufficiently within the current boundary.

U The archaeological features of the plateau and the industrial archaeology features of east Mendip are vulnerable to damage and neglect. Their future needs to be addressed through management agreements and advice to owners and tenants.

U Quarrying in East Mendip is a major industry, with large and active super-quarries seeking to expand still further. Associated effects include heavy quarry traffic, long views of quarries and buildings, intrusive screening bunds and possible changes to aquifers and surface watercourses.

U There is active conservation and training work in maintaining drystone walls and this needs to be continued on the stockhill boundary.

U The management of the visually important woodlands needs to be considered. Although there is some interest in new woodland planting, the right balance between woodland and open land is essential to the landscape character of the area. Careful consideration is needed before new planting is carried out.

U Former lead-mining features, karst features and archaeological sites are being degraded or lost through agricultural improvement, ploughing and landfill.

Damage from cycles and motorcycles

U Karst landscape features like sinkholes, swallets and depressions are of importance not only in their own right but also in maintaining the quality of the footslope springs and the aquifer. Guidance and policy needs to address this and also to prevent damage to the extensive lead mining features.

U In some of the eastern parts of the area, hedgerow removal and tree loss have produced an open landscape. Consideration needs to be given to new tree planting and hedgerow reinstatement.

Tumuli hidden within forest

U Lack of site interpretation causes inappropriate usage. Motorcycles driven on narrow woodland paths cause a nuisance or even danger to pedestrians and damage unsurfaced areas.

7.Evaluation 7.0 IDEAL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

7.3 To maintain access

7.1 To protect the conservation interest of the forest

Pathways

Survey U Collate forest information. Survey present habitats (heath, grassland, wetland and woodland) and update annually to allow this to inform the record of management.

U Monitor all kinds of wildlife including birds and insects, altering the areas monitored to incorporate new clearings and keep records.

U Monitor species rich turf, extent and quality and sites of rare plants.

Planting U Introduce broadleaves where possible but maintain some conifer cover for shelter in the winter and feeding for crossbill/ finch/tit.

U Hardy berrying shrubs and climbers such as honeysuckle and ivy should be introduced. This will provide additional cover and attract bees/moths and to help graded forest edges.

U Retain darker mossy areas and fallen timber to provide decay, cover and habitat.

Facilities U Erect bird feeders. Maintain and stock in winter.

U Look into the opportunities for enhancing wildlife aspects and involve/inform community where possible e.g. using schools and youth groups to erect nest boxes. Build a hide for viewing.

7.2 To use the forest as an educational resource U Use the ranger service to work with schools and youth groups.

U Use the forest for informal events and performances using local groups or travelling theatre.

U Encourage environmental education by developing a plan in conjunction with forest enterprise, JAC and a ranger.

U Encourage the use of a ranger service or seek advise when using the forest for environmental purposes e.g. pond dipping.

U Use PR for the past & present management of the forest through open days or newsletters.

U Encourage the use of arts in the forest as a place to enhance visual and environmental quality.

U Maintain the existing path network i.e. disabled access path.

U Improve the path network over the long term with possibility of closing off and opening up new paths.

U Monitor the state of paths regularly.

U Way-markers would improve the interpretation of trails.

U Explore possibility of cycle/bike track to separate incompatible use and control access to sites less suitable.

U Create trails for various purposes e.g. orienteering/ biodiversity.

Information board for Priddy Mineries

Facilities U Investigate the possibility of shelters perhaps themed using local wood with youth groups to help construct.

U Remove fallen timber that has blocked paths and unblock drains.

U Add seating to allow resting places for less able.

U Maintain picnic benches.

U Maintain hide using it for interpretation.

U Remove rubbish and empty dog bin.

View West across Priddy Mineries

Parking U Maintain car park area & signage.

U Discourage overnight parking.

7.4 To keep informed of up to date forest silviculture and community management of forests.

Open area at highest point of stockhill

U U U U U U U U

Attend meeting or workshops discussing forestry issues.

Liaise with other community forest groups.

Promote forest events through leaflets, posters or local papers.

Produce newsletter available through a ranger service/local shops.

Have comment book available for public to use.

Develop a website for stockhill.

Hold Open Days annually.

Keep the public up to date with any forest developments.

One of the main tracks running east-west

8.Constraints 8.1 Physical

8.5 Owner aspirations

Trees will continue to grow and become increasingly susceptible to wind throw. Draw on the Forest Gales Analysis. The work required for restructuring and/or remedial tasks mean further constraints on some of the objectives stated above, e.g., felling v access, extraction v footpath/track erosion, etc. Further physical constraints become obvious when considering species composition of the restructured Forest, e.g., high water table, seasonal water logging, sandy substrate, high windiness scores etc.

Therefore matching species to site conditions will be essential to limit further problems with the physical management of the forest. A lack of a hard standing area is also a problem when considering timber storage and turning for vehicles used in the transport of the timber, whether these are timber lorries or pick ups. All areas of short species rich turf should be maintained. This habitat should receive some attention to maintain its interest.

The forest enterprise has several goals (see appendice1). They would also seek to find a compromise between commercial productivity and issues sympathetic to community needs and aspirations. Includes the following: -

8.2 Legal The site lies next to Priddy Mineries SSSI and therefore any Potentially Damaging Operations (PDO’s) will have to be identified and consents applied for. Prior to forest operations the forest enterprise and waldegrave state will be informed. Once consent is given the work can be implemented.

Local byelaws that are in place and local authority guidelines for the area must be adhered to. Any felling that is more than 5m3 per requires a felling license. Additionally any felling at all requires that the forestry commission be notified.

8.3 Community The community would show dislike for a form of management, which necessitates large-scale change to the forest over a short period of time, i.e., clear felling and re-stock. From the communities perspective the most appropriate form of management is one of slow change with little disturbance to the forest and its users. This places a constraint on “quick fix” solutions.

U A greater level of community involvement where possible.

U Limit damage in terms of the forest resources, financial costs and of implementing management.

U Retention of conservation, access and educational facilities.

Limestone wall on west boundary

8.6 Public liability Public liability at present is covered by forest enterprise. Any works would require a risk assessment. This often places a constraint on management and which contractors are chosen for any site works.

8.7 Landscape Large-scale clear fell and re-stock should be considered at the planning stage as this often produces a negative impact on the landscape. Carrying out landscape works within the forest must be handled carefully or this has a negative impact on community views of the forest. A programme of education and sympathetic work practice may be required placing a constraint on the management and management resources.

Beech avenue

8.8 Resources Financial resources have been raised by local community groups, the JAC (joint advisory committee for the Mendip hills), forest enterprise and local industry such as Callow rock quarry. The availability of resources would place a restraint on any developments not involved with the commercial management of the forest. Voluntary and training work can part offset this and in this respect the forest location in an A.O.N.B and to an SSSI is beneficial

Gently curving track way

8.4 Conflicts Various conflicts place a constraint on the management of the forest as a multiple benefit resource. It is clear from various research and the communities’ aspirations that the community would like to encourage some forms of recreational use and not others.

Clear signposting close to the main car park

9.Appraisal A view from the southeast.

Stockhill sits atop a gentle rise in the landscape and is sympathetic here to the open natural character of the area.

9.1 INTRODUCTION

9.3 OPTION 2

9.4 OPTION 3

Based on remaining a commercial forest a number of options can be developed based on previous aspirations, community involvement and based on a check list (see appendice7)

To undertake a felling and restocking exercise over 10-15 years starting in the areas most in need of improvement and focusing on the creation of ever widening glades which are either left open or restocked with appropriate species, including both natives and exotics. Leave all failed areas to develop naturally, maximise conservation and recreational potential.

Fell and restock over a medium term period of 5 years starting in the areas most in need of improvement and focusing on leaving shelterbelts. Maximise productivity of smaller areas. Leave some failed areas to develop naturally and widening some rides.

9.2 OPTION 1 To undertake a large clear fell and restocking in all areas of the forest in need of improvement concentrating activity in a short time scale and starting as soon as possible. Maximising commercial productivity, re-stock failed areas.

9.2.1.1 Advantages U The most cost effective operation with a large economy of scale.

U Rapid operation (within a year and probably concentrated over a few weeks) and therefore peoples’ negative perceptions of forestry work will only likely to be concentrated over a similarly short period.

U Better timber will offset deficit from the poorer quality.

U Work can be undertaken by an outside management company/contractor so that time and effort spent on the exercise by the community and/or owner will be minimal.

9.2.1.2 Disadvantages U Impact of negative PR. The criticism is likely to be targeted at the project group and forestry commission.

U Great disturbance to wildlife and greatest loss of habitat in a short period.

U Large areas of shelter, which could be used for the quicker establishment of the restock, will be lost and result in damage from wind throw.

U There will be few if any benefits to the community in terms of revenue or timber as the lots will be bought as a whole standing and community involvement and therefore development will be minimal.

9.3.1.1 Advantages U The activity of clear fell over a longer period allows wildlife to adapt to change.

U Leaving wind thrown and untidy areas of forest will create a more natural dynamic.

U Widening glades as the areas within which restocking will take place maximizes the surface area of the woodland and enhances informal recreation, e.g., picnic areas.

U Requires an ongoing physical management and monitoring and would therefore be labour intensive meaning employment opportunities for local contractors.

U Habitat creation and habitat loss are occur at the same time.

9.3.1.2 Disadvantages U This option will require a significant input to oversee that repeated contracts are undertaken to the necessary (and possibly changing) specification required.

U By allowing relatively large areas to blow over means excepting a higher degree of risk to public safety and planning restocking so that the newly planted trees are not damaged by wind throw events becomes more uncertain.

U Wind throw looks unsightly and is hazardous and expensive to clear.

U This system will be the most expensive. It is less likely that it will bring an income from timber to cover the costs of employing someone to undertake the work required.

9.4.1.1 Advantages U Disturbance to wildlife is spread over the five-year period allowing nesting birds and other animals to adapt more readily to the change.

U A number of shorter and smaller contracts will be required increasing employment options for local contractors/people.

U This option represents the best compromise between what is required based on the sites physical constraints and the minimal impact and change the community wish to see.

U Allows “cherry picking� of smaller but higher value parcels of timber enabling small amounts of added value to be realised and some timber to be held back for forest infrastructure projects. Shelter from felling coupes will provide a good start for the restocking 9.4.1.2 Disadvantages U A number of smaller contracts will mean greater total administrative and operational costs as well as time inputs.

U The presence of contractors spread over a longer period of time may result in some negative PR. U Public safety and liability remain an issue for a prolonged period in comparison to Option 1.

U Wind throw could still be a problem.

9.5 CONCLUSION Taking all aspects of commercial productivity as well as recreational and conservation benefits. Option 3 has been chosen as it fits well into the multi benefit system.

10.Commercial Objectives 10.1.1.1 Introduction Stockhill is a commercial forest, it is necessary to develop a management strategy that maintains this before other design objectives can be applied that would damage it. A 5-year and 25-year plan have been developed which should inform where modification to the forest layout is possible. On these plans areas are identified in order of their maturity and timber value.

See appendice 7 for some of the costing involved.

10.1.1.2 Harvest At present a sustainable rate of harvest is the mean of 3ha per year to maintain numbers of trees reaching full maturity.

10.1.1.3 The 5 year plan 5 Year Plan

25 Year Plan

It is necessary to maintain shelterbelts until young plantations are reasonably established and to keep an attractive appearance by separating felled areas from each other through retaining edges. These remaining trees can later be felled on another cycle when re-stocking has become established.

Year of operation

Design implications:

Felled Areas

Felled Areas

Current boundary of stockhill shows that natural shape and open view of west is contrasted by unsympathetic lines and visual dead area on east side.

Stockhill in 25 years shows development of path and ride system, modified west boundary and extensive planting of east side, with approx 25ha net gain in forest areas against 15ha new open space and scrub.

0

1

2

3

4

5

Year of operation

Thinned Areas

year 1-5 year 5-10 year 10-20 year 25+

U Begin to modify west boundary by drawing back slightly the forest line in C4.

U Opportunity to thin trees covering rough mined area of C2 in year3 and in year5.

U Develop rides by drawing back restocked area in C3 and C5 in years 2, 4 and 5.

10.1.1.4 The 25 Year plan Nearly all trees that are currently mature could be felled in about 25 years. As with the 5-year cycle shelterbelts would be left around plantations. Over this time management strategies to diversify the forest character could be developed.

Design Implications U Develop new car park in C2 in year 5-10 to account for growing visitors using route close to current footpath at north boundary.

U Begin to develop large picnic glade in east side of C2 in year10.

U Develop new plantation around C5 and C4 years 5-10 and around C1, C2 and C5 in years 10-20.

10.Recreational Objectives 10.2 Site usage 10.2.1.1 Pathways and trackways U U U U U U

Introduce a clearly defined hierarchy.

Separate different kinds of users.

Create special purpose routes e.g. bird watching trail.

Place way-markers at junctions.

Keep recreation routes away from conservation routes.

Introduce one route that allows horse riding and another route that allows motorcycles, but keep away from popular pedestrian areas. This should reduce indiscriminate usage.

10.2.1.2 Car-Parking U Make provision for a new car parking area 5+ years in the future to more evenly distribute visitors.

U Increase provision of roadside parking on north side of stockhill.

U Control access of cars to wider tracks.

10.2.1.3 Facilities

Access in order of use

Main trackways

Minor trackways

Paths

Informal pathways

U Provide a meeting point e.g. rangers hut, where information can be found close to the car park.

U Introduce hides for wildlife watching and shelter from bad weather.

10.2.1.4 Optimal development sites Six areas have been identified as having most potential for development. These areas include: U 1. Waldegrave pool at the border of stockhill forest needs to be enhanced by restricting access from the roadside and providing some shelter for wildlife. A hide could be built a short way to allow users to continue to survey the pool.

U 2. Stockhill covers part of the mining area and is not fully productive, this area has intriguing pits and gulleys that could be enhanced by making them a part of the pathway system and thinning vegetation to allow a crossover of grassland habitat from the Priddy Mineries area.

U 3. An area that is optimal for developing a glade picnic area for users should a new car park be developed half way along the north border. Also serves the dual purposes of being a focal and meeting point.

U 4. Enhance the current car park area, little should be changed in the immediate vicinity and the belt scots pine tress should be maintained, however to either side on the west border the vegetation should be thinned and grassland habitat allowed to creep in to link with Priddy mineries. This also improves the open character of the landscape overall.

U 5. The original acid heathland of the sandstone rise should be allowed to return as forest is performing very poorly at this point due to waterlogged soils. It is an opportunity to develop a natural open area.

U 6. This is the optimal area for development of forest, as it is currently a dead area visually and no impact would be made on the open character of the landscape, there are no landscape restrictions that prevent forest being planted.

Overall there will be a net gain of forest from the 25yr plan of about 25ha against the loss of 15ha on the west border.

10.Conservation objectives

Grassland habitat

10.3 Overview Although work would be done through a contractor, landscape manager/ecologist or landscape architect. The real need is for a specialist team of trained operatives who can work to a general brief, and who have not only some ecological expertise but also an eye for the landscape. Ecological specialisation of plants should be recognised with a strategy for vegetation management as well as scale, enclosure and complexity, pattern of light shade, spatial quality (see appendice 8).

Environmental education is promoted to protect the forest, by gaining the respect of the users.

10.3.1.1 New Grassland areas U Cutting regime to maintain tracks and rides should be flexible enough to respond to vegetation developments such as scrubby edges.

U Various grassland mixes, linked to a particular soil and maintenance regime, recreational use.

U Thinning of woodland and coppicing to increase light at ground level and to encourage areas of natural regeneration e.g. uncovering swallet (erosion feature) and mine workings.

U Locally collected seed and implanting turfs as two methods of establishment.

U Since secondary woods are not in general scarce ecosystems, open heathland and downland should be maintained to prevent scrub invasion.

10.3.1.2 New tree planting U Sensitive but decisive clear felling on a patchwork basis, together with the retention of key tree groups creates an ever-changing landscape of great variety.

U Plant on peaty or acidic soils: betula pendula, betula pubescens, sorbus aucuparia, salix caprea, cretageaus monogyna, sambucus nigra, prunus spinosa, ulex europaeus, and pinus sylvestris.

U Plant on heavier soils: Quercus robur, corylus avellana, sorbus aucuparia and acer campestre.

U Woodland shelterbelts should be planted with beech as is the currently the practice.

U New woodland structure with indigenous species should be planted around edges of the new plantation areas, which would still consist of spruce, pine or larch plantation.

U Creation of woodland that is more dynamic with an emphasis on robust, diverse and visually interesting transition zones. Larger areas should have more complex mosaics of vegetation associations and structures.

U Follow a technique of planting all the woodland species at outset; excluding herb layer Inc, canopy, understorey species, light-demanding species and edge shrubs.

U Dense spacing requires early thinning and some slow growing species are overgrown e.g. quercus robur is suppressed by alnus glutinosa, and betula pendula.

U Pit planting, mulching and fertilizing ensure optimal survival rates.

scrubby edges rough grasses and herb layer. extension to mineries areas heath, lead tolerant plants. swallet, workings short grasses, lead tolerant plants. picnic area, rough wearing grasses. rides and paths

acid heath and marsh

existing grassland

Woodland and water habitat beech windbreak, norway spruce within sessile oak, hazel edge, mxd norway spruce, larch. beech, field maple

norway spruce plantation

ash, field maple

10.3.1.3 Water Habitats U U U U U

The ditches, ponds are an education resource; they should be used to enhance biodiversity.

Marginal vegetation should provide some protection for wildlife and people falling in.

Should not use herbicide or fertilizer nearby.

Monitor water levels transferring established marginal and submerged plants to new ponds.

Clearing may be needed periodically to assist drainage

ash, field maple

wetland areas, open water or marsh

11.Appendices 11.1 Appendice 1

11.2 Appendice 2

11.3 Appendice 3

Extract: A Review of Multiple Benefit Forestry, with Particular Reference to State Owned Forests in Britain by Brendan Lennon Lancaster University Outlines the England Forestry Strategy: -

Tree species planted in the 1950s Corsican Pine Lodgepole Pine Sitka Spruce Mountain Pine Scots Pine European Larch Japanese Larch Noble Fir Austrian Pine Monkey Puzzle Maple Western Red Cedar Lawson Cypress Western Hemlock Poplar Cotoneaster Birch Elder Red Oak Beech Ash Snowberry Sycamore Sea Buckthorn Dwarf Mountain Pine

Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)

Multiple benefit forestry is the practice of managing woodlands in order to deliver a variety of benefits to society. In England forestry policy is now engendered in the "England Forestry Strategy". This document lays out the policy for public and private forestry with state owned forests leading the way for private industry. Forest Enterprise is responsible for the management of the forestlands that are owned by the nation.

The forestry policy for England as laid out in the England Forestry Strategy includes: "The sustainable management of our existing woods and forests; and a continued and steady expansion of our woodland area to provide more benefits to society and our environment" The objectives of the Forestry Commission are to: U U U U

Protect Britain's forests and woodlands Expand Britain's forest area Enhance their economic value of our forest resources Conserve and improve the biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage of our forests and woodlands U Develop opportunities for woodland recreation U Increase public understanding and community

Trees present in the forest in 2001 in order of dominance: Lodgepole Pine Mountain Pine Sitka Spruce Corsican Pine Sycamore Sea Buckthorn Birch Scots Pine Cotoneaster Alder Willow Rowan Hazel Juniper

This tree grows on lighter soils and at higher elevations than the other commonly grown oak, the Pedunculate oak. It grows well on deep, freely draining soils. It is more frost hardy and resistant to mildew than Pedunculate oak. It is very wind resistant and stands more shade than Pedunculate oak. It does not thrive on soils that are too base rich.

On wet soils it is likely to suffer from frost crack and growth is slow for the first 5 to 10 years as the roots take time to establish in the soil.

Although this species attracts the highest rates of grants and premium payments, its rotation varies from 80 to well over 100 years. Therefore the economics of the plantation are mostly ascribed to the grants and premium payments.

11.Appendices

Igneous Rocks Granite Batholiths Acidic Intrusions Intermediate Intrusions

11.4 Appendice 4

Basic & Ultrabasic Intrusions Lavas, Ashes & Tuffs

Land data maps of Mendip hills area provided by DEFRA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. The centre square covers a 10km x 10km area.

Metamorphic Rocks Gneiss & Schist

Dominant Sedimentary Rocks Clay, Shale & Slate Sand, Sandstone & Quartzite

Topography map is derived from ordinance survey maps, shown here with an overlay, 3D model and coloured contour map. Colours showing lower topography are in darker shades.

Conglomerate & Breccia Limestone Chalk

Other Features Towns County/ Unitary Boundary

ALC Grade Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Non Agricultural Urban County/Unitary Boundary

11.Appendices

Average Annual Rainfall 614 - 747 747 - 782 782 - 816

11.5 Appendice 5 Maps provided by DEFRA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Map shows Mendip hills area. Square covers an area of 10km x 19km.

816 - 859 859 - 901 901 - 951 951 - 1009 1009 - 1065 1065 - 1128 1128 - 1228 1228 - 1367 1367 - 3262 County Unitary Authority

Accumulated Temperature 550 - 1280 1298 -1351 1351 - 1385 1385 - 1412 1412 - 1433 1433 - 1453 1453 -1473 1473 - 1492 1492 - 1512 1512 - 1537 1537 - 1559 1559 - 1646 County Unitary Authority

Land Designation Environmentally Sensitive Area

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

National Park

National Nature Reserve

County Unitary Authority

11.Appendices 11.6 Appendice 6

11.6 Appendice 6

11.6 Appendice 6

Flowering plants: The following is a list of the main species of flowering plants and is by no means exhaustive.

Flowering Plants (continued):

Bird species: This is a list of birds that have been present in the forestry at one time or another, some are only occasional visitors, others such as the long eared owl are always present but difficult to spot since they are nearly always hidden.

Dry machair area in main ride and western clearings Eyebright Euphrasia officianalis Cat`s foot Antennaria dioica Purging flax Linum catharticum Bird`s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Scottish primrose Primula Scotica Northern felwort Gentianella amarella ssp septentrionalis Thyme Thymus praecox Creeping Willow Salix repens Damper areas Marsh lousewort Pedicularis palustris Butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Northern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza purpurella Fragrant orchid Gymnadenia conopsea Watermint Mentha aquatica Ladies smock Cardamine pretensis

Wetland Areas Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Watercrowsfoot Ranunculus aquatilis Water forget-me-not Mysotis scorpioides Watercress Narsturtium officianale Bogbean Myanthes trifoliata Lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula Yellow flag Iris pseudacorus Neutral /acid soils inland Heather Calluna vulgaris Crowberry Empetrum nigrum Mouse ear hawkweed Hieracium pilosella

Grey Heron Mallard Teal Hen Harrier Sparrowhawk Buzzard Kestrel Moorhen Snipe Woodcock Redshank Woodpigeon Cuckoo Long-eared Owl Wren Dunnock Robin Blackbird Fieldfare Songthrush Redwing Willow Warbler Goldcrest Spotted Flycatcher Pied Flycatcher Coal Tit Blue Tit Great Tit Tree Creeper Jackdaw Carrion Crow Starling Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch Bullfinch Siskin Redpoll Crossbill

11.Appendices 11.7 Appendice 7 Management & Cost

11.7 Finances

Extract from forestry commission website

This is a brief list of a recent financing plan, prices differ from year to year and have probably fallen for value of timber, but not costs.

3.1 Introduction The forest enterprise does not follow only commercial considerations.

Options have to be appraised against a background of the constraints discussed earlier and the relative urgency imposed by the condition of the forest and the results of the Forest Gales Analysis. A number of options can be determined based on previous Initiative Forest sub-group aspirations, the community consultation exercise and the agreed Vision Statement at the beginning of this management plan.

3.2 Options for management 1. Concentrate on conservation of the woodland still standing and clearing fallen timber but retaining sufficient brashing to allow decay, and cover.

2. Survey all paths, fences and ditches to establish what requires immediate attention and what needs to be retained or discarded.

3. Identify and prioritise areas for clear fell and replanting based on Forest Gales Analysis and restocking objectives.

4. Establish and develop an on-going educational programme.

5. Discuss with interested groups how their recreational activities may best be served.

6. Discuss funding/finance.

7. Establish good relations with neighbours.

8. Identify skill and resource gaps.

9. Discuss publicity and how to involve individuals and groups.

3.3 Specific prioritised objectives 1. Protect the conservation interests of the forest by maintaining the forest as a whole.

2. Use the forest as a valuable educational resource.

3. Maintain access to the widest public 4. Identify and prioritise areas for clear fell and replanting based on Forest Gales Analysis and restocking objectives.

5. Discuss publicity and how to involve individuals and groups 6. Discuss funding/finance 7. Establish good relations with neighbours The three main options which could be implemented in such a way to satisfy most if not all the Priority Objectives are,

Selective thinning Selective thinning based on either fell to waste or timber left in place and extracted in the followingyears felling programme or used for the forests’ or communities’ purposes.

Costs are based on contractors’ averages and FC’s table of costs of operations in Highland. Selective thinning over 2.25 ha at approx. £400 per ha = £900 Felling and stacking at approx. £450 per ha x 0.5ha = £225/yr Restocking (first clear fell area) restock 8.75 ha @ 1800 stems (20-40cm) per ha @ approx.0.40p per tree (supplied and planted) = £720 per ha x 8.75 = £6300 Rabbit protection (mini tubes and stakes) @ approx. 0.50p for approx. 1.5ha plus fitting @ approx.0.3p per tree = £1350 + £81 = £1431 Vole guards @ approx. 0.15p for approx.

1.5ha = £405 Supplementary spraying for weevils @ £60 per ha = £525 Thickening up and under planting in the glades at the rate of 1400 stems per ha for 0.25 ha (x 25% area of glades created) x 5 years = 350 trees @ approx.0.40p per tree = £140/yr Supplementary spraying for weevils @ £60 per ha = £60 Thickening up shelter belt Planting at the rate of 2000 stems per ha in and around existing shelter belt over approx.

1.5ha with mini tubes and stakes = 3000 x 0.93p = £2790 Beating up costs Over a five year plan period based on 20% overall mortality = £5304.20 Weeding (Spot treatment of glyphosate) at the rate of approx. £95 per ha.

Yr 1 = 0.25ha (glades) + 1.5ha in and around shelter belt x £95 = £166.25 Fencing Erect a new post and rail fence adjacent to roadside for approx. 420m @ £5.75 per m = £2415 Repair Eastern boundary fence to stock proof specification for 940m @ approx. £2 per m = £1880 Felling income The current prices for standing timber of the quality found at Dunnet has been variously stated as being between £1 to £2 per ton. However, in many instances timber of this kind has been almost given away in order to insure management of the forest continues.

Therefore any prices estimated here should be seen as absolute maximums given the current state of the market and the actual amounts realised from any felling programme could be much less. On the basis that 1m3 is roughly equivalent to 1 ton: Felling coupes – Yr 1 = 8.75ha x 244m3 /ha = 2143m3 (tons) at £1 per ton = £2143 Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) Restocking grant @ £525 per ha for 4 ha (broadleaves) and £325 per ha for 4.75ha (conifers) = £2100 + £1543.75 = 3643.75 Restocking grant @ £525 per ha for 0.75ha and £325 per ha for 0.75ha (shelterbelt area) =£393.75 + £243.75 = £637.50 Restocking grant @ £525 per ha for 0.25ha (glade areas) = £131.25

DAMS – windiness DAMS scores for this area using FC’s modelling (to a resolution of 50m2 ) are 15. This has been calculated using the grid reference methodology and not by topex. The likely return period for a damaging gale (uprooting) is 200 years at this moment in time. The average return period for a damaging gale (snapping) is 200 years. However using modelling techniques (ForestGales Analysis this is set to drop drastically to 0 years over the next few years. See ForestGales analysis. Some of the compartment is either at or approaching critical height, i.e., 3% of it is prone to and is currently experiencing wind throw. Much of the compartment is approaching terminal height, i.e., it is very likely to blow over in the near future.

Forest Gales analysis ForestGales Analysis is a pc-based wind risk model for British forests.

For detailed description of how the system works and the data sets used see ForestGales – Forestry Commission. The programme calculates the probability of average trees being damaged within a stand or compartment. Damage to the average tree implies that the stand as a whole will be substantially damaged. The data required to run ForestGales differs slightly depending on what kind of output is required, e.g., Individual stand mode for calculating risk to a stand at this moment in time, Temporal mode for calculating risk to a stand over time determining when that risk is most likely to occur in future and batch mode for dealing with one stand after another. The mode used in this analysis is temporal mode and the data required and obtained is species, soil type, cultivation, drainage characteristics, yield class, DAMS, initial spacing, forest edge data and thinning regime.

General Notes Contractor working with landscape manager/ecologist or landscape architect. The real need is for a specialist team of trained operatives who can work to a general breif, and who have not only some ecological expertise but also an eye for the landscape.Volunteers to maintain low productivity areas, with an ecological, and cultural landscape bias.Operations that need a high input of labour should be at a minumum.Mechanization should be introduced where possible, e.g easy use of mowing machines etc. and layout should enable this.Herbicides should only be used in a controlled fashion and used only where necessary.Plant species should be selected in such a way as to minimise maintenance, whilst at the same time having value either as a product or through its cultural or ecological associations.Soils should be taken into accounr, trying to reproduce downland on a fertile soil will only result in coarse and competive species taking over.Tree & shrub planting involves a much higher initial outlay than meadow establishment , but is recouped over a long period of 20 years or so.. Another alternative for large area is to use direct sowing of tree and shrub seeds, however a knowledge of germination and suitable conditions is needed and dealing with weeds can be a problem.Volunteers have little attraction towards formal maintenance, a few days mowing is a lot less fun than clearing scrub and having a good bonfire.Directly employed labour concentrate on a relatively narrow range of routine maintenace tasks.Naturalistic maintenance reauires a technical officer to oversee tasks.tends to centre around restoration projects or on countryside conservation.

11.Appendices Species Name

Common name

Centaurium erythrea Lathyrus pratensis Lotus corniculatus Prunella vulgaris Vicia cracca Viola tricolour Blackstonia perfoliata Dactylorhiza fuchsii Dactylorhiza purpurella Lathyrus nissolia

Common Centaury Meadow vetchling Birdsfoot trefoil Self heal Tufted vetch Wild pansy Yellow- wort Common spotted orchid Northern marsh orchid Grass vetchling

11.8 Conservation and planting guides

Species Rich Grassland Details

Main features of mix

Low nitrogen level, compacted substrate avoid deep cultivation. No soil improvement.

In seed mixes avoid rapid nitrogen fixers such as clover. Open sward with flowers. Many less common grasses are not available commercially and may be substituted by some modern turf grasses. Mid spring and early autumn are optimal times for sowing. Maintain as short sward for 2 seasons to cut of tall unwanted species (may involve up to 6 cuts per season). Afterwards 2or 3 cuts per year. Most herbs are summer flowering and the main cut is therefore timed for late summer to allow them to flower and set seed. A cut is also carried out early in the season to prevent any coarse grasses present from seeding. A third cut is sometimes necessary in late autumn. Cut at around 100m high

Trees of the area Beech Woods -free draining, more alkaline, dense shade, thin understorey at clearings and edges are Sanicula europeaSanicle, Asperula odorata-Woodruff and frageria vesca wild strawberery, enmdymion nonscriptusbluebells, mercurialis perennis dogs mercury, cephalanthera damasonium-white helleborine, neottia nidus avis -bird’s nest orchid.

Ashwoods – less shaded, acer campestremaple, ligustrinum vulgare-privet, viburnum lantana-wayfaring tree, Paris qaudrifolia-herb paris and mercurialis perennis-dogs mercury, in damper areas allium ursinum –ramsons and adoxa moschatellina- Moschatel occur Durmast Oakwood – poor acid soils, few shrubs usually honeysuckle,blackberries and holly and fewer groundplants. These include Teucrium scorodonia-wood sage and digitalis purpurea-foxglove and also vaccinium myrtillus-bilberry, solidago virgaurea-golden rod, various Hieracium sp. - hawkweeds and bracken

Stress – impoverished environment, shade, water = stress tolerators Disturbance –potential threat to exitence, mammal damage, pathogens, magement procedures = ruderals Competitive exclusion –dense cover, rapid growth, high mortality, resource depeletion =competitors

A thinning is late and light,thereby leading to the development of straight, closely-spaced trunks with little foilage below the high canopy.

B Early and heavy thinning alows the lateral spread of single trees which devlop a different form and creat large open spaces beneath a heavy low and arching canopy.

C Low woodland type – a cyclical coppice system, a dense mass of trunks at low level but still with a canopy above eye level.

D heavy thinning creates a high canopyt which lets in sufficient light to permit a one-level coppice understorey.

E A programme of thinning a copicing creates a variable layer of vegetation with great age diversity, the canopy controls light levels and shade tolerant species are needed.

Percentage Composition

Species in Mix

Woodland 1m centres; group planted with trees at 10-50 per group and shrubs at 5-10 per group; Alnus and Corylus planted randomly With occasional group

25 12.5 5 2.5 2.5 25 5 2.5 20

Quercus robur Fraxinus excelsior Prunus avium Pinus sylvestris Ulmus glabra Corylus avellana Ilex aquifolium Sambucus nigra Alnus glutinosa

Tall edge/ Hedgerow 1m or 0.75m centres;group-planted at 5-50 per group; Lonicera planted randomly; frequently froms edge to planting;percentage of Crataegus increased when used as a hedge

42.5 17.5 15 10 5 5 2.5 2.5

Crataegus monogyna Corylus avellana Prunus spinosa Alnus glutinosa Acer campestre Sambucus nigra Lonicera perciylmenum Salix caprea

Scrub 0.75m or 0.5m centres; main species group-planted at 5-30 per group; additional schrubs and trees randomly planted when included;forms blocks detatched from other planting mixes.

75-100

0-10

Crataegus monogyna Prunus spinosa Rosa canina Ulex europaeus Corylus avellana Ilex aquifolium Sambucus nigra Viburnum opulus Tree species

Light-demanding 1m centres; all species group-planted at 5-100 per group; may occasionally form edge to plantation; mostly group-coppices on rotation.

17.5 17.5 12.5 5 2.5 22.5 10 7.5 5

Alnus glutinosa Betula pendula Sorbus aucuparia Populus tremula Pinus sylvestris Corylus avellana Acer Campestre Sambucus nigra Ilex aquifolium

Low Edge 0.75m centres; all species group-planted at 5-30 per group; percentages and combinations may vary widely depending upon required; small-scale variation important

50

Rosa canina Rosa arvensis Crateagus monogyna Corylus avellana Prunus spinosa

0-15

30

20

Cornus sanguinea Ilex aquifolium Rosa pimpinellifolia Ulex europaeus Viburnum opulus

Bibliography WEB SITES General Forestry Information http://home.swipnet.se/~w-23598/forrest.htm http://www.forestry.com/cgi-bin/yawps/index.cgi http://www.forestry.gov.uk/ http://forestry.about.com/cs/treetips1/index.htm http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/Recreati.nsf/LUWebDocsByKe y/ScotlandHighlandSutherlandBorgie http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk - what type of land is suitable for planting new forests Avon forest http://www.southglos.gov.uk/open_spaces/walks.htm http://www.sirocco-software.fsnet.co.uk/bristolmtb/trail_foa.htm http://www.oursouthwest.com/Specialf/Forest of Avon/avon http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/Committee_Papers/Executive/WeeklyL ist29/03-ForestofAvon.htm http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ Avon Gateway Sites & RecRoutes Strategy.htm SW Area Analysis http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/docs/swchapter/section14/forestry http://www.oursouthwest.com/Wild_Hab/Countryside/Ash%20Map le%20Woodland/ashmaplE.htm http://www.somerset.gov.uk/enprop/minerals/geology.htm http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ Mendip Woodlands http://bathnes.go.uk/ A landscape character assessment North Somerset Local Plan Mendip Hills AONB (Charterhouse) DEFRA water quality –nitrates Research http://www.btinternet.com/~peter.tomlin/home_details.htm (royal Scottish forestry society) http://www.royagcol.ac.uk/research/theses/d_index.htm A review of multiple benefit forestry (Robert Maclaren dissertation) http://www.soton.ac.uk~paw196/the forestry commission http://www.parliament.the-stationeryoffice.co.uk/pa/cm200001/cmhansrd/vo010118/text/10118w02.htm United Kingdom Parliament Home PageWoodland [18 Jan 2001] Forestry species selection http://www.frenchayforestry.co.uk/pages/trees.htm

Local links for stockhill http://members.aol.com/priddyfolkfayre/index.htm http://members.tripod.com/wells_mendips/trip_a.htm http://www.wellsway.bathnes.sch.uk/news/ammonite/2002/2405 http://freespace.virgin.net/chris.green11/Environment_Club/Owl_S urvey.htm http://www.megalithic.co.uk/ http://www.cheddarsomerset.co.uk/Diary/September/Somerset Wildlife Trust.htm Stockhill forest http://www.Somerset.go.uk Stockhill-Priddy Mineries - Mendip Hills AONB Charterhouse Centre.mht Countryside Brochure.mht Green Issues http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/ http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/aonb/news0103.htm http://www.somerset.gov.uk/mendip/aonb/aonb/team.htm Mendip Hills JAC Annual Report 1999-2000.mht Planning http://www.irs.aber.ac.uk/als/netpage/lectures/localagenda.html http://www.nds.coi.gov.uk/coi/coipress.nsf/ Change of use of agricultural pasture to school playing field at Binegar VC Primary School Regulation Committee 2003 January 8 Item 6.mht Tourism http://www.mendipsociety.org.uk/index.shtml http://www.mbba.org.uk Celebrating Somerset - The Tourism Pages.mht Paths Gateway to walking sites on the net.mht Paths Monarch Way.mht Paths Rights of Way.mht Welcome to Roman Shepton Mallet.mht Mendip Hills AONB - Archaeological and Heritage Strategy.mht Economy http://www.mendip.gov.uk/ http://www.visitbritain.com/destinations/ SCC Publications - Quarries.mht County Council - Crushed Rock Aggregates.mht Somerset & Exmoor National Park Joint Structure Plan Review The Economy.mht The Scottish Office – new forests boost rural employment Map Sources http://www.magic.go.uk http://www.ordinancesurvey.gov.uk

DOCUMENTS Midlands Forest Management Plan 2000-2004 for east Ireland Dunnet Forest Management Plan 2001-2006 Scottish national Heritage Mendip District Council Priddy Pools, Chancellors farm, devils punchbowl (national heritage survey) Bath & Northeast Somerset Chapter 3 policies for the environment and natural resources.

Bristol water conservation report Mendip hills AONB newsletter Autumn 2002 (Charterhouse)

BOOKS Ben Law, The Woodland Way a permaculture approach to sustainable woodland management, permanent pub.,2001 B.E.Nicholson, S Ary M.Gregory,The Illustrrated book of wild flowers, peerage books,1960 Eleanor Lawrence, The Illiustrated book of trees and shrubs, octopus books,1985 Peter Bromley, Countryside Recreation a handbook for managers, E & FN SPON,1994 Ralph Cobham, Amenity landscape amanagement, E & FN SPON, 1990 Oliver w.r.lucas, the design of forest landscapes, oxford university press, 1991 A.D.Bradshaw, D.A.Goode and E.Thorp, Ecology and Design in Landscape, Blackwell scientific publications, 1986 Sylvia Crow DBE, The Landscape of forests and woods, forestry commision R.J.Davies, trees and weeds, weed control for successful establishment, Guidelines for the managemtn of broadleaved woodland, forestry commission