Forestry policy to safeguard ancient woodland
Millions of conifers and other non-native species of trees will be gradually removed from the English landscape over the next twenty years, under the Government’s new forestry policy.
Native species such as oak, ash and beech will replace them according to a new policy statement on England’s native and ancient woodlands.
Forestry Minister Jim Knight said the new policy represented a significant shift in the emphasis of forestry activities in England.
“Native and ancient woodlands make up around half of England’s total woodland area and are home to some of our rarest wildlife, provide excellent educational and recreation opportunities, and are a source of hardwood timber and other renewable resources,” said Mr Knight.
The policy will address the threats posed to England’s ancient and native woodland including shading from planted conifers, overgrazing by deer and livestock, competition from ‘alien’ species, pollution from agriculture and the effects of climate change.
It recognises that ancient woodlands provide employment opportunities, renewable resources, contribute to flood management and host an abundance of wildlife.
“We need a strong policy framework to ensure ancient woodland, veteran trees and other native woodlands are adequately protected, sustainably managed, and provide a wide range of social, environmental and economic benefits to our communities,” Mr Knight added.
The policy provides for new native woodland to be created to buffer or link the many small fragments of woodland that are spread throughout the country.
Lord Clark, chairman of the Forestry Commission, which is charged with implementing the new strategy, said: “It is now time to significantly raise the profile and importance of ancient woodland by placing it at the heart of our policies on woodlands and forestry. Our ancient and semi-natural woodlands are the jewels in the crown of English forestry, and protecting and enhancing them will now be a high priority.”
Ancient woodland makes up around 30 per cent of England’s 1.1 million hectares of woodland.
