Representation by Forestry Commission (Forestry Commission)
- Date submitted
- 20 June 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Thank you for consulting the Forestry Commission on this project. As the Governments forestry experts, we endeavour to provide as much relevant information to enable the project to reduce any impact on irreplaceable habitat such as Ancient\semi natural Woodland as well as other woodland. We have assessed the route map of the proposed order limits, together with other documentation and can confirm there is no Ancient woodland within the order limit. However, the route does appear to approach the Plantation on Ancient woodland site of Simon’s wood on one edge. Ancient woodlands are irreplaceable habitats, this applies equally to Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW) and Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). We would refer you to further technical information set out in Natural England and Forestry Commission’s Standing Advice on Ancient Woodland – plus supporting Assessment Guide and “Keepers of Time” – Ancient and Native Woodland and Trees Policy in England, in particular the details regarding buffer zones for Ancient woodlands. For ancient woodlands, there should be a buffer zone of at least 15 metres to avoid root damage. Where assessment shows other impacts are likely to extend beyond this distance, you’re likely to need a larger buffer zone. For example, the effect of air pollution from development that results in a significant increase in traffic. We also note there are four areas of lowland mixed deciduous woodland within the order limits: 1.09ha at approximate location TM 1992 2042 0.6ha at approximate location TM 1978 2100 Corridor crosses 1.59ha at approximate location TM 1530 2492 Corridor crosses the edge of 1.87ha at approximate location TM 1908 2251 Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodlands are on the Priority Habitat Inventory (England). They were recognized under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan has now been superseded but this priority status remains under the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006. (NERC) Sect 40 “Duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity” and Sect 41 – “List of habitats and species of principle importance in England”. We note the intention stated in both the Arboricultural Report and the Outline Landscape and Ecological Plan for the intention to use trenchless crossing techniques and horizontal directional drilling techniques to avoid any effects on the woodland. This would be preferable as a scheme that bisects any woodland will not only result in significant loss of woodland cover but will also reduce the ecological value and natural heritage impacts due to habitat fragmentation, and have a huge negative impact on the ability of the biodiversity (flora and fauna) to respond to the impacts of climate change. Fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to lowland mixed deciduous woodland. Woodlands can suffer loss or deterioration from nearby development, from buildings or roads, through damage to soils, roots and vegetation and changes to drainage and air pollution from an increase in traffic. Also from increasing disturbance to wildlife from noise and light pollution. We would also like you to note there are some small strips of woodland within order limits, at approximate location of TM 0757 2923 that is still under obligation to one of our legacy grant schemes. The landowner is expected to meet all of the Terms and Conditions of the agreement contract. Failure to do so is likely to require the Forestry Commission to seek to recover all of the relevant grant that has been paid in order to prevent public money being wasted. We note the plans for the planting of native woodland belts with the intention of connecting existing hedgerows and woodlands to create green networks. Although these are being used primarily for screening purposes. With Government aspirations to plant 30,000 ha of woodland per year across the UK by 2025. There may also be the opportunity to create some larger woodland blocks to increase connectivity and biodiversity across the wider site, especially in the areas adjacent to the lowland mixed deciduous woodland blocks. The biosecurity of all planting stock needs to be considered to avoid the introduction of pests and diseases. Woodlands need to be climate, pest and disease resilient. Plans should also be in place for the long term management and maintenance of any new woodland, with access needing to be considered for future management. We hope these comments have been useful to you. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best wishes Sandra Squire