Representation by Forestry Commission (Forestry Commission)
- Date submitted
- 14 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Thank you for consulting the Forestry Commission on this proposal. 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 trees and woodland. We are particularly concerned about any impact on Ancient Semi natural woodland. Ancient woodland is an irreplaceable habitat. They have great value because they have a long history of woodland cover, great biodiversity and often many heritage features that remain undisturbed. This applies equally to Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW) and Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). The Ancient Replanted Woodland of Kidney Wood borders the Northern Roundabout of the A1081/New Airport Way. The roundabout is currently approximately 40 metres from the edge of the woodland. With the proposed widening of the circulatory carriageway, this brings the edge of the order limits to within approximately 20m of the Ancient Woodland. For Ancient Woodlands, there should be a buffer zone of at least 15 metres to avoid root damage. We note plans mention the use of Construction Exclusion Zones and fencing to protect trees. This is essential to prevent damage or compaction of soil around the tree roots for example by machinery during widening works. It is also essential that fuels, chemicals or waste materials such as topsoil, minerals or hard core are not stored on the Ancient woodland soils or under the woodland canopy. Due to the irreplaceable nature of Ancient Woodland, most ‘temporary’ uses will result in irreplaceable damage. The small Ancient Woodland of Winchill Wood is within the development site. We note that while the wood will be protected and will remain, it will also be next to the proposed new car park. We have concerns regarding the potential for dust pollution which may affect both Winchill Wood and Kidney Wood during the construction phase and would recommend measures to reduce dust on site such as dampening down tracks be undertaken. We would recommend that a buffer strip is planted between the car park and Winchill Wood to reduce potential noise and light pollution of the Ancient Woodland. 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. Where possible, a buffer zone should contribute to wider ecological networks and be part of the green infrastructure of the area. It should consist of semi-natural habitats such as woodland or a mix of scrub, grassland, heathland and wetland planting. Buffer zones should be planted with a local and appropriate species mix. We would also recommend that all lighting of the car park is directional so not to illuminate the Ancient woodland and that any drainage for the car park is not directed into the woodland or interrupts the drainage into or out of the woodland. The species and provenance of new trees and woodland planted in mitigation and to help buffer the Ancient woodland, must be carefully considered to maintain the ecological value of ancient woodland but also to establish a more resilient ‘treescape’ which can cope with the full implications of a changing climate. Particular care must be taken to ensure that in planting new trees and woodland, biosecurity is robust to avoid the introduction of pests and diseases to the Ancient Woodlands. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me Sandra J Squire