Representation by Forestry Commission (Forestry Commission)
- Date submitted
- 13 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
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). It is Government policy to refuse development that will result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats including ancient woodland, unless “there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists” (National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 175). Whilst Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are not subject to the NPPF it sets out the importance of these irreplaceable habitats. Freeholt woods and Burbage Woods are on the boundary of the proposed site, both are Ancient Semi Natural Woodlands. While they are not within the site, they can still be impacted due to their proximity. We have assessed the CEMP, LEMP, Ecological Mitigation and Management Plan (EMMP) containing the mitigation measures and in particular note the dust and lighting management plans. These will be of particular importance during the construction phase when dust needs to be minimised so that it does not affect the woodlands and it is important that no part of the ancient woodland is illuminated by lighting. We note there will be buffer zones between the woodland and the proposed development and that root protection areas will be established. It is essential that machinery, fuels, chemicals, or waste materials such as topsoil, minerals or?hard-core?are not stored on 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 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 or advice on planting buffer zone, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best wishes Sandra J Squire