3. Woodlands, Trees and Hedgerows: Outcome and Measures

Desired Outcome 3

Woodlands, trees and hedgerows are in good ecological condition, supporting a diversity and abundance of key species. Tree and scrub cover is expanding to support nature and enhance the landscape

MEASURES For National Gov’ment  and/or Local Gov’ment

For ALBs  (NE, HE, EA, FC)

 

 For land owners and farmers For Conservation bodies and NGOs
3A Manage woodlands in line with UK Forestry Standard and bring existing woodlands and hedgerows into good condition

 

 

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3B Identify, survey, and deliver management plans for all remnant Atlantic or temperate rainforests, and ancient woodland

 

 

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3C Plant trees, woodlands (including riparian woodlands) and hedgerows to act as wildlife networks and natural solutions to climate change. Plant species that may be more resilient to climatic change, pests and diseases 

 

 

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3D Survey and retain existing significant / veteran trees in the landscape and plant new ones to act as habitat, stepping stones and future landscape features, in line with UKFS     ✔ ✔
3E Facilitate the natural growth and expansion of woodland and scrub habitat, especially to promote habitat connectivity

 

 

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3F Create areas of new parkland, wood pasture and agro-forestry ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
3G Improve the aftercare of planted trees, hedges and woodlands, including the responsible control of deer, grey squirrel and other pest species, and the removal of plastic guards where these have been necessary    ✔ ✔ ✔
3H Employ measures to minimise grazing, trampling or browsing animals on woodland ground flora, including fencing where appropriate   ✔ ✔ ✔
3I Support research into future woodland resilience to climate change, pests and diseases ✔ ✔   ✔
3J: Carry out woodland heritage assessments and surveys, and provide appropriate management of woodland heritage features where these exist   ✔ ✔ ✔

Champion Species: black grouse, pied flycatcher, hard fern, brown long-eared bat

Targets 

PLTOF Target 1 allocation for Forest of Bowland: to create more than 275 ha of wildlife rich habitat per year (outside of SSSI) i.e. 4700 ha by 2042.

PTLOF Target 8 Forest of Bowland allocation: 50 ha per year of woodland and tree canopy to be created in Forest of Bowland, totalling 750 ha by 2040 

PLTOF Targets supported: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

 

Additional Nature Recovery Plan Targets (2040)

  • 5,300 ha of woodland is being actively managed to increase its wildlife value 
  • Atlantic oak woodland is surveyed to assess condition and current extent and is expanded in area.
  • Veteran, ancient and other field trees are surveyed and recorded, and have new succession trees planted alongside them.