Deciduous woodland conservation | Barnsley Biodiversity Plan

Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats Woodland Deciduous woodland Conservation

Biodiversity

Action

Plan

Mixed Deciduous Woodland Conservation

Barnsley’s woodland cover at almost 10% is about the same as the national average, far less than in many European countries. Our semi-natural deciduous woodland is even less at 7%, 2260 ha, and much of this is not managed for biodiversity.

Causes of loss or decline of Deciduous Woodland habitat

Replacing native trees by conifers took place until the 1980s.
Cessation of older management practices such as coppicing has led to a reduction in structural diversity within the woods.
Unsympathetic management - felling rates, choice of broadleaf species planted or working methods - can reduce biodiversity.
Damage caused by inappropriate ‘off-piste’ use of woodland for mountain biking or motorcycling and 4x4 drive trials. .
Expansion of exotic species such as Rhododendron shades out ground layers and eliminates much of the biodiversity interest.
Invasive species and diseases - and pollution - can cause damage.
Development pressures can damage woodland and reduce its extent.

Legal protection

National policies have a presumption against clearance of or development on semi-natural woodland.

The NPPF strengthens the protection of ‘irreplaceable’ ancient woodland. Standing Advice has been issued on protecting ancient woodland.

Thinning or clearance of woodland requires a felling licence from the Forestry Commission and this will stipulate type and level of restocking.

Although there are no specific woodland SSSIs in Barnsley, woodland identified as LWS has a presumption against permission for change of use.

Individual or groups of trees may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders.

Felling and management where protected species are present may commit offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Protected species include all breeding birds and all species of bats. Licences may be needed from Natural England.

Good management practice

Assessing the woodland in sections to set management objectives.
Managing the woodland in stages, with sections phased over years.
Maintaining a varied structure of older trees and younger growth, and retaining a range of dead wood, both standing and fallen.
Managing the under-storey, including removing invasive non-native species, and controlling bracken and bramble.
Thinning to let in light, creating and maintaining open areas, including well-structured grassy glades and rides.
Retaining wet areas and water courses.
Using natural regeneration after felling, or replanting with native trees.
Connecting woodland sites to other priority habitat sites if possible with for example more woodland, hedgerows and semi-natural grassland.

Note: The online Woodland Wildlife Toolkit (2019) gives information on different aspects of managing woodland for wildlife. It includes proformas for assessing woodland condition and for planning its management.