Creating new woodland - an introduction to our case study

The map illustrates the new planting (light grey) that adjoins the existing ancient semi-natural woodland (light green).

The new planting consists of six coups with interlinking rides to the existing wood. The coups are marked simply as "1" to "6" and in total amount to 10 acres.

Combined with the 25 acres of existing woodland the whole area creates the potential for a "working wood" with five acres being coppiced on a seven year cycle.

 
   
1993 / 1994
   

In early 1993 the idea to create "new" ancient woodland adjoining the ancient semi-natural woodland was conceived. Planting was to commence as restoration coppicing in the ancient semi-natural woodland began.

The 10 acre arable field adjoining the ancient semi-natural woodland would be converted under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS) where a matrix of closely spaced hazel would act as an understory to the standard trees. The trees and shrubs were to be planted on a 2 metre spacing in accordance with good aboricultural practice and double that required under scheme rules. In the fullness of time the scheme would provide "new" woodland that would be largely indestinguishable from the ancient woodland adjoining.

To encourage the regeneration of the existing woodland after the first restoration cut and to prevent deer and rabbit damage to the new woodland, the entire area was to be fenced.

The scheme met with the enthusiasm and support of local environmental groups, The Forest Authority and the local County Council. Despite this the scheme was rejected by MAFF who ruled that the matrix of hazel throughout the new planting was inadmissable on the grounds that money could be made from its coppicing during the FWPS life.

Those associted with forestry will understand that coppicing hazel within the 15 years of a FWPS is a cost related activity, not an income generator. Further that if hazel coppicing was profitable, why had the craft declined to the point where barely a few hundred acres were left in regular cycle and where grant aid was required to maintain the industry?

No matter; the scheme remained rejected until April 1994 when approval was granted subject to the hazel content being lowered to 5% of the overall planting. The story that follows is told at nature's pace.