Tree Strategy for the Upper Dearne Woodlands
Introduction
This document summarises the long-term strategy for tree management in the Upper Dearne Woodlands. The overall objective of the strategy, as defined in the Addendum 2002 to the Management Plan, is:
To manage the tree population of the woods in order to ensure the long-term survival and health of the woodlands.
Background
Although classified as ancient woodlands, ie woods have (in all probability) always existed on this site, almost all of the trees have been harvested and replanted at some time in the past. One beneficial result of this historical process is the different characters of different parts of the woods and the variety of habitats and atmospheres that now exist.
However, the negative result of the process is that in many areas of the woods the trees are mostly of very similar ages. They were planted at the same time, have matured at the same time and can be expected to die at approximately the same time (within a few decades of each other).
Another factor in some areas, common to all beech woodlands, is that the dense canopy prevents light reaching the woodland floor and hence also inhibits regeneration of young tree seedlings and saplings. This produces the impressive ‘cathedral-like’ atmosphere that is so distinctive. At the same time, it causes a problem for the future.
Every expert who has visited the woods has advised us that some short term felling is essential, in order to encourage more regeneration.
Strategy
The woodland has been divided into seven areas, each with a different character, different issues and hence requiring a different approach.
I. Green Wood and eastern end of New House Wood
Objective. Retain traditional beech woodland with its ‘cathedral-like’ atmosphere.
Issue(s). All trees same age, little regeneration. Some invasion by sycamores. Dense shade over the Dearne. Rhododendrons and laurel.
Actions. Remove sycamore saplings, and seedlings as they occur.
Limit rhododendrons to pond area (see below).
Consider selective felling by Dearne to diversify habitats.
II. Burn Wood
Objective. Manage primarily for the benefit of wood ants.
Issue(s). Lack of knowledge about the requirements of the wood ants. Sycamore invasion. Conifers all of an age and too closely planted. Oaks are surviving and regenerating but suffering from competition.
Initial Action. Commission research into the foraging behaviour of the wood ants to determine which species of trees are important to them.
Proposed Actions. (To be reviewed once wood ant research is complete.) Remove all sycamore except woodland edge, by felling or ring barking.
Thinning of larch (carefully, to minimise likelihood of consequent wind damage).
Encourage regeneration of oak, larch, scots pine and spruce. To achieve this, consider either controlling bracken or planting locally sourced saplings (taller than the bracken).
Create glade(s) along the Dearne by felling sycamores and/or selected beech.
III. Burn Wood/Green Wood
(The area of near-natural woodland on the steep slope between these woods.)
Objective. Preserve as near natural as possible.
Issues. Sycamore and beech invasion. Difficulty of felling without major damage to retained trees.
Actions. Felling or ring barking of sycamore and remove any future sycamore or beech seedlings. Remove any non-native species.
Otherwise leave to nature.
IV. New House Wood (western end)
Objective. Retain beech/oak mix.
Issue(s). Sycamore invasion. Some conifers along southern boundary which have been adopted by a few nests of wood ants. Dense shading over the Dearne. Little regeneration.
Actions. No urgent actions, but consider:
- Removal of sycamore saplings and seedlings.
- Selective felling to encourage beech/oak regeneration.
- Open up areas of the Dearne by selective felling (see also Burn Wood).
V. Pond Area
Objective. Retain ornamental Victorian nature of this area.
Issue(s). Rhododendron straggling and spreading. Laurel spreading.
Actions. Management of rhododendron to encourage healthy growth, a small area at a time. Cutting back of laurel.
Monitor and manage regeneration of beech and oak to ensure a diverse mix.
VI. Lower Stephen Wood
Objective. Retain present character and manage for benefit of the wood ants.
Issue(s). Rhododendron cover. Some sycamore invasion.
Actions. Reduce area of rhododendron cover and prune for healthy growth.
Remove sycamore saplings and seedlings on the south of Park Dike.
VII. Stephen Wood
Objective. Retain present character.
Issue(s). Sycamore invasion. Beech all of similar age with little regeneration.
Actions. Reduce/eliminate sycamore south of Park Dike, except along woodland edge.
Manage the existing glade to develop/retain current status.
Create an additional glade in the boggy area north of Park Dike by felling sycamores.
Upper Dearne Woodlands Conservation Group August 2002