ASHFORD COMMUNITY WOODLAND

MANAGEMENT PLAN 2012-2016

Contents

Introduction...... 2 Key site information ...... 2 Site principles ...... 2 Site description summary ...... 2 Legal ...... 3 Site Account...... 5 Access ...... 6 Facilities ...... 6 Transport links ...... 6 Site issues ...... 7 Costing ...... 8 Volunteers ...... 8 Key features on site...... 8 Secondary woodland ...... 9 Grassland habitat ...... 11 Scrub habitat (transition habitats) ...... 12 Hedgerows ...... 13 Site infrastructure ...... 14 Wildlife ...... 15 Public Engagement ...... 16 Future projects...... 17 Management aims and objectives ...... 17 Annexes ...... 1 Annex 1...... 1 Annex 2...... 1 Annex 3...... 3 Annex 4...... 4 Annex 5...... 8 Annex 7...... 15 Annex 8...... 16 Glossary ...... 17

Version 1

This document supersedes the 2009-2012 ACW management plan. Updates to this plan are five yearly. Changes may be made during this time therefore for most recent version please contact. [email protected] .

Introduction

Ashford Community Woodland (ACW) is managed for people and wildlife. The woodland is owned by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and management lead by Ashford Community Woodland Steering Group (ACWSG), a group of volunteers who give their free time to look after this space. The woodland is managed in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) (formally British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and organisations including the Kentish Stour Countryside Project (KSCP) and The Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT).

ACW woodland is open access and free for people to use and enjoy.

Key site information

Site Name Ashford Community Woodland Location 2.2km South West of Ashford. Singleton Hill (Bucksford Lane) Ashford, Kent Bethersden Farmlands Landscape area within Low Weald Character Area. Grid ref TQ 986 413 Administrative boundary Ashford Borough Council, Great Chart Parish. Land tenure/Ownership Ashford Borough Council Management Ashford Community Woodland steering group (volunteers, ABC and TCV). Area (ha) 14.7 (35 acres) Elevation Highest point in South Ashford, 70m above ordnance datum. Designations None ( LNR at draft stage) Brief description of key Two areas bisected by Buxford Lane (merging into Singleton hill). features Semi natural broadleaf woodland (planted), scrub, mixed hedgerows and lowland meadows. Housing developments border the site to north and east, agricultural land to south west and designated traveller site to the south. The Singleton Environment Centre is located to the south east. Secure car park, pedestrian gates, sculptures and footpaths. Blocks Far-Away Wood, Fox Wood, Squirrel Wood, The Triangle, Carpark, Robin Wood, Dragonfly Wood, Lizard Wood, Lark Meadow, Sylvia’s Meadow, Slow-worm Wood, Kestrel Wood, Butterfly Meadow Management 1. Far-Away Meadow, 2. Far-Away Wood, 3. Fox Wood, 4.Fox Wood Meadow, Compartments: 5. Squirrel Wood, 6. The Triangle, 7. Lark Meadow, 8. Sylvia’s Meadow, 9. Robin Wood, 10. Dragonfly Wood, 11. Slow-worm Wood, 12. Lizard Wood, 13. Kestrel Wood, 14. Butterfly Meadow, 15. Kestrel Scrub, 16. Car park. See Annex 1 for map and Annex 2 for compartment descriptions. Nearby Green space Coleman’s Kitchen Wood, Great Chart field, Singleton Lake (part of Ashford (within 5km) Green corridor LNR), Ashford Warren LNR (Kent Wildlife Trust), Hothfield Common LNR, SSSI (KWT), Cuckoo Woods, Great Chart Field and Willesborough Dykes.

Figure 1. Site location map

Figure 2. Site map showing area names and paths, with footpaths in red.

Site principles

Enhance the site for wildlife and allow natural processes to direct management. Give due regard to wildlife on site. Encourage responsible public use of woodlands. Monitor site, record changes and evaluate management regularly. Work collaboratively and support like-minded groups. Encourage volunteering and education on site and empower volunteers.

Site description summary

Ashford Community woodland was originally set aside by Ashford Borough Council to celebrate the Millennium. ACW lies south west of Ashford in the Singleton area next to new housing estates and agricultural fields. The amenity site consists of semi natural broadleaf woodland planted as shelterbelt in 1985, new woodland planting in 2000-2004, planted and naturally established mixed scrub, and lowland meadow areas. The site was designed with input from local residents and broad areas were all named by local people. The site is designed to be managed primarily for wildlife and for use by the general public.

The site is mainly flat with slight slopes away from the high point Butterfly Meadow. As the highest point in south Ashford at 70 metres the site provides excellent views over Ashford, with the Wye Crown and Kent Downs visible on a clear day. The site is situated next to an official traveller site.

The site is accessible for visitors via informal and formal footpaths, which are surfaced to be accessible to all users. The gates on site are all RADAR accessible for wheelchair users. On site there is also informal seating, dog bins, interpretation boards and sculptures. There is a secured car park which can be used when needed for events and task days. The nearby environment centre also has a car park with 35 spaces, a licensed café and bar, toilets and three meeting rooms/classrooms. Ashford TCV and the Ashford Green Gym are both based at the centre, and help to manage the woodland.

Site management is led by a dedicated volunteer group called the Ashford Community Woodland Group who conduct monthly task days, these task days are supplemented by Green Gym, and learners attending diploma training courses run by the Conservation Volunteers who conduct conservation tasks at regular intervals on site. The steering group organise additional task days in the summer months to manage the meadow areas. The steering group meet regularly, usually six times a year including an annual general meeting to discuss site management. Representatives of the group attend the Ashford Nature Conservation Forum meetings to maintain and promote links and shared understandings between the various nature conservation organisations in Ashford.

Management at the woodland so far has focused on habitat creation and low level management with hand tools. The woodland is now well established, tree planting having been completed 2000-3. Now more focused management is needed to control, maintain and enhance the value of the habitats on site for wildlife, and ensure the site is visitor friendly. The site management priorities are: opening up the woodland blocks, scrub management, meadow management, widening the access tracks and hedgerow management. In addition to these better coordinated working with TCV and the Green Gym is a key priority. Coordinated regular monitoring of the site is for recording to assist evaluation of management

The site has a few issues and has experienced some fly tipping, unauthorised vehicular access and overgrazing by travellers’ horses in the past; however this is now much reduced in recent years. A new ditch and bund along the perimeter of the site is working well to stop vehicular access.

Legal

There are several laws which may affect work on site. Site managers should be aware of these and comply with them. This will, in practise, affect timings and methods of operations on site, for example scrub management should be restricted until after the bird nesting season, and meadow cutting should be conducted in a way to avoid harming widespread reptiles.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended):

The Act makes it an offence (with exception to species listed in Schedule 2) to intentionally: kill, injure, or take any wild bird, take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built (also [take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird included in Schedule ZA1] under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006), or take or destroy an egg of any wild bird. The Act makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild animal listed on Schedule 5, and prohibits interference with places used for shelter or protection, or intentionally disturbing animals occupying such places. The Act also prohibits certain methods of killing, injuring, or taking wild animals.

The Act makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to intentionally) pick, uproot or destroy any wild plant listed in Schedule 8, or any seed or spore attached to any such wild plant (only under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004); unless the authorised person; to intentionally, or recklessly (only under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004) uproot any wild plant not included in Schedule 8; to sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess (for the purposes of trade), any live or dead wild plant included in Schedule 8, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant. NB: Bluebell is included in schedule 8.

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 which implement EC Directive 92/43/EEC (“the Habitats Directive”) make it an offence deliberately to capture, kill, disturb a European Protected Species or to damage or destroy their breeding site or resting place. The species involved are listed on Natural England’s (country agency) website.

Animals from this list present at ACW that need to be considered are:

Bats, typical (all species) Dormouse Great crested newt (or warty)

The Weeds Act, 1959

This Act applies to five injurious weeds: Common Ragwort, Spear Thistle, Creeping or Field Thistle, Broad Leaved Dock and Curled Dock. Under the Weeds Act 1959 the Secretary of State may serve an enforcement notice on the occupier of land on which injurious weeds are growing, requiring the occupier to take action to prevent their spread.

ACW should therefore take steps as responsible land managers to control spread of injurious weeds, particularly ragwort.

The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986

This act controls what pesticides may be used and when. There are health and safety implications for humans using them. Appropriate training should be given and Personal protective equipment (PPE) worn.

Hedgerows Regulations 1997

Important Hedgerows (as defined in the regulations) are protected from removal and destruction. Local planning authority permission is required before an important hedgerow can be removed.

The Forestry (Felling of Trees) Regulations 1979 as amended and the Forestry Act 1967

The quantity of trees cut is controlled under the regulations. The forestry commission have produced guidance on the amount that may be cut yearly. Felling over this amount will require a felling licence from Forestry Commission.

The following do not need a licence: Lopping and pruning; felling trees with a diameter at breast height (1.3m) of 8cm or less; thinning those which have diameter of 10cm or less and coppice trees under 15cm or less. Woodlands are subject to legal protection and a felling licence may be needed for forestry operations. Please refer to the Forestry Commission for up to date regulatory information on woodlands, and Natural England on protected species and areas. The council will have information on tree preservation orders and statutory and non statutory designations.

In any calendar quarter*, you may fell up to 5 cubic metres on your property without a licence as long as no more than two cubic metres are sold

(*1 Jan to 31 March, 1 April to 30 June, 1 July to 30 September and 1 October to 31 December.)

The Animal Welfare Act 2006

This prevents the unnecessary suffering of animals when under the control of man. In the context of the woodland this would apply to animals for which a person is responsible e.g. when monitoring animals using traps. This is applicable to any animal which is capable of experiencing pain or suffering. Trapping should be carried out by a suitably qualified person using approved techniques; this is particularly relevant to shrews which can die in traps if traps are not correctly baited with invertebrate food for them.

Site Account

Ashford Community Woodland and Great Chart Field were both set aside as community-led conservation projects by Ashford Borough Council to celebrate the Millennium. At the start of the project Singleton Hill was an arable field with a shelter belt planted in 1985. Some areas were neglected and were being used by unauthorised vehicles, and for fly tipping. ABC worked in partnership with TCV (then BTCV) to take the project forward, involving local residents, including Chilmington caravan site residents, in the process with the intention of forming a self-managing local steering group. ACW volunteers, ABC, TCV, The Woodland Trust, Kentish Stour Countryside Project and the Kent Probation Service were all involved in the construction of the two sites and removal of fly tipping and burnt-out cars. Ten site management blocks were designed and named after animals seen on site.

Tree planting commenced in 2000 with Kestrel Wood, followed by Slow-worm, Lizard and Fox Wood in 2001-2002, and the Triangle in Feb 2003. Approx 5ha of native broadleaf woodland was successfully planted to add to the 2.5ha approx currently existing as shelterbelt. Tree species planted included: oak, ash, hornbeam, field maple, goat willow, holly, beech, hawthorn, wild cherry and guelder rose. Blackthorn, spindle, holly and bramble were also planted. Trees were of local provenance. A mixed hedgerow was planted in Lark Meadow, the Triangle and Fox Wood next to the bordering housing. Of the existing shelterbelt Robin Wood has received some thinning in 2005, and hazel coppiced in 2006. Approx. 1/3 of Dragonfly Wood was thinned in 2010/11, and the remaining in 2012. Approx. half of Faraway Wood was thinned in 2011/12.

ABC commissioned a number of oak sculptures which were installed at the community woodland in 2006. Interpretation signs were organised through Kentish Stour Countryside Project and installed on site.

Due to its suitability ACW was selected as a receptor site for reptile translocation. Lizard Wood , together with Slow-Worm Wood and Butterfly Meadow (see below), were used as receptor sites for reptile translocation from the old Templar Barracks (now Repton Park development) and the old Ashford Hospital in 2004 and 2005-7, and hibernacula were built by the (former) BTCV to accommodate them in 2008. Lark Meadow was also the site for reptile translocation following a small residential development at Hopkins Field in central Ashford. Reptile mats were placed around the site, and have been monitored four times yearly by TCV (this is needed due to a planning condition until 2015).

Wooden fencing was erected by developers along the boundaries of ACW when the housing developments next to the woodland were built

The site has seven wooden sculptures, including leaves falling by Peter Leadbeater and a series of sculptures by Will Glanfield that form way markers and seating.

ACWSG has managed Ashford Community Woodland since 2003. Great Chart Field is now managed by the Woodland Trust.

In addition to involvement in the woodland, ACWSG contributed to the plans for the Singleton Environment Centre which opened in 2008, and is now the base for TCV Kent. The TCV and Green Gym at the Singleton Environment Centre have a symbiotic relationship with ACWSG, the Environment Centre provides a venue for ACW site management meetings, and provides a focus for events. ACWSG shares tools and tool storage shed with TCV. The insufficient storage is limiting work

at the woodland as it prevents the group from having its own power scythe to use for meadow management, and brush cutters for scrub management.

Since completion, the site has established well. Several developments have improved the site. The open boundary between Ashford Community Woodland and Kent County Council (KCC) land which left the woodland open to flipping and grazing has been reinforced with a ditch and bund in 2011 to prevent these activities. Grazing by traveller horses has much reduced as a result of a combination of the reinforced boundaries, and enforcement through a bailiff. The meadow areas are recovering well from overgrazing, and public safety is improved on site. Several other changes in management have been made: notably, since 2010, the woodland blocks have been thinned using chainsaw and hand tools to improve the structure and allow more light down to the ground, and the meadow areas are also being cut once yearly to maintain the open meadow habitat, and enhance the site for wildlife. More targeted management is planned to enhance the hedgerows and scrub.

ACWSG is now leading on an application to get the site designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This is hoped to be in place in 2013.

Access

Two public footpaths cross the site (AW 231 and AW 232) and a bridleway (AW 244). There is a network of formal surfaced paths, and informal paths. The site has ten access points of which three are suitable for vehicles. The entrances are: three kissing gates which are RADAR accessible, one bridle gate, one horse stile and two vehicle gates. There are also five open entrances in the boundary. A map showing access is provided at the entrance to the car park for visitor reference. Access is shown in the appendix.

Facilities

The site has two dog bins, one at the car park and one at Fox Wood. These are regularly emptied by council contractors. Large logs at the entrance to the woodland serve as informal seating, and the ‘crown’ sculpture is also a seat.

Singleton Environment Centre is accessible from the woodland during working hours through a gate at Butterfly Meadow. The centre has a cafe which serves hot and cold food and has a bar licence. There are toilets and hand washing facilities at the centre, and three meeting rooms.

The site has seven wooden sculptures. A set of oak sculptures created in 2006 by Will Glanfield form way markers and seating over the site. Sculptures are designed to lead to the next visually. ‘Rising’ oak in Fox Wood was the first installed on site and ‘the Crown’ forms the centre point. Peter Leadbeater’s ‘Leaves’ falling’ (aka ‘the Totem’) was created in 2004 from an oak that was felled to make way for a housing development on the condition that it would be made into art. It features the words of local people carved into the wood. Each of the ten management blocks has its own wooden name sign, the majority of which are still present and in good order. The site has three Interpretation boards (out of a total of six) remaining due to vandalism. However, this has much reduced in recent years and the group hope to install new interpretation boards if the LNR application is successful.

Transport links

The site is well served by public transport. There is a regular bus service that stops at the top of Singleton Hill a short walk from ACW. National Cycle route 18 also passes the community woodland, up Buxford Lane, and the nearby Stour Valley walk at the bottom of Singleton Hill provides an off road walking and cycling route all the way to the town centre.

The site has a locked car park that can be used by prior arrangement and can hold approximately fifteen cars. Access is currently restricted to the regular task days and special events. The car park’s gravel surface is sprayed when needed to prevent vegetation encroachment so access is suitable for users and vehicles. There is also an accessible car park at the TCV Environment Centre with thirty five spaces, and there is also nearby residential areas where cars can park if needed.

Site issues

Vandalism

As with any urban site Ashford Community Woodland does suffer from occasional vandalism to the site and installations. Information boards and seating are regularly inspected for damage. Interpretation signs are metal so are very resistant, however the transparent panel covering can still be a target. Future installations chosen should be vandal proof. Careful management such as keeping grass, brash and log piles small and discrete will help to prevent vandalism such as setting fire to these features

Fly tipping

The site has been targeted by fly tippers, who usually dump rubbish around the entrances, particularly on KCC land at the south boundary of Fox Wood. This creates concerns for the safety of walkers, and also was a major eye sore. Volunteer time has been taken up clearing rubbish rather than actual conservation management. Measures have been taken to prevent and restrict this by creating vehicle-proof boundaries. A new ditch and bund was built in autumn 2010 which blocks access for vehicles from KCC land. The entrance way is unfortunately still open on the Kent County Council land so it still receives fly tipping. It is hoped a new gate will further prevent this, and a hedge planted on the new ditch and bund will help to screen it from the side of the woodland.

Vehicles

Unauthorised vehicles had been a major problem on site, but again this has been restricted by securing the site perimeter. Vehicle access was often related to the unauthorised grazing on site. Access now only occurs at Fox Wood, the horse stile here has received some vandalism but this has been repaired and the stile kept padlocked.

Grazing

The site has been used for unauthorized horse grazing. Initially liaison with travellers who had responsibility for the horses was attempted in a view to form a grazing arrangement which mutually benefits both parties. Unfortunately difficulties controlling numbers and frequency of horses grazing resulted in overgrazing of the site, damage to trees and an increased risk to site users so this was concluded to be counterproductive. The council requested that this grazing be stopped; however this decision was unheeded and, despite much time and effort on the part of the council to resolve the issue voluntarily, enforcement is now seen as the only practical alternative. The group is keen to work with the Chilmington travellers if at all possible and involve them in the project, as part of the community of the local area. Securing the site perimeter has helped to reduce this unwanted

activity, and the council have employed a bailiff to enforce the law, placed site notices on entrance gates and liaised directly with the traveller community.

Storage for tools

Currently the activities that the group undertake are limited due to the size of the storage facilities at the Singleton Environment Centre. The group is fortunate to have access to a shed which will hold basic hand tools, however the site management that can be achieved using just hand tools is severely limiting the group’s ability to fulfil its aims and objective in the management plan. The group would benefit greatly from its own power scythe with hay rake attachment so that meadow management can be achieved to effectively control scrub, and enhance the value for wildlife, and also a brush cutter so that thicker scrub can be cut on rotation to create better opportunities for scrub species on site, including nightingale, which is a bird of conservation concern. An additional storage shed next to the existing ones at the Singleton Environment Centre would work well as it is next to the woodland, and by being next to existing storage it will allow TCV to share the tools, and help maintain them as part of the diploma group course. This would also work well logistically with ACW volunteer task days which would otherwise need to be shortened to allow more time for tool pick up, resulting in less time for conservation work.

Costing

The majority of the work on site is done by volunteers. Costs of labour will therefore be kept to a minimum and are dictated by the steering group’s management plan. Outline costs for tools and other items are set out in the site prescriptions in this management plan. Main costs will be machinery, and tool hire. Ongoing maintenance will be the main costs once these initial items are purchased.

Volunteers

The group have practical task days once a month and steering group meetings about six times a year TCV Kent helps manage the woodland through its practical based diploma programmes, survey the reptiles on site four times yearly, and is invited to the steering group meetings. The Green Gym also runs some of its practical tasks at the woodland. Current numbers of volunteers average six per task day. Based on this number, task days averaging three hours each (36hrs year), with planned additional meadow days and thinning days (20hrs), time spent by volunteers on site is approx. 2136 man hours yearly. The group aim to encourage more volunteers and have a strategy in place which involves: high visibility online (TCV, ABC, Ashford Volunteer Centre, Vinspired, Do-it, Woodland Trust websites, Twitter, Facebook) and in addition to this adverting events and achievements online, via the radio, newspapers, posters on site and local area, occasional leaflet drops, word of mouth and working collaboratively with TCV with its own events. Key features on site

The site has the following key features:

Secondary woodland Mixed scrub Rough grassland Native hedges Informal and surfaced formal pathways Site infrastructure including access points, gates and ditch and bunds

The sections below detail each feature and management evaluation and options. Prescriptions for each feature are detailed in the annex.

Secondary woodland

Areas:

Far-away Wood Squirrel Wood Robin Wood Dragonfly Wood Fox Wood Lizard Wood Slow-worm Wood Kestrel Wood

Management Compartments: 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (See appendix 2).

Evaluation

The woodland areas have grown and established well since being planted and the minimal intervention option means non-native species such as Norway maple and laurel have started to establish. Volunteers have cut much of this down using hand saws and the services of a qualified chainsaw user, but there is some left to do. Blocks are also very overcrowded which is forcing trees to become weak and leggy with a minimal understory. In 2011 one quarter of Dragonfly Wood was thinned and a glade created. A third of Far-Away Wood was also thinned in 2012. This management has created more of an understory and will allow more light to reach the ground allowing natural regeneration, and improving the overall health of the trees. Deadwood has tended to be placed into large piles which take a long time to break down, or have attracted vandals. Management work by KCC in 2011 to the gas vents at the west sides of Fox Wood and Far-Away Meadow has resulted in the removal of the grass from these areas and some habitat clearance. The contractors spread grass seed over the area affected by gas vent works which has now established. The contractors also replaced the broken fence between the KCC and ABC land which has improved security and its overall appearance. TCV have also repaired the fence at Far-Away Meadow and cleared vegetation on the opposite bank to the wood. The path by Far-Away Wood is now much wider, and it is more open which has made it much more pleasant to use.

The edges to the woodland blocks are currently rather straight with potential for improvement, and rides and paths within the woodland are narrow and in need of widening. Dragonfly wood and Robin wood paths were scalloped in 2011/12 which has allowed more light to reach these areas and allowed semi shade- tolerant plants. The focus now needs to be on achieving correct stocking density, and creation of enhancement features, such as scallops on woodland rides allowing a mix of tree ages as well as species.

Management options

The wildlife value of woodland varies significantly depending on its management. Site managers should aim to recreate the irregular structure of natural woodland. This is not excessively onerous yet provides good benefits for wildlife. A good structure comprises a mixture of tree ages, species, health, spacing, and patterns. More variety means more opportunities for wildlife. Species such as pedunculate oak, willow, birch and hawthorn have all been noted for their value for invertebrates and lichens. Retention of these species where possible, whilst keeping the above irregular structure, should promote a high species diversity and abundance. See Annex 3 for detailed woodland aims.

Ideally thinning should be done in 90% of the woodland area over a 40 year period (until maturity).Thinning should be done gradually over each woodland block, focusing on smaller areas at a time. First cut at 10 years old should aim for 4m spacing (6oo trees per ha), then by 20 years opened further to 6m spacing (300 tree per ha), and between 30 years onwards trees should be 10m apart- so approx final density will be 100 trees per hectare. Felling trees can require licences. See Annex 8 for felling licence exceptions.

Creation of irregular glades will provide more opportunities for species that like lighter sheltered conditions such as butterflies. The ideal in the woods on site would be to have an uneven age structure; this is in contrast to the current uniform structure in the woods due to its simultaneous planting. Rotation of management by thinning will prevent undue disturbance to wildlife as smaller areas are cut at a time. This also avoids labour cost and time commitments as the group can manage little and often. This being said it is essential that the woods are thinned thoroughly and regularly as a late thin will be more costly as contractors will be needed as the trees will be beyond the size that hand tools can be effective. Some stump treatment may be needed if there is a lot of regrowth occurring from the stems as this will prevent an understory establishing, and still compete with other trees. Cross cutting the larger stems during cutting could be used as a prevention measure. Hazel can be coppiced and allowed to regrow as it will produce more nuts for species such as dormice.

To maintain the range of age structure will take careful management, and possibly use of tree markers may facilitate this so standards are retained, and thinning is at correct density and frequency to allow a range of age structures. This type of ‘continuous cover’ management allows thinning/coppicing within each unit over a long rotation which is more practical for volunteers to do than clear-fell, or organised group felling. The resultant patchwork type habitat will provide transition between tree age classes to allow replication of natural structure. Due to wind blow risks only minimal thinning should be done at the woodland edge. In younger blocks trees could be pruned to promote bushier undergrowth however realistically time is better spent thinning and coppicing them to be more efficient. As there is a uniform age structure in the blocks due to synchronous planting it is advisable to keep some trees as standards, but allow naturally established saplings to grow where there is space so there is a mix of older and younger trees.

Natural regeneration should be allowed to take place in the woodland, and trees that are lost through natural events should not be replaced by new plantings as vegetation will soon recover, creating a wider range of tree ages and a more complex structure overall.

During thinning a lot of deadwood will be created. Deadwood is of value for wildlife and many species specialise in deadwood habitats such as fungi. Increased deadwood left scattered on the woodland floor, or in small piles will promote a rich woodland floor fauna, encouraging fungi, and species that feed on it such as stag beetles. Standing deadwood can also be a valuable habitat (but should only be left if it poses minimal risk i.e. small size, far away from public access). All deadwood should therefore be left on site after thinning. During thinning it will be necessary to be ‘tidy’ to a degree to avoid trip hazards and to work in a clear area so clearing of deadwood should happen concurrently to thinning (see Annex 5 for generic risk assessment) . Deadwood can be placed in shaded areas where it can decompose, and be encouraged to break down naturally. Log piles should be piled into small stacks on the ground, large brash (thinner branching vegetation) should be cut smaller and gently compressed down into small habitat piles to encourage a warm and damp microclimate, or kept large and made into dead hedging. Dead hedging is an excellent way of disposing of brash as it also provides a natural fence and if made correctly looks pleasant and is less likely to be targeted by vandals. If absolutely necessary excess brash etc could be chipped, and logs sold if this ever becomes an issue. Towards the end of thinning some deadwood could be left scattered when risk of tripping is reduced.

The eastern corner of Dragonfly Wood should be left as non intervention to allow natural shading and succession. This part of the woodland is currently a dense thicket which in itself is a valuable habitat for wildlife.

Issues

Some of the trees are too large for hand saws. A chainsaw operator is needed for the shelterbelt, and thinning should be done in all blocks early on if possible within ten years, or more expensive professional help will be

necessary. Eventually this cannot be avoided, but time and number of trees requiring thinning will be less thus reducing costs in the long run. Far-Away Wood, and Dragonfly Wood back onto residential property so woodland work in these areas must take this into consideration in the risk assessment. Overhanging branches or issues with neighbours should be referred to the tree officer at ABC. Larger trees should only be cut by qualified persons, and insurance should cover the group for this activity.

Grassland habitat

Far-Away Meadow Lark Meadow Wildflower Meadow Butterfly Meadow

Evaluation

The management of the grassland has been non-intervention mainly, with some hand cutting using sickles and scythes in Lark Meadow. A strimmer was used for the first time in 2011 to tackle blackthorn suckers. As scrub was rapidly encroaching on Lark Meadow scrub bashing using hand tools was conducted there in 2011/12. Sylvia’s Meadow and one third of Lark Meadow were cut in 2011 and 2012. Butterfly Meadow was cut for the first time since cessation of horse grazing in 2012. Some areas of scrub have been left as these are beneficial to a host of different species due to their flowers, shelter and nesting habitat.

Management options

The large meadow areas on site should be maintained as open spaces so scrub encroachment must be managed to do this. A yearly cut would be desirable to keep fast growing species such as bramble in check, and keep open areas such as Butterfly Meadow accessible to people. It is important to aim for an overall reduction in nutrients in the meadows to allow less competitive and more desirable species to flourish which will increase the value of this habitat for wildlife. Cuttings should therefore be removed from meadows after cutting and placed in an area of low value for wildlife. Current levels of nutrients in the soil are unknown, however soil samples were taken early on in the site’s history and due to arable origins it deemed too fertile currently for a wildflower meadow. However if managed correctly the grass type which is broadly MG1 - Rank grassland false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatiu type may develop into better quality lowland hay meadow. Smaller meadow areas such as Kestrel Wood meadow may be cut less frequently, and it is less important to remove cuttings as a diversity of grassland is desirable on site if resources are stretched. At least one third of Lark Meadow should be cut yearly; uncut areas of grassland can be rotated allowing a range of succession types from short grass through to beginnings of scrub.

Margins should be left as refuges for insects etc during mowing, and halos left around scrub to prevent harming reptiles (but scrub should be controlled in winter to prevent spread). Skylarks were seen at Lark Meadow, but they have not been seen to use the site in recent years, choosing nearby agricultural fields instead. Due to pressures relating to public use skylarks are unlikely to breed on site, although they may feed. Signs of breeding should be monitored, as should changes in vegetation as this will show how management is affecting the sward. Cutting should be done with caution during recommended months August-September to avoid disturbance to breeding birds, and grass be cut in such a way as to allow escape routes for animals in the grass i.e. not concentric circles, powerscythe operators should always aim to ‘direct’ animals away into a safe area and cut slowly.

Issues

There has been some intervention by nearby residents cutting the grass at Far-Away Meadow and The Triangle. Establishment of a hedge and interpretation signs will discourage this, as will occasional letters to

neighbouring properties explaining the woodlands’ purpose. Some garden waste has been dumped over the fences onto ACW and letters have been sent round by ABC to discourage this. ACW has suffered from a ragwort Senecio jacobaea problem for many years, and various control methods have been employed in site management, including hand-pulling, use of cinnabar moth caterpillars and spraying with selective herbicide. The result has been much less ragwort and, as the woodland is growing the plant is naturally reducing. At present the cut grass from management is left to rot in piles as it is not suitable to livestock due to the ragwort which is poisonous. A small amount of ragwort is beneficial for wildlife so some (a few hundred plants across the site) are left. The group should monitor spread of this plant.

Meadow management requires many volunteers and a powerscythe is essential for effective work to be done. Currently the group are fortunate to be able to borrow two from Kent Wildlife Trust and Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership. However these must be booked well in advance and there are difficulties with logistics as the group does not have a method of transporting the machine so requires KWT and KSCP to do this. It is hoped that additional storage will allow the group to house their own one permanently giving the group more flexibility and capability (and it can be shared with TCV). A rake attachment and potentially a baler would also speed the meadow management and allow more areas to be cut. The powerscythe could also be used effectively for scrub management in winter.

Scrub habitat (transition habitats)

Widespread throughout the site with largest areas being: Lark Meadow The Triangle Slow Worm Wood.

Evaluation

Scrub has increased in recent years. Initially the site had few areas, but planted and naturally occurring scrub is now developing all over the site. Blackthorn forms dense thickets around Dragonfly Wood which is providing excellent nightingale habitat. Some management has taken place with scrub cut back by hand and with strimmers to clear paths and meadow areas. Some areas of scrub are now becoming tall and leggy so a rotational cutting regime should be set up to allow a range of successional stages (ages). Between 10-15% of ACW should be maintained as scrub. This valuable habitat is often overlooked, however it is short lived if not managed. It is of great value for increasingly rare birds such as the nightingale. A powerscythe will deal with smaller stemmed scrub, whilst brush cutter, chainsaw and hand saws can deal with more established scrub patches. Scrub could be allowed to develop further at Squirrel Wood and the edges of the newer woods-Fox, Lizard, Slow Worm and Kestrel Wood as they do not have many scrub species at present. The Triangle, the west edge of Lark Meadow, northern and southern edge of Dragonfly and Fox Wood should be maintained as scrub habitat. Some early succession scrub will establish during the period between cuts at Lark meadow which is beneficial for a rage of wildlife. Ideally grass should blur into early succession then mid then late scrub stages, and the programme of management should ensure this variety of structure is maintained.

Issues

If not managed, scrub will soon take over other habitats so should be carefully managed following the site prescriptions. Thorny vegetation can be dangerous and can cause infection so appropriate PPE should be worn whilst dealing with scrub. Thorns can also puncture tyres so rides must be kept free of cuttings etc. Dog faeces can be an issue in meadows so gloves should be worn and care taken to avoid it when cutting.

Hedgerows

Environment Centre Chart Road Kestrel Wood Fox Wood The Triangle Lark Meadow

Evaluation

Hedgerows consisting of hawthorn, hazel, spindle and field maple were recently planted at Fox Wood and around the perimeter of the environment centre. Both have started to establish, although around the environment centre there are many gaps where the bare rooted whips have died. Along Buxford lane the hedges are all very tall and in need of management. The hedges planted in Lark Meadow and The Triangle need cutting/laying.

Management Options

The Buxford lane hedges will need to be cut back gradually so as not to damage them. Ideally cutting should be done from the top down to avoid overcutting the lower part which is where the new main growth occurs. Contractors may be needed for this. Ideally, as mostly hazel they can be coppiced and allow to regenerate. Gaps can then be filled with other species to encourage diversity. The hedges could then be laid the following years. Highways agency should cut the road side of the hedges. Ideally both sides of the hedge should be cut at different times so the hedge remains thick, and suitable for nesting birds.

Hedges once established should be cut on rotation every 2 years as a minimum October to February. The rotation should be short enough to cut the areas of hedge before they become overgrown and eventually leggy and gappy. A well managed continuous hedgerow will act as a corridor for wildlife. The hedge if unlaid should be cut to an rough A shape which allows light to reach the lower hedge. When hedges reach 15 years it may be more practical to have them all laid. TCV would hopefully be able to advise ACW on this. For younger hedges on site cutting could be done using loppers etc by hand.

There are gaps in existing hedges which need planting as desire lines are forming. These should be replanted, the existing hedge coppiced or at least the surrounding hedge should be cut towards the gap to promote growth in that direction.

Planting a new hedgerow comprising mixed native hedgerow species on the bund in Fox Wood and in Far- Away Meadow would add value and improve connectivity between habitats. The hedge in Fox Wood would also serve to screen the KCC area often used by fly tippers. Tree guards are not advisable here as, although protecting young whips from rodents and rabbits, they might draw more attention to them and become a target for vandalism, and they can inhibit their growth. Rabbits are also not a problem on site. The new hedge would need to be cut after 3 or 4 years growth, and every year subsequent to this to form bushy growth good for wildlife.

Issues

Realistically the time and skill involved with hedge cutting and laying means professional help is needed at least for the larger hedges. Volunteers could then learn how to carry out this work in the future, or maintain the hedges following laying. There may be costs incurred from equipment such as brush cutters. The group may need to trial hedge cutting work to see what works best practically. TCV diploma group need to lay hedges as part of the course programme so there is opportunity here for mutual benefits.

Site infrastructure

Access (Paths and Gates) Interpretation Sculptures Ditch and bund Reptile hibernacula

Evaluation

Access At present visitors are free to move at will within the woodland though most keep to the paths provided, and use the official access points. .If there is an increase in visitor numbers the group may need to review the access strategy to ensure the benefits for wildlife and people is balanced, and also ensure a balance between visitor use types, encouraging use of official access, discouraging unwanted access, and promoting non disturbing activities. LNR status will allow creation of byelaws which may help enforcement depending on which strategy is chosen.

Paths The site’s surfaced paths are still in good condition, with slight erosion from the heavier use at Village gate in Lark meadow. There is no indication they need to be resurfaced within the next few years, although beyond this some areas may need resurfacing. Vegetation is taking over the quieter paths at Kestrel wood, and these and the car park have been treated in summer 2012 with herbicide by a council contractor. This will be repeated as and when required. Non- surfaced paths can be a little slippery in places when wet, but widening the paths as part of path management will hopefully reduce build- up of slippery leaf matter. Many of the main paths are becoming enclosed so the vegetation should be cut back where possible to prevent over shading, and make the paths welcoming and light. Ideally vegetation should be cut back sufficiently far so that a repeat exercise will not be needed the next year. A width of 2m should be sufficient to allow access on foot, between 3-5m for access tracks for vehicles and up to 10mon main rides to allow enhancement of ride edges for wildlife.

Gates Gates are in good working order, with a slight dent in the main car park gate from a vehicle. Gates are maintained as and when required such as oiling hinges etc. The car park gate which was initially bare galvanised aluminium was painted dark green in summer 2012 to make the site more welcoming. The group plans to paint the entrance gate to Lizard Wood in 2012 to match the other. The horse gate in Fox Wood is also scheduled to be painted in 2013.

Interpretation There are three interpretation signs remaining, at car park entrance, Slow Worm Wood and Lark Meadow. Others have all been removed due to vandalism. The group intends, depending on LNR proposal, to have new signs commissioned and placed around the site. The ideal would be four interpretation and 2 welcome signs which will encourage local residents to use and enjoy the site. As there are some remaining the original interpretations stands can be reused, so only new images will probably be needed, and the welcome signs bought new.

Sculptures The sculptures are still in good condition. They were in need of maintenance to protect them from rotting so in 2012 ACW organised with TCV diploma group to paint them with Danish oil (linseed). Ideally this should be done once a year for all wooden sculptures and signs.

Seating and waste disposal There are currently no rubbish bins on site with the nearest bins on Singleton Hill. Rubbish has not been an issue in recent years, with most litter coming from vehicles entering the site and fly tipping, now addressed through the ditch and bund. Volunteers help to keep the site litter free by conducting monthly litter picks.

Litter picking events could be organised by the group as a promotional exercise if levels increase. The dog waste bin at the car park is often overfilled so a larger one is needed, or emptying will need to be more frequent. There is some seating on site, with several large logs at the car park, and two sculptures that can be sat on, including the ‘Crown’.

Ditches and bunds The bunds are vegetating over, which will add to their value as a barrier. No further maintenance is required. The group plan to plant a mixed native hedge on the new bund at Fox wood.

Reptile hibernacula The eight reptile hibernacula are mostly in good repair with three having received minor vandalism in 2012. This has been repaired by ACW volunteers. The vegetation needs to be cut back from some as brambles and scrub are starting to shade so this should be scheduled in 2013.

Issues

Non-surfaced paths are not suitable for wheelchairs in some places owing to narrowing of vegetation. These should be widened to allow this access. Interpretation signs do tend to invite vandalism. Whilst vandalism is much reduced from early in the community woodland’s history new signs still need to be vandal resistant to ensure they last and should be placed in open locations to deter vandalism.

Wildlife

See Annex 4 for species list. The following surveys have been regularly carried out:

Reptile surveys Bird ringing Bat survey Butterfly survey Meadow walkover Incidental surveys

Evaluation

In recent years there has been mostly informal monitoring at the site. In the past two years this has been supplemented with more surveys covering a range of species. The group keeps a species list from these surveys which are included in Annex 4. The site has been found to have several species of conservation concern including nine Red listed and thirteen Amber listed bird species. The site also has two species of reptile which are listed on the UK biodiversity Action plan. The surveys that have been conducted are summarised and evaluated below. For timings see Annex 7.

Reptiles and amphibians

ACW was identified as a suitable receptor site for reptiles trans-located from the Templer Barracks site. ACW was identified as suitable due to very low existing populations of reptiles in the area and the relatively new habitats there. The first reptiles were trans-located to ACW in early summer 2004, and more in 2005 to 2007. The majority of the species being trans-located were common lizards and slow-worms. Artificial cover objects (ACO) of 0.52m were put down in eight groups of five in 2009 so they could be monitored. The ACW group and TCV have since conducted surveys of these mats and recorded slow worm, common lizard and toads. They are being checked at irregular intervals several times a year. The previous management plan recommended 20 checks a year but as the priority is presence as opposed to population size the group will place more efforts in gathering information about other species in addition to reptiles, and as part of the planning process for the Environment Centre TCV must survey the mats four times a year.

Birds

ABC has kindly funded some bird ringing equipment that will enable bird ringing to be carried out by Kent Stour Ringing Group as part of the British Trust for Ornithology bird ringing scheme. This provides information on bird species found on site, probable bird breeding on site, movements between the woodland and other sites, longevity and site faithfulness, as well as providing info to the national scheme on bird populations. The ringing data so far has shown that there are at least two nightingales using Dragonfly and Robin Wood, shown presence of lesser whitethroat and spotted flycatcher, plus the movement of a chiffchaff between Icklesham, East Sussex (ringed in 2010 and recaught at the woodland a year later) and another chiffchaff that was first ringed at King’s Wood near Challock in Kent. In addition to this numerous other species have been ringed, including whitethroat and willow warbler which are both breeding on site. This should continue as the value of the data increases year on year for comparison, and be supplemented with a Breeding and wintering Bird Survey which will give a more comprehensive species list, and better comparable data.

Bats

A walk-over bat survey was conducted in May 2012 and resulted in a pipistrelle bat record. Further surveys will confirm which species are present. Bats are commonly seen in Fox and Far-Away Woods.

Plants

Some incidental records of easily identified plants have added to the site plant list. An informal survey was also conducted in summer 2011 with a botanist to identify some species found at the woodland and this resulted in the addition of several previously unrecorded species to the site list.

Fungi

The improvement in levels of deadwood habitat should help to increase the site’s fungi. The species on site have never been surveyed so this would be an excellent opportunity for an organised fungal foray, perhaps organised through TCV.

Management options

More survey work on site will increase understanding of how well management is working, and provide motivation for continuation of good management. To improve this more effort to record incidental data after task days should be made. The group/TCV should also aim to organise surveys to address the current gaps in monitoring such as plants, fungi, and small mammals.

People Task days Events Capacity

Evaluation

Task days The group participant numbers have remained fairly stable with around six volunteers per task day. The group is seeking to increase its volunteer numbers as a larger group will allow more management to be done.

Events

The group occasionally holds events but volunteers numbers, capability and time has prevented regular events being held. TCV however has capacity to run regular events at the Environment Centre which sometimes

involves walks around the woodland, encouraging visitors to learn about wildlife. The group has helped at some of these events.

Capacity

Site visitor numbers are unknown, however they are fairly low, the apparent peaks of use being weekends, and either side of the usual working hours. The site is popular with dog walkers, and families.

Management Options

To encourage more members the group has: a central Hotmail email for easy contact, business cards, a page on the TCV website, a section on the ABC website ‘sites to visit ‘page. The group has also publicised the site through other websites and organisations such as the tourist information centre in the centre in Ashford, Muck in for life, BBC events, Woodland Trust websites, Facebook, Twitter, Do it and V inspired. The Interpretation signage on site provides details of the group’s volunteer work to encourage others to join. The group ran a drawing competition open to children to help design a logo for the woodland. A final design was chosen and based on the winning entry. Green gym also runs some of its Monday task days on site, and better liaison between the two groups has enabled both groups to be on the same work plan, making site management better organised, and ultimately more effective. A litter pick or a big event such as a bioblitz could be organised to increase interest and volunteer numbers also. The group intends to involve local schools more in the woodland. There is a balance to be struck between the suitability of the site for wildlife, and for people. To make sure the site is not too heavily used the site should be monitored for signs of overuse. Signs of increasing visitor pressure will be wear of popular paths and creation of more paths and widening of existing paths. The way people use the site would also be useful to know, as with increasing pressure there could be a need to control certain uses if they interfere with others, for example ball games and dogs off leads. At present the site receives moderate use and monitoring may be needed in the future, especially if the nearby Chilmington housing development is built.

Future projects

These are currently out of scope within the next five years of the management plan but would be ideal opportunities to further enhance the site.

Wild flowers (local provenance) sourced from a reputable seed supplier, for example Emorsgate Seeds could then be sown (with sand) direct onto the soil into prepared wildflower plots. Plugs could be used, although these are more costly. From the plots the wildflowers if established successfully will spread through the rest of the meadow areas.

The group could assist in developing better understanding of site e.g. how many visitors the site receives, how often they use the site, what they do on site, and which areas are being used the most. This information will help the group to determine whether the site’s features are being damaged and visitor enjoyment being affected by current use, and help inform decisions on what the visitor strategy should be.

Dormouse boxes, and owl boxes could be placed in the woodland to provide nesting habitat, however the woodland should be allowed to develop and be thinned first to provide suitable habitat

Additional surveys could include: Small mammal surveys, including bats Invertebrate monitoring Plant, fungi and lichen monitoring Botanical surveys at fixed points within the meadow to detect changes in the grassland

Management aims and objectives

1. Manage the ACW to benefit and enhance native wildlife 1.1 Manage and enhance the existing woodland to provide a naturalistic and diverse native broadleaf habitat with a mix of tree species, species rich edges and deadwood habitat. 1.2 Restore and enhance the existing neutral grassland areas to provide habitat for typical lowland meadow grassland species and encourage gradual improvement of floristic diversity in the sward 1.3 Control and enhance areas of scrub so the habitat provides value for wildlife but compliments rather than dominates meadow areas. Allow a degree of deadwood habitat in these areas to provide extra benefit for wildlife. 1.4 Tailor management to benefit resident species of conservation concern on site where possible to ensure the long term suitability of the site for these species. 1.5 Control spread of injurious weeds to allow a mix of plant species but limit their spread to prevent problems for livestock and land neighbouring the woodland. 1.6 Manage the site as part of the network of local wildlife habitat so wildlife networks are created, maintained and enhanced, allowing stronger connectivity between sites through linking otherwise separated metapopulatons of species. 1.7 Survey and monitor wildlife and habitats so that effects of management can be seen and adjusted accordingly, and to provide a more comprehensive species list to demonstrate the site’s value for wildlife. 1.8 Enhance ride edges for wildlife to provide additional habitat for species that require a sunny environment. 1.9 Remove non native plants from site to encourage native species. 1.10 Encourage edible fruit-bearing species on site to provide resource for fauna, and also people.

2. Manage the ACW to benefit people 2.1 Provide and maintain facilities such as paths, benches and sculptures for visitors to enhance their experience of the site and so that the infrastructure is long lasting and well cared for. 2.2 Ensure the whole site is safe to use so the site is pleasant for users by ensuring the site is clear of hazards and prevent and deal with issues that may detract from their enjoyment. 2.3 Make the site friendly for a range of visitors including disabled people. 2.4 To encourage the sustainable and inclusive public use of the site in so far as such use is consistent with maintaining the nature conservation features at Favourable Conservation Status. 2.5 Ensure the site is managed with regard to neighbours of the site and work to promote collaborative relationships.

3. Increase appreciation and understanding of conservation at ACW, and of the role that ACW plays in the bigger picture. 3..1 Create opportunities for conservation education on site for a range of groups to learn about nature and ACW 3..2 Provide information about the site so people can learn about its importance and understand its purpose. 3..3 Work collaboratively with other environmental organisations to promote conservation, share expertise, and resources.

4. Ensure long term management of the site by volunteers 4.1 Encourage new volunteers and retention of current volunteers so the site can be managed successfully 4.2 Educate and empower volunteers so they have the correct skills to manage the site through training and informal mentoring. 4.3 Ensure the group has sufficient tools in order to manage the site effectively in line with the management plan. 4.4 The group should work together with ABC and TCV to achieve aims by discussing regularly management, and cooperative working. 4.5 Facilitate management by maintaining works vehicle access.

Annexes

Annex 1. Map 1. Access map

Map 2. Access for Management

Map 3. Management compartments

Map 4. Interpretation

Annex 2. Compartment descriptions

No. Name Approx Access Features Description size 1 Far-Away 0.32ha Bridleway Rough grassland, Rough grassland area. Some of this area has been meadow (Greensand informal entrance mown by members of the public, and has been way), point, informal subject to unauthorised grazing by horses. This informal pathway forms the most westerly extent of the community entrance woodland. Established Shelterbelt planted from seed in 1985. A mixture of native broadleaf species was used 2 Far-Away 0.33ha Bridleway Secondary Established Shelterbelt planted from seed in 1985. A Wood (Greensand woodland (old mixture of native broadleaf species was used. The way) , shelter belt), trees in this area have grown crowded and leggy and informal informal pathway are in need of thinning pathways 3 Fox wood 2.4ha Bridleway Secondary Established Shelterbelt planted from seed in 1985. A (excludin (Greensand woodland, mixture of native broadleaf species was used. Next g KCC way) informal pathway, to Squirrel Wood by Squirrel Gate is a small area two formal access that was planted in 2003. This area was however gates one kissing, badly affected by horse grazing and is quite wet one bridle. One which has reduced growth. informal access point 4 Fox wood 0.28ha Public Amenity An adjoining meadow to Fox Wood. This was an area meadow Footpath Path grassland/rough widened by horse grazing. It is being managed as number: grassland amenity grassland/rough grassland AW232 5 Squirrel 0.4ha Informal path Secondary Established Shelterbelt planted from seed in 1985. A wood woodland (old mixture of native broad leaf species was used. Next shelter belt). to Squirrel Wood by Squirrel Gate is a small area Informal pathway that was planted in 2003. This area was however badly affected by horse grazing and is quite wet which has reduced growth 6 The Triangle 0.25ha Informal path Scrub and rough This is an area of grassland adjacent to Squirrel grassland. One Wood that has been allowed to naturally formal access regenerate. The area is managed occasionally to point (kissing maintain open habitat but allow some scrub to gate). develop.

7 Lark 1.2ha Informal Rough grassland An area of Rough grassland 1.45 ha in size with a Meadow paths and scrub. One sward up to 1m in height. There is also the beginning (surfaced) formal access of encroachment by scrub into this area. Initially to point (kissing be turned into a wildflower meadow, testing gate). Formal discovered that the soil would not be suitable for pathway. this. Lark Meadow was also the site for reptile translocation and a hibernacula has been built in 2008 to support this. Hedges have also been planted around the boundaries of the field next to the housing. 8 Sylvia’s 0.26ha Informal path Sub compartment This meadow was initially part of an agricultural Meadow of Lark meadow. field but is now managed as park of Lark Meadow. Rough grassland The soil here was tested and is still believed to be quite fertile. It is being managed as a meadow to gradually lower the nutrient levels and increase plant diversity. The meadow is next to Dragonfly

Wood, and a small amount of scrub development will provide benefit where the two join. 9 Robin Wood 0.71ha Informal Secondary Mixed native broadleaf woodland planted from seed paths woodland (old in 1985. The area was thinned in 2005 and hazel shelter belt) and coppiced in 2006. With Dragonfly Wood it forms scrub. Formal part of a small strip that covers 2.38 ha of the site. pathway. 10 Dragonfly 1.08ha Informal path Secondary Mixed native broadleaf woodland planted from seed Wood woodland (old in 1985. With Robin Wood it forms part of a small shelter belt). strip that covers 2.38 ha of the site. The wood was Formal pathway. thinned in 2010/11 and 2012. 11 Lizard wood 0.27ha Informal Secondary This area was planted in 2001/2. This area contains paths woodland. Vehicle hibernacula built following the translocation of pole barrier. reptiles by Keystone Environmental Ltd. The area was also augmented as a reptile habitat by the planting of shrub and brambles and creation of basking areas

12 Slow-worm 1.18ha Public Secondary This area was planted in 2001/2. This area contains wood Footpath Path woodland, hibernacula built following the translocation of number: informal entrance. reptiles by Keystone Environmental Ltd. The area AW231 and was also augmented as a reptile habitat by the Informal planting of shrub and brambles and creation of paths basking areas 13 Butterfly 1.68ha Public Rough grassland, This is an area approximately 3.5 ha in size of short Meadow Footpath Path entrance from grassland. It has been maintained in this state by the number: environment informal grazing of horses from the traveller site. AW231 and centre. The north eastern part of this area is often very wet. Informal paths 14 Kestrel 1.47ha Informal Secondary This area was planted in 2000. Originally affected by wood paths woodland. grazing this area has grown well. Due to grazing by horses many of the trees had their tops nipped out causing bushy growth. The grass sward height between trees is currently high, partly due to neglect, but also as this was used to help camouflage new planting to protect it from vandalism 15 Kestrel 1.472 Informal path Rough grassland. This area was initially planted with trees but has meadow One informal been grazed so is now a meadow. It will be allowed entrance. to revert in places to scrub with some meadow area near the path. 16 Car park 0.12ha Informal Surfaced area. Originally designated for visitor parking, vandalism, paths One vehicle pole and unauthorised access and fly tipping forced its barrier. closure. The car park has a restrictive barrier which can be locked when not in use. The car park is used mainly for access of works vehicles and by volunteers only, however is can be booked by prior arrangement by visiting groups if needed.

Annex 3. Basic management aims for woodland.

Feature Natural ACW 2012- ACW 2050 Recommended woodland future aim

Maximum tree age (years) 300–500 27 75 As natural Average final tree age (years) c.200 >200 likely due to Coppice As natural overcrowding .and >200 has shorter lived years, non species. Currently coppice trees 20 yrs (range c200. 10-30) Tree species diversity Mixed Mixed c10 tree ≤ 10 sp, Mixed <10 species Gap size Mainly small Small ( Small Medium/small (transient gaps) (20m 2) Gap creation rate/year 1% ≤1% 1% 5% Permanent open space in Little Very Little Little Little woodland

Structural diversity (stand level) High Low Medium High

Structural diversity (whole Patchy Even Patchy Patchy and diverse forest) (irregular)

Dead wood Abundant Sparse Abundant Abundant Ground/field layer diversity and High Low Medium High abundance

* modified in the case of coppice-with-standards, saturation of shorter lived species such as cherries are 50-70 years, and longer lived species such as oak and beech at 120-160 and 95-140 years respectively. The trees at this age can be considered for cutting, and the wood can be sold. Contractors would be needed for this heavy work.

Structural components of woodland

Layer Species Canopy ash, beech, birch, goat willow, hornbeam, oak Understory layer blackthorn , bird cherry , elder, field maple , h awthorn , hazel , holly , r owan , wild cherry , wild service Field layer ferns, grasses, sedges ,herbs Ground layer mosses , ivy , lichens , fungi

Annex 4. Ecological records for site

Mammals Apodemus sylvaticus (Wood mouse) Microtus agrestis(field vole) Sciurus carolinensis grey squirrel) Vulpes vulpes (fox) Herpetofauna Anguis fragilis (slow-worm) SPI 1 Bufo bufo (Common toad) SPI Rana temporaria (common frog) Lacerta vivipara (common lizard) SPI Birds Accipiter nisus (sparrowhawk) Falco tinnunculus (kestrel) AMBER Columba livia (feral pigeon) Columba oenas (stock dove) AMBER Columba palumbus (wood pigeon) Streptopelia decaocto (collared dove) Cuculus canorus (cuckoo) RED SPI Apus apus (swift) AMBER Picus viridis (green woodpecker) AMBER Dendrocopus major (great spotted woodpecker) Alauda arvensis (skylark) RED SPI Hirundo rustica (barn swallow) AMBER Delichon urbicum (house martin) AMBER Anthus pratensis (meadow pipit) AMBER Motacilla alba (pied wagtail) Bombycilla garrulous (waxwing) Prunella modularis (dunnock) AMBER SPI Muscicapa striata (spotted flycatcher) RED Erithacus merula (robin) Luscinia megarhynchos (nightingale) AMBER Saxicola torquatus (stonechat) Turdus philomelos (song thrush) RED SPI Turdus iliacus (redwing) RED Turdus viscivorus (mistle thrush) AMBER Turdus merula (blackbird) Turdus pilaris (fieldfare) RED Sylvia borin (garden warbler) Sylvia atricapilla (blackcap) Sylvia communis (whitethroat) AMBER Phylloscopus trochilus (willow warbler) AMBER Phylloscopus collybita (chiff chaff)

1 SPi Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, Section 41: Species of Principal Importance in England. IUCN red list.

Troglodytes troglodytes (wren) Parus major (great tit) Periparus ater (coal tit) Cyanistes caeruleus (blue tit) Aegithalos caudatus (long-tailed tit) Pica pica (magpie) Garrulus glandarius (jay) Corvus monedula (jackdaw) Corvus frugilegus (rook) Corvus corone (carrion crow) Sturnus vulgaris (starling) RED SPI Passer montanus (house sparrow) RED SPI Fringilla coelebs (chaffinch) Carduelis cannabina (linnet) RED SPI Carduelis carduelis (goldfinch) Chloris chloris (greenfinch) Pyrrhula pyrrhula (bullfinch) AMBER SPI Emberiza citronella (yellowhammer) RED SPI Certhia familiaris(treecreeper) Regulus regulus (goldcrest) Butterflies Melanargia galathea (Marbled white) Anthocharis cardamines (Orange tip) Pararge aegeria (Speckled wood) Pyronia tithonus (Gatekeeper) Maniola jurtina (Meadow brown) Thymelicus sylvestris (Small skipper) Vanessa atalanta (Red admiral) Aglais io (Peacock) Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) Polygonia c-album (Comma) Aglais urticae (Small tortoiseshell) Pieris brassicae (Large white) Tyria jacobaeaeb (Cinnabar moth)

Botanical records Trees Quercus robur (pendunculate oak) Carpinus betulas (hornbeam) Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Acer campestre (field maple) Acer Platanoides (norway maple) Crataegus monogyna (common hawthorn) Corylus avellana (hazel) Salix Caprea (goat willow) Sambuca nigra (elder) Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) Hedgerow species

Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) Crategus monoguna (hawthorn) Cornus sanguinea (dog wood) Ilex aquifolium (holly) Other vascular plants Sisymbrium officinale (hedge mustard) Arctium minus (lesser burdock) Veronica persica (common field speedwell) Rumex crispus (curled dock) Rumes sanguineus (wood dock) Sinapis arvensis (charlock) Hedera helix (ivy) Viola sp (violet sp) Stellaria media (greater stichwort) Vicia cracca (tufted vetch) Torilis japonica (upright hedge-parsley) Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy) Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) Achillea millefolium (yarrow) Lotus corniculatus (common bird's foot-trefoil) Ranunculus acris (meadow buttercup) Ranunculus repens (creeping buttercup) Daucus carota ssp carota (wild carrot) Plantago lanceolata (ribwort plantain) Plantago major (greater plantain) Trifolim pratense (red clover) Pulicaria dysenterica (common fleabane) Anthriscus sylvestris (cow Parsley) Clematis vitalba (old man’s beard) Grasses Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot) Equisetum arvense (field horsetail) Phleum pratense (timothy) Bromus mollis (soft brome) Avena fatua (wild oat) Avena sativa (cultivated oat) Elymus repens (couch-grass) Lolium perenne (perennial rye-grass) Agrostis gigantea (black bent-grass) Polygonum aviculare (knotgrass) Triticum spp.(wheat) Holcus lanatus (yorkshire fog) Agrostis stolonifera (creeping bent) Arrhenatherum elatius (false oat-grass) Bromus ramosus (smooth brome) Alopecurus myosuroides(black grass) Hordeum spp.(barley) Poa annua (annual meadow-grass)

Other flowering plants Geranium lucidum (shining cranesbill) Lamium album (white dead-nettle) Ranunculus bulbosus (bulbous buttercup) Rubus fruticosus (bramble) Sonchus oleraceus (smooth sow-thistle) Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) Anagallis arvensis (scarlet pimpernel) Calystegia sepium (hedge bindweed) Cirsium arvense (creeping thistle) Chenopodium spp. (goosefoot spp.) Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed) Epilobium hirsutum (great willowherb) Epilobium lanceolatum (spear-leaved willowherb) Epilobium tetragonum (quare-stalked willowherb) Euphorbia exigua (dwarf spurge) Geranium dissectum (cut-leaved cranesbill) Galium aparine (cleavers) Heracleum sphondylium (hogweed) Lactuca serriola (prickly lettuce) Lapsana communis (nipplewort) Malva sylvestris (common mallow) Papaver rhoeas (common poppy) Picris echinoides (bristly ox-tongue) Polygonum convulvulus (black-bindweed) Rumex obtusifolius (broad-leaved dock) Senecio jacobea (ragwort) Senecio vulgare (groundsel) Sonchus arvensis (perennial sow-thistle) Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) Triplerospermum maritimum (scentless mayweed) Veronica agrestis (green field speedwell) Veronica arvensis (wall speedwell) Vicia sativa (common vetch) Chamaenerion angustifolium (rosebay willowherb) Cirsium vulgare (spear thistle) Clematis vitalba (traveller’s joy) Crepis vesicaria (beaked hawks-beard) Medicago lupalina (black medick) Vicia hirsuta (hairy tare) Hyacinthoides non-scripta (bluebell) Galanthus nivalis (snow drop) Anemone nemorosa (wood anemone) Ranunculus ficaria (lesser celandine) Quercus cerris (turkey oak) Acer platinoides (norway maple) Tragopogan porrifolius (salsify) Anacamptis pyramidalis (pyramidal orchid)

Annex 5. Generic Risk assessment example Activity: Tree management Location

Date of Generic Assessment: January Date of local revisions Other GRAs relevant: ACWGRA1 2012 Common hazards or hazardous events: Additional hazards in addition to those mentioned: Physical hazards Health hazards Use of Chainsaw and working near others Contact with micro organisms such using them. as tetanus, leptospirosis Manual handling Contact with animal faeces Slips, trips and falls Contact with plant sap, and plants Contact with hand tools that can harm e.g. thorns. Contact with traffic Contact with litter Attack by members of the public Contact with venomous reptiles Attack by dogs Weather conditions Attack by other wild and domestic animals on site. Fires Lone working Falling branches/wood Typical uncontrolled outcomes Typical groups at risk Minor cuts and bruises; burns; allergic reactions; lower back pain; muscle strains; Workers (incl. Volunteers); members of injury from cutting blades of mowers/scythes; major injuries resulting from the public, pregnant women collision with traffic; verbal abuse; contracting disease; blisters; bites/kicks; (particularly from zoonotics) hypothermia and heat stroke;.

Risk control measures In place (& by whom) Local/further risk control measures

Keep site and materials tidy

Use and maintain tools according to TCV hand tools booklet

No gloves should be used when using swinging tools unless other hazards, e.g. plant sap, are greater, lf so, safe working distance is at least 20m.Approproate tools for the job should be used, and a tools talk conducted.

Plan any lifting, train in simple lifting procedures and provide carrying aids e.g. wheelbarrow/trailer

Wear sturdy footwear

Leave no one isolated on site, use guidance in TCV CoP6

Wash hands before eating drinking and smoking.

Protect any cuts, advise all workers to ensure tetanus inoculation.

Advise workers to keep skin covered, and use high factor sun cream on exposed skin.

Stop work when weather conditions deteriorate as appropriate.

Advise workers about the animal risks on site such as adders and horses.

Advise those likely to work near fires to wear flame-retardant fabrics, keep at a safe distance, have a method of controlling the fire e.g. water/sand buckets.

If crossing roads warn workers of traffic risk and if necessary post a lookout.

Ensure a first aider is on site, or that the leaders are aware of where to get help and first aid.

Ensure the site is accessible to emergency vehicles, and that workers know access points.

Ensure chainsaw operatives are trained and fit to use the tools, and insured to do so.

Ensure a first aider, and kit, are on site, or known off site.

Ensure paths are kept clear after work is completed to avoid risk of slips, trips etc, and remove hazards or highlight where possible.

Where personal attack is possible lone working should not be allowed, and conflict avoided.

Use signage to warn users of the site of conservation work and if need be section off areas to prevent risk. Is lone working expected? Are there any special groups?

Is heavy, sustained or repetitive manual handling involved? First aid cover

PPE needed (tick as appropriate) Safety boots ¨ Safety wellingtons ¨ Goggles ¨ Leather/thick fabric gloves ¨ PVC/rubber gloves ¨ Hard hat ¨ Ear defenders ¨ Dust mask ¨ Other (please specify)......

Form compiled by Approved by (if appropriate)

Position (i.e. volunteer task leader/TCV staff etc) Position

Annex 6. Site photographs

Figure 1 Dragonfly Wood showing created scallop to left November 2011

Figure 2 Far- Away Wood December 2011

Figure 3 Field vole Lark Meadow August 2012

Figure 4 Butterfly Meadow management August 2012

Figure 5 The Crown- one of the sculptures on site by Will Glanfield in Butterfly Meadow

Figure 6 Lark Meadow July 2012

Figure 7 Juvenile long-tailed tit caught whilst ringing at the woodland

Figure 8 Male yellowhammer caught at the ACW

Figure 9 KWT warden Ian Rickards demonstrating power scythe 2011

Figure 10 the ACW, KSCP and KWT volunteers at Lark Meadow 2011.

Annex 7. Survey Guidance

The following table taken from Natural England’s recommendations provides information on species survey work. All data collected should be provided to Ashford Borough Council as owner and ideally be sent to the Kent and Medway biological records centre as the data will be of interest both locally and nationally. The collector(s) names should be given if the records centre needs to verify details. This data may influence site management.

Annex 8. Felling licences ACW should comply with felling licence specifications; the majority of cases a licence would not be required. The Forestry Commission should be consulted prior to felling work to ensure the work is exempt. Currently you do not need a licence to carry out the following (taken from FC tree felling guidance): lopping, topping, pruning or pollarding less than 5 cubic metres is felled in a calendar quarter. Please note that you cannot sell more than 2 cubic metres in a calendar quarter. A licence is not required for trees that have the following diameters when measured 1.3 metres from the ground: Felling 8 cm or less Thinning : 10 cm or less Coppicing: 15cm or less for trees that are dangerous or cause a nuisance

See Tree Felling - Getting Permission website

Licence is not needed if it is:

to prevent the spread of a quarantine pest or disease in accordance with a notice served by a Forestry Commission Plant Health Officer to comply with an Act of Parliament

Glossary

ABC: Ashford Borough Council ACW: Ashford Community Woodland DBH: Diameter at Breast Height – measurement used in establishing cubic volume, and characteristics such as tree age KCC: Kent County Council KSCP: Kentish Stour Countryside partnership KWT: Kent Wildlife Trust LNR: Local Nature Reserve PROW: Public right of way. This includes footpaths, bridleways and byways. These must be kept open and managed by law (CROW act) RADAR: the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation national scheme which provides a universal key to those with disabilities to allow access to sites or facilities which need to be locked for security reasons. TCV: (Formally BTCV) The Conservation Volunteers