Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative
WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN AND HABITAT STUDY
Final Report
March 2008
CHRIS BLANDFORD ASSOCIATES
Environment Landscape Planning
CONTENTS Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 HISTORICAL WOODLAND DEVELOPMENT 8
3.0 HABITAT STUDY 11
4.0 KEY VIEWS 28
5.0 STRATEGIC WOODLAND AND TREE MANAGEMENT PLAN 39
6.0 COMMUNITY ACCESS AND ENGAGEMENT PROPOSALS 69
7.0 IMPLEMENTATION 83
FIGURES Figure 2 – Historical Woodland Development Figure 3 – Phase 1 Habitat Map Figure 4 – Woodland Locations and National Vegetation Classification Communities Figure 5 – Views (Location and Condition) Figure 6 - Woodland Management Proposals Figure 7 – Community Access Proposals (Including Nature Trail) Figure 8 – Trim Track Figure 9 – Woodland Sculptures
APPENDICES Appendix I – Woodland Evaluation Criteria Appendix 2 – Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance Appendix 3 – Table 2 Woodland features Appendix 4 – Woodland SSSI and SNCI citations Appendix 5 – Non-native tree species Appendix 6 – Woodland species for planting
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Richmond and the Swale Valley
1.1.1 Richmond lies beside the River Swale in the Pennine Dales Fringe area of North Yorkshire and is rich in heritage. The historic core of the town contains many fine townscapes and buildings, such as the Market Place, 11th century castle and restored Theatre Royal.
1.1.2 The landscape around Richmond is diverse and rural in character, with the dramatic Swale Valley perhaps the most prominent feature of the area. It also features notable historical sites, such as Easby Abbey.
1.1.3 The countryside includes important wildlife resources, including three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and a number of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). The River Swale itself is relatively unmodified, highly dynamic, and considered to be one of the fastest flowing rivers in England. The area is rich in woodland, particularly on the steep and rocky slopes of the Swale Valley, and this represents a valuable resource in terms of nature conservation, landscape and recreation.
1.2 Richmond Swale Valley Initiative
1.2.1 The Richmond Swale Valley Initiative (RSVI) was formed to develop a strategic framework for the sustainable economic, social and environmental use of Richmond and the Swale Valley. The objectives of the RSVI are to:
• Guide the future development of Richmond by encouraging environmentally sustainable management and strengthening employment opportunities; • Highlight features of heritage significance to place the town and its surrounding countryside in an environmental and historical context; • Identify opportunities for integrated landscape enhancement; • Identify ways to promote future development, including increased community and visitor access, enjoyment and understanding; • Explore sources of grant aid and possibilities for economic and social development, including potential tourist attractions;
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• Develop a holistic approach to management; and • Provide a framework that supports the social, economic and cultural regeneration of the Richmond and Swale Valley area.
1.2.2 With the involvement of key partners and stakeholders, this led to the production in 2003 of the RSVI Strategic Framework1, which analysed the issues relating to the objectives outlined above, and set out a strategy for the future, including a costed and prioritised action plan.
1.2.3 The strategy identified ancient semi-natural woodland as a key ecological asset in the Richmond and Swale valley area. It recommended that the existing resource be safeguarded and enhanced by positive management and encouraging public access. It was suggested that increased public engagement would foster greater enjoyment and awareness of and sensitivity for the landscape, habitats and species of the area, and could include guided walks, educational activities and volunteering.
1.2.4 The strategy also identified a number of important views of the town, and highlighted the loss, or reduction in the quality of views as an issue that needed to be addressed with appropriate management measures.
1.2.5 Variable standards of path provision and quality were noted as an issue affecting access to the area, and it was proposed that opportunities be sought for joining up parts of the existing rights of way system to create an integrated and coherent network. It also suggested promoting the local path network as an attraction in its own right.
1.2.6 The Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative (RSVCI) was established with the aim of promoting the RSVI Strategic Framework.
1.3 Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study
1.3.1 The brief for the Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study follows from these conclusions of the Strategic Framework, and aims to implement its recommendations. As one of the most abundant semi-natural habitats in the
1 Chris Blandford Associates, 2003. Richmond Swale Valley Initiative Strategic Framework.
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Richmond and Swale Valley area woodland is of great importance in terms of landscape, nature conservation and recreation.
Aims and Objectives
1.3.2 The overall aim of the project is to maximise the potential benefits from the tree and woodland resource in the area, in terms of nature conservation, public access and engagement, and to address any issues that currently limit the delivery of those benefits.
1.3.3 The strategic aims of the study are to:
• provide robust and practical guidance for the conservation and celebration of the cultural associations of the study area; • to identify opportunities to help encourage people to access and improve their understanding of local woodland husbandry and industry; and • identify opportunities for improving visual access to the area as a whole through the restoration of important and historic views.
1.3.4 The objectives of the study are to:
• research and assess the development of woodland and tree-scape within the study area, including historic views; • assess the current condition of woodland and tree-scape within the study area; • to survey and catalogue wildlife species and woodland habitat; and • to propose a strategic management plan for the future conservation, enhancement and management of woodland, tree-scape, and trees in the urban area, to ensure that wildlife is protected, biodiversity increased and historic views are restored and maintained.
1.3.5 The study also sought to offer recommendations on:
• the route of a Nature Trail starting from the Round Howe car park, and appropriate levels and forms of interpretation; • measures to develop an integrated network of multi-purpose access routes and linkages, the ‘Community Pathway’;
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• potential sites for a Trim Track; and • potential sites for woodland sculptures.
1.3.6 The plan will contain work programmes for the first five and subsequent years, and proposals for monitoring and review.
Study Process
1.3.7 In summary, the study comprised five stages:
Stage 1 – Inception and definition of the scope of the study. Stage 2 – Desk study review (including collection and examination of relevant documents). Stage 3 – Surveys (including Phase 1 Habitat and Woodland surveys, and site visits in relation to public access and engagement). Stage 4 – Evaluation (of existing tree and woodland resource, and of opportunities and constraints in terms of woodland management, and public access and engagement). Stage 5 – Advice and Recommendations (in relation to woodland management and public access and engagement).
1.3.8 An interim study report was prepared for consultation with stakeholders and the local community. Feedback from this consultation has been incorporated into this final report as appropriate.
Location of study
1.3.9 The location of the study is shown in Figure 1. However, effort was concentrated on the Swale valley corridor between Lownethwaite Bridge and Easby Abbey, including the historic centre of Richmond. Woodland is concentrated in this area, as are most of the important and historic views. It is also the focus of the majority of recreational and visitor activity in the area, and therefore offers the greatest opportunities for positive change in regard to nature conservation, restoration of views and public access and recreation.
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1.3.10 Areas outside the Swale valley corridor were also investigated with regard to particular elements of the project, such as the ‘Community Pathway’, the Trim Track and the development of a new ‘Community Woodland’ around the Gallowfields Trading Estate, to the north of the town.
Figure 1 Location of the study
1.3.11 Although the area(s) outlined above were the main focus of the study, the wider context of the area, in relation to the extent and distribution of woodland, nature conservation and access routes, was also taken into consideration.
Relationship to other Plans and Strategies
1.3.12 A number of existing plans and strategies relevant to the development of the Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study were examined, including those described below. Their aims, objectives and recommendations were taken into consideration during the conduct of the study and in the development of its proposals.
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RSVI Strategic Framework – the Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study follows from, and aims to deliver on a number of the recommendations of this document, as outlined above.
Richmond Community Strategy and Action Plan2 - aims to improve quality of life in Richmondshire District and identifies priorities for action in relation to economic development, health, environment and the delivery of services.
Yorkshire Dales3 and Richmondshire4 Biodiversity Action Plans- provide a structure for action to conserve habitats and species in the area.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Action Plan5 – sets out a vision for the future of the National Park in terms of its the conservation of its landscapes and wildlife and the promotion of its understanding and enjoyment.
Dales Woodland Strategy6 - provides a framework for the future management and expansion of woodland to benefit landscape, nature conservation and recreation in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area in which woodland is relatively scarce.
1.3.13 The Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study includes elements relevant to a number of these plans and strategies, and contributes to their delivery in the Richmond and Swale Valley area.
1.3.14 In addition, a number of local plans and study reports were also consulted, including,
Improving Richmond’s views7 – documents the status of a number of important views in and around the town.
2 Richmondshire Local Strategic Partnership, 2003. Richmondshires Community Strategy 2003-18. 3 Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, 2000. Nature in the Dales, a Biodiversity action Plan for the Yorkshire Dales National Park 4 Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Group, 2005. Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Plan. 5 Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, 2007. The Yorkshire Dales: Today and Tomorrow 2007-12. Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan. 6 Dales Woodland Forum and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, 1999. Dales Woodland Strategy. 7 Joicey, B. and Deighton, J. (ed. Grant, C.), 2007. Improving Richmond’s Viewing Points. Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative.
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Temple Grounds Management Plan – describes the features of this historic landscape, their condition and management measures for their conservation and enhancement.
Community Pathway – includes a map and description of a proposed route of a multi-purpose access route around Richmond. Prepared by J. Deighton and R. Connelly
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2.0 HISTORICAL WOODLAND DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 An understanding of the historical development of woodland, including its extent and distribution through time, can provide valuable insights to a study of the current nature and condition of woodland. For example, woodland age, (or the length of continuous woodland cover), tends to have a large effect on a number of important factors affecting nature conservation value, such as physical structure, species- richness, plant communities and the presence and abundance of non-native species.
2.1.2 Ancient woodlands, namely those that have had continuous woodland cover since 1600, are generally considered to be the most valuable from a nature conservation perspective, because of their species richness and the relatively unmodified nature of the habitat and its communities. Such woodlands are also often highly valued from an amenity perspective, because of their diverse and attractive character.
2.1.3 A study of woodland development can also contribute to an understanding of the factors that have driven changes in woodland extent and distribution, whether they are increases or decreases. It can also help with an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with such changes.
2.1.4 For these reasons a study was carried out of historical changes in woodland extent and distribution in the study area, from 1600 to the present.
2.2 Methodology
2.2.1 Ancient woodland within the study area was identified using Magic Map8. The following historic Ordnance Survey maps were examined to determine the extent and distribution of woodland at the time of their preparation,
• 1857, 6 inches : 1 mile, • 1913, 25 inches : 1 mile.
8 http://www.magic.gov.uk/website/magic/
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2.2.2 Old pictures and photographs of the area, from the mid nineteenth century onwards, were also inspected.
2.3 Results and Discussion
2.3.1 Figure 2 illustrates the development of woodland in the study area from the mid- nineteenth century to the present. Very small-scale changes in woodland extent, such as the gain or loss of small groups of trees, have not been included.
2.3.2 The Pennine Fringe, in which the study area is located, is relatively well wooded in comparison with the Yorkshire Dales to the west and the Vale of York to the east, and supports substantial amounts of ancient woodland.
2.3.3 The study area itself is also rich in woodland. There is a large block of ancient woodland (present in 1600) on the south bank of the River Swale between Lownethwaite and Richmond Bridges, including Hudswell, Round Howe and Low and Billy Bank Woods. The steep and rocky valley slopes found in this part of the study area, which are likely to have been relatively unattractive from an agricultural perspective, may have contributed to the persistence of woodland in this area.
2.3.4 By the mid-nineteenth century the majority of the woodland now present in the study area was already in place. In addition to the ancient woodlands mentioned above, significant blocks of woodland present by that time also included Jack Kings Wood, woodland within the Temple Grounds and Clinks Bank Wood.
2.3.5 Since the mid-nineteenth century the area of woodland in the study area has expanded. The majority of this has developed since 1913, with relatively small amounts having developed between 1857 and 1913. Particular foci for this expansion were the development of Round Howe Car Park Wood, on Castle Bank, at the northern end of Clinks Bank Wood, and beside the old railway line.
2.3.6 A small proportion of this expansion appears to have been planted, such as around Round Howe car park and the recent northern extension of Round Howe Wood. However, by far the majority appears to have developed by natural colonisation of self-sown trees in areas where previous vegetation management has lapsed. Clear examples of this include the Castle Bank and the old railway line, where previous line-side management ceased following closure of the line in the late 1960s.
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2.3.7 Despite the small size of many of the recently developed areas of woodland, some have had a comparatively large impact on the character and visibility of important and historic views (Section 4.0). For example, although the amount of woody cover on the Castle Bank has been variable since the mid nineteenth century, photographs as late as the 1920s show that, apart from developing woodland at the eastern end, the Castle Bank was mostly open, with a few small trees and limited areas of scrub. However, by the 1960s, woody growth had expanded significantly, especially at the western end, and there are now two areas of maturing woodland at each end of the bank that obscure views, or parts of views, from the vicinity of Richmond Bridge, the Falls and the Batts.
2.4 Conclusion
2.4.1 Richmond and Swale Valley area is relatively rich in woodland of a range of ages, and this is likely to contribute to substantial differences in character and nature conservation value between woodlands in the area. The rich woodland resource confers significant benefits in terms of landscape, nature conservation and recreation. However, recent expansion of trees and woodland in the area has also led to some localised issues, particularly with regard to the loss (in part or whole) of a number of highly valued views of the town and river.
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3.0 HABITAT STUDY
Phase 1 Survey
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 To asses the nature and value of woodland in an area it is important that the woodland resource is considered as a whole, and that individual woodlands are not viewed in isolation. The relationships between woodlands, and their context within other habitats in the wider landscape can have effects on a number of important factors affecting the species and communities they support. For example, the distances between woods, and the nature of intervening habitats and features can strongly influence movements of individuals and species between them. This in turn will influence the ability of woods, and groups of woods, to support populations of wildlife species. Many wildlife species utilise resources both within and outside of woodlands. The nature of the habitats surrounding woodlands will determine the quantity and quality of such resources, and therefore the ability of wider habitat complexes to support species. Woodlands can face a number of threats from operations or activities associated with land use or management operations on neighbouring land. For example, pesticide drift and nutrient enrichment associated with intensive forms of agriculture can lead to the loss of species and changes in community composition that would represent a loss of nature conservation value.
3.1.2 In addition, one of the aims of the Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study was to identify areas in which tree planting or woodland development would be advantageous. One of the criteria used for identifying suitable sites (4.2.6) was that areas of non-woodland habitats that are currently of relatively high nature conservation value should be excluded.
3.1.3 It was therefore necessary to identify the extent and distribution of broad habitat types within the study area. This would enable the relationships between woodlands, and between woodlands and other habitats to be investigated, and also allow the nature conservation value of land within the study area to be determined. Phase 1
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Habitat Survey9 is a nationally recognised standard methodology for undertaking such surveys.
3.2 Methodology
3.2.1 A Phase 1 survey of the study area, and of land adjoining the Gallowfields Trading Estate, was undertaken in accordance with the standard methodology10, and a Phase 1 Habitat Map was prepared (Figure 3).
3.3 Results and Discussion
3.3.1 The Phase 1 Habitat Map of the study area illustrates the extent and distribution of broad habitats within it.
3.3.2 Generally, much of the woodland within the study area is located on the, often steep, valley sides of the river Swale. There are some substantial blocks of woodland, notably that on the south bank of the River Swale between Lownethwaite bridge and Richmond Bridge. Connectivity between woodlands appears relatively good. The gaps between woods are often small, and there are often strips of wooded habitat or trees between many of the larger blocks of woodland.
3.3.3 Outside the built up parts of Richmond the principal habitat in the study area is grassland, although there are also small areas of arable. The grassland varies from species-rich, unimproved hay meadow through semi-improved grasslands, to species-poor, agriculturally improved and amenity grasslands.
3.3.4 The presence of relatively unimproved forms of grassland adjacent to areas of woodland, such as in the Round Howe area, tends to increase the overall nature conservation value of these wood(s), and of the area as a whole. Also, because such grasslands are managed extensively, the adjoining areas of woodland are likely to face fewer threats to the conservation of their nature conservation value. However, where woodlands adjoin more intensively managed areas of grassland they may face threats from nutrient enrichment and pesticide drift etc.
9 England Field Unit and Nature Conservancy Council, 1990. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for environmental audit. JNCC. 10 England Field Unit and nature Conservancy Council, 1990. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for environmental audit. JNCC.
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3.3.5 Areas of improved grassland and arable are currently of relatively low value for nature conservation, and can therefore be included for consideration as possible sites for tree planting and woodland development.
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Woodland Survey
3.4 Introduction
3.4.1 The aims of the woodland survey were to determine and describe the nature of the woodland in the study area. These include characteristics or features of importance to nature conservation, such as the plant species and communities present, the physical structure, the occurrence of regeneration and the presence of veteran trees, and of features such as springs and streams and glades. It also includes features that have a negative impact on nature conservation value, such as damage of various kinds and the presence of non-native and invasive species. This survey would enable an evaluation of the nature conservation value of individual woodlands, and of woodland in the study area as a whole.
3.5 Methodology
Field Survey
3.5.1 All of the surveying, except for the Temple Grounds, was undertaken in mid- September 2007. The Temple Grounds were surveyed in late November 2007.
3.5.2 Areas of woodland within the study area were surveyed using a structured walk11. A list of all vascular plant species observed within the canopy, shrub and field layers of each wood was compiled, and a broad indication of the abundance of each species was recorded using the DAFOR scale. Some species occurred in more than one layer (for example in the canopy and shrub layers) and in these cases their abundance was recorded separately for each layer.
3.5.3 Because of the limited time available for the survey, some of the less common and/or conspicuous species may have been missed. In addition, due to the time that the survey was undertaken (largely September) a number of vernal species, such as bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria and ramsons Allium ursinum tended not to be visible. The species lists should not therefore be viewed as complete. However, apart from these species, it is unlikely that any of the more abundant species will have been
11 As described in the Woodland Survey Handbook. Kirby, K.J. (1988). A Woodland Survey Handbook. JNCC.
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missed. In most cases the lists provided a satisfactory basis for the determination of plant communities (although see paragraph 3.5.4 below) and, in combination with other factors, for the evaluation of the woodlands.
3.5.4 Woodland plant communities were attributed subjectively to the most appropriate National Vegetation Classification (NVC) community, using the community keys and descriptions12, and their distribution mapped. The fact that it was often impossible, as mentioned in paragraph 3.5.3 above, to identify the presence or abundance of a number of vernal species may have led to a failure to identify some NVC sub-communities. This is most likely to be the case with W8f, Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perrenis woodland, Allium ursinum sub- community, ash-field maple-dogs mercury woodland, ramsons sub-community, which is likely to be present in some of the woodlands in the area.
3.5.5 Notes were also made of the physical structure of each wood, and also of important features, such as springs and streams, glades, veteran or ancient trees, signs of browsing or grazing, tree regeneration, deadwood, and the presence of invasive alien species and damage.
3.5.6 It should be noted that not all parts of all woods were covered by the survey. For example, Clinks Bank Wood was only surveyed from rights of way, which were confined to the western end of the wood. Jack Kings Wood was surveyed from its eastern side, with occasional forays into the middle of the wood and Convent Wood was only observed from the opposite bank of the River Swale. Some parts of other woods were also inaccessible, due to the nature of the topography or the density of the vegetation.
3.5.7 Note was also taken of trees outside woodlands, such as trees within and on the boundaries of fields. Large and/or old trees, which tend to have a relatively high nature conservation value, were particularly noted.
12 Rodwell, J.S. (ed.), 1991. British Plant Communities, Volume 1, Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
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Evaluation
3.5.8 Standard national guidance13 14 was used to evaluate the woodlands in the study area. These use a series of parameters or criteria against which sites or areas can be systematically evaluated, and their relative value determined. The detailed criteria can be found in Appendix 1. In addition, existing statutory and non-statutory designations that reflect the perceived value of woodlands for nature conservation, namely Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), were also recognised.
3.5.9 Individual woodlands were attributed to one of the following four categories of nature conservation value based on the criteria outlined above.
Nationally Important – relatively large and unmodified ancient semi-natural woodlands that fulfil the criteria for SSSI designation (Appendix 1) County Importance – generally ancient semi-natural woodlands that have experienced limited modification, but in which a most of the original features, such as species and communities are still present. Designated SINCs. Locally Important – Generally more recently developed (i.e. not ancient) woodlands or heavily modified ancient woodlands sites. However, by virtue of their size or attributes they represent a valuable nature conservation resource in the local context. Low Value – Generally small, and often highly modified and species-poor woodlands. Many contain a disproportionately large number or proportion of non- native species. However, they have some nature conservation value, supporting a (albeit limited) number of dependent species, and contribute to the larger woodland network.
3.6 Results
Overview
3.6.1 The study area forms part of the wider Pennine Dales foothills, which, by British standards, and in comparison with, for example, the Yorkshire Dales to the west, are well wooded, with 8.6% woodland cover. The amount of ancient semi-natural
13 Ratcliffe, D.A. (ed.) (1977). A Nature Conservation Review Vol. 1. Cambridge University Press. 14 Nature Consevancy Council (1989) Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs. Rationale, operational approach and criteria. Detailed guidelines for habitats and species groups. Chapter 2 Woodlands.
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woodland is also considered to be relatively large15. Richmonshire itself (outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park) contains more than 400 ha of ancient semi-natural woodland16. The relatively well-wooded character of the wider local landscape is reflected in the study area itself, in which woodland is a prominent feature. The steep and rocky slopes on the sides of the Swale Valley are likely, historically, to have favoured the retention of woodland, as more recently has their perceived amenity value.
3.6.2 Most of the woodland in the study area is semi-natural broadleaved woodland, and a substantial proportion of this is also ancient, notably the large block of woodland on the south side of the River Swale between Lownethwaite and Richmond Bridges. As outlined in Section 2.0 a number of areas of woodland have developed more recently, particularly in areas where previous management, such as grazing, has lapsed, or on ex-industrial sites.
3.6.3 Broadleaved tree species are dominant throughout the woodlands in the study area, and coniferous trees tend to occur only in small groups, or as scattered individuals. Ash Fraxinus excelsior is the dominant native species. However, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and beech Fagus sylvatica, which are introduced species (nationally and locally respectively), are also prominent, and achieve local dominance in a few places.
3.6.4 Appendix 2 contains the species lists for all of the surveyed woods and their DAFOR abundance values and Appendix 3 contains general comments on the individual woods, details of the National Vegetation Classification communities found within them, and descriptions of woodland features.
3.6.5 Figure 4 shows the location of the surveyed woods, and the extent and distribution of National Vegetation Classification communities.
3.6.6 The discussion of the nature and attributes of woodlands in the Richmond and Swale valley that follows below is general in nature, although mention is made of individual woods to illustrate points. For more detailed information on the species and attributes of individual woodlands, reference should be made to Appendices 2 and 3 and Figure 4.
15 Wilson, R., 1997. Pennine Dales Fringe Natural Area. English Nature 16 Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Group, 2005. Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Plan.
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Physical Structure
3.6.7 Although the older woodlands in the study area may have experienced some form or degree of coppice management in the past, the most common woodland structure is now high forest. This comprises a more or less continuous canopy of variable height formed by maiden trees, which is broken only by occasional tree-fall gaps, and also where rock outcrops prevent the development of a closed canopy.
3.6.8 Beneath this canopy is a distinct shrub layer or understorey. This is of variable height and density, which is determined to a great extent by the depth of shade cast by the canopy. The densest areas, including thickets of regenerating canopy species, tend to occur beneath canopy gaps, or where the canopy is more open.
3.6.9 The lowest layer of vegetation is the field layer. As with the shrub layer this is very variable in height and density, from bare or sparse to tall and lush, and generally for the same reasons. However, the density of both the canopy and shrub layers determines light levels in this layer.
3.6.10 The range of tree ages in the woodlands is patchy. However, taken as a whole the older woodlands tend to have a relatively uneven age structure, with individuals of a good range of ages and sizes. This tends to produce a more varied physical structure, including greater variation in the height and density of the canopy, and of the woodland environment. Such variability of structure and environment can contribute to greater species diversity of dependent species.
3.6.11 In contrast, some of the younger secondary woods exhibit quite pronounced even- aged structures, probably reflecting a relatively short period of recruitment. Many of the trees have reached, or are reaching maturity, and have created a continuous and dense canopy of relatively simple structure. This casts quite a deep shade that has a suppressive effect on the shrub and field layers, simplifying the structure and environment still further. This, together with other factors, such as their more recent origin, tends to contribute to the lower species- diversity of these woods.
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Plant Communities
3.6.12 The following National Vegetation Classification communities were identified during the survey.
W7 Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior-Lysimachia nemorum, alder-ash-yellow pimpernel woodland. W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perrenis, ash-field maple-dogs mercury woodland. W12 Fagus sylvatica- Mercurialis perrenis, beech-dogs mercury woodland.
It is also possible that some stands, particularly within Hudswell and Billy and Low Bank Woods, may represent examples of,
W9 Fraxinus excelsior-Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis perrenis, ash-rowan-dogs mercury woodland.
W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perrenis, ash-field maple- dogs mercury woodland
3.6.13 This was overwhelmingly the most common community in the surveyed woodlands. It is characteristic of calcareous soils, derived, for example, from limestones. Carboniferous limestone underlies much of the woodland in the study area, and in a number of places on the valley sides actually forms outcrops, and it is therefore natural that this community is the dominant one in the surveyed woodlands. In most cases this community is represented in its more northern and western forms or sub- communities within the Richmond area, and locally, within Hudswell and Low and Billy Bank Woods in particular, some stands exhibit affinities with, and indeed may represent, examples of W9 Fraxinus excelsior-Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis perrenis, ash-rowan-dogs mercury woodland, an ash woodland community generally characteristic of more upland locations than W8.
3.6.14 Ash is generally the dominant canopy tree in the W8 community in the Richmond area, although a number of other tree species are also commonly present. One of the distinctive characteristics of more northern and western forms of this community, and of the woodlands in the study area, is the high frequency of sycamore and wych elm Ulmus glabra. Sycamore is frequent or abundant as a canopy species
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throughout the woodlands in the study area, and is even dominant in some of the more recently developed secondary woodlands, such as Castle Bank East and Park Wynd. Wych elm is much less frequent in the canopy (often as a result of Dutch Elm Disease), and more frequently forms a prominent component of the shrub layer. Beech, either planted or derived from planted stock, is also frequent throughout much of the woodland with this community in the study area. Where it occurs it tends to cast a characteristically dense shade, and can have a suppressing effect on the shrub and field layers. Indeed, where it achieves local dominance it represents a different NVC community (see below). A more thorough discussion of sycamore and beech in these woodlands, and of the effects they can have on the woodlands is provided in Appendix 5.
3.6.15 In addition to wych elm small individuals of the canopy species are frequent, and often abundant, in the shrub layer. Other common species in this layer are hazel Corylus avellana and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Holly Ilex aquifolium is often a frequent component, and was locally abundant, for example, in Low and Billy Bank Wood and Earls Orchard Wood. Yew Taxus baccata is concentrated on the limestone rock exposures, primarily in Hudswell, Round Howe, Low and Billy Bank Woods. Elder Sambucus nigra occurs throughout this layer in the study area, but in the some of the more recently developed secondary woods, such as those on the Castle Bank, it is abundant. Of note in this layer is the Nationally Scarce species alpine currant Ribes alpinum, which is present in a number of the woods such as Low and Billy Bank Wood, the riverside woodland on the south bank of the Swale between Richmond and Station Bridges, and Clinks Bank Wood.
3.6.16 The field layer of this community contains a number of prominent, and distinctive species, such as dogs mercury Mercurialis perennis and ivy Hedera helix, which is frequently more abundant in the northern and western forms of this community than in the southern. Other prominent, characteristic and widespread species include nettle Urtica dioica, tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa, false wood brome Bracypodium sylvaticum, and more locally (e.g. Hudswell and Low and Billy Bank Woods) harts tongue Phyllitis scolopendrium. In some areas of Hudswell and Low and Billy Bank Woods, male fern Dryopteris felix-mas is locally abundant in the field layer. Together with tufted hair grass, wood avens Geum urbanum and enchanters nightshade Circaea lutetiana this is characteristic of, and generally more abundant in W9 Fraxinus excelsior-Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis perrenis, ash- rowan-dogs mercury woodland, (a more upland form of ash woodland than W8)
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than in the northern and western forms of W8. This suggests that these woodlands, or parts of them, are transitional in nature between these two communities, and indeed some stands within these woods may represent examples of the W9 community (specifically the W9a typical sub-community).
Sub-communities
3.6.17 The species composition (described above) of most of the woodland on the freer draining valley sides in the study area, is attributable to the W8e Geranium robertianum, herb Robert sub-community. This sub-community occupies the central position, (in terms of its species composition, and the conditions that favour its development), of the three northern and western sub-communities of W8. It is likely that examples of the other two sub-communties are also represented in woodlands in the study area, and are described below.
3.6.18 In some places, where rocky outcrops occur, some of the W8 woodland approaches the W8g Teucrium scorodonia, wood sage sub-community. This sub-community is characteristic of the more open canopy and drier conditions that often accompanies such situations. It is frequently relatively species-rich and, among other species, false wood brome (a grass) and wood sage Teucrium scrodonia are often prominent within it. Probably the clearest example of this sub-community observed in the study area was found at the top of Round Howe Wood.
3.6.19 In contrast, on areas of deeper and moister soil towards the base of slopes it is likely that areas of the W8f Allium ursinum, ramsons sub-community, which is characterised by a high abundance or dominance of ramsons in the field layer, may also occur. However, the above ground growth of ramsons has generally disappeared by mid-summer, and as a result it was not possible to determine the presence or extent of this community during the current survey.
3.6.20 These three sub-communities, which are characteristic of most of the older woodland, contrast with the other W8 sub-community found in the study area, the W8d Hedera helix, ivy sub-community. Although this can occur in some older woods in parts of the south west of England, elsewhere a particularly species-poor form is characteristic of many areas of recently developed secondary woodland. In the study area this is typical of the woods on Castle Bank and at Park Wynd. Here the canopy is locally dominated by sycamore, although ash is also present, and as
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noted above, elder is prominent in the shrub layer. The field layer tends to be species-poor, and is often overwhelmingly dominated by ivy. Relatively few other species are present, but they include wood avens and cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, which is indicative of disturbance and nutrient enrichment. Perhaps not surprisingly, given their relatively urban location, these woods also contain a large number of non-native species, and some species, such as laurel Prunus laurocerasus and snowberry Symphoricarpus albus, can be locally abundant or dominant.
W12 Fagus sylvatica- Mercurialis perrenis, beech-dogs mercury woodland
3.6.21 In some areas, for example within Round Howe (valleyside) and Billy and Low Bank Woods beech is the dominant canopy species. Here the dense shade cast by this species has had a profound suppressive effect on the shrub and field layers, which are characteristically sparse in comparison with the neighbouring ash and sycamore dominated areas.
3.6.22 Great wood-rush Luzula sylvatica tends to be more abundant in these areas, and, in Low and Billy Bank Woods, sessile oak Quercus petraea is also more frequent. This suggests that the soils may be more acidic, and it is possible that this community may have derived from a more acidic form of W8, in which these species would have been more prominent
W7 Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior-Lysimachia nemorum, alder-ash-yellow pimpernel woodland
3.6.23 This community is present within the study area as narrow strips on low-lying ground beside the River Swale. In general, these examples exhibit a species composition that places them at the more calcareous end of this community. In addition, the very narrow and sometimes open nature of these areas means that the woodland element in the field layer is subordinate to a flora more typical of (the usually neighbouring) grassland. However, this can be quite species-rich, and contains a range of species typical of unimproved forms of grassland.
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Tree Regeneration
3.6.24 Although variable, generally tree regeneration within the woods in the study area is good, and in none of the woods are the woods themselves, or their nature conservation value, currently threatened by a lack of regeneration. A degree of patchiness in tree regeneration is quite normal. It tends to reflect the availability of suitable sites for regeneration, such as canopy gaps created by the tree falls, which are themselves patchily distributed.
3.6.25 There are a small number of woods, and parts of woods, where regeneration currently appears to be relatively sparse. There are probably two main reasons for this. In some woods the dense and continuous canopy, and the heavy shade cast by it, is likely to be inhibiting regeneration. In these cases the creation of gaps in the canopy, either naturally or through felling may stimulate regeneration. This factor probably accounts for the sparse regeneration in the beech-dominated parts of Round Howe (valleyside) and Low and Billy Bank Woods, and also in the sycamore-dominated woods on the Castle Bank and at Park Wynd. It may also be a contributing factor in parts of Jack Kings Wood.
3.6.26 The other factor is likely to be browsing and grazing by herbivorous mammals, especially deer and rabbits. Rabbit grazing may well be a factor limiting regeneration in parts of Jack Kings Wood, in addition to lack of light. Observations of their presence and evidence of browsing, suggest that deer may also be reducing regeneration, albeit very patchily, in the woods in the Round Howe area.
Non-native species
3.6.27 The most prominent non-native species in the woodlands of the study area, and probably the ones that exert the greatest influence on the wider woodland habitat, are sycamore and beech. As noted elsewhere, these species are naturalised throughout the area, and comprise a significant part of the woodland canopy in many areas, particularly in some of the more recently developed woodlands (see Appendix 5 for a fuller discussion of sycamore and beech in these woodlands).
3.6.28 However, a large number of other non-native species are also present. Perhaps the most significant of these are Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica and Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera. These species can be very invasive and can
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potentially have significant negative impacts on the native flora. Clumps of Japanese knotweed are present throughout the study area, particularly on some of the more disturbed parts of the banks of the River Swale.
3.6.29 Himalayan balsam is also present throughout the study area, and again frequently, though not exclusively, in the lower ground close to the river. This is because the river water can transport the seeds, and the plant is often spread to new areas by floods. In addition, this annual species exploits areas of bare ground or disturbed vegetation caused by flooding. It is not generally abundant in the wooded areas of the study area, probably because of the low light levels present. However, it is abundant in some of the open areas, including glades, found within some of the woods, such as Round Howe Car Park Wood, and in the riverside woodland between Clinks Bank Wood and Easby. In these areas it is likely to be having a negative impact on the indigenous flora.
3.6.30 Most of the other non-native species are comparatively rare, many of them occurring as isolated individuals. However, as described above, laurel and snowberry are locally abundant in a number of woods, such as Park Wynd, Earls Orchard and those on Castle Bank, and these species can also be invasive, and have negative impacts on the native flora.
Other Woodland Features
3.6.31 The woodlands in the study area contain relatively few large open areas such as rides and glades. However, some valuable areas of species-rich unimproved grassland are present between Hudswell and Round Howe (valleyside) Woods. There are also smaller glades in Round Howe Car Park Wood, and in the riverside woodland between Clinks Bank Wood and Easby. These are mostly grassy, unimproved, and in places quite species-rich. However, as noted above, a number of them are becoming invaded by Himalayan balsam, and scrub invasion is also a problem. Elsewhere more open conditions are confined to usually temporary, and often small, canopy gaps.
3.6.32 A number of springs and streams are present in some of the woods, notably in Hudswell, Low and Billy Bank and Clinks Bank Woods. Although a number of these appear to be dry during the summer, the relatively sheltered conditions they
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provide are ideal for some groups such as ferns and bryophytes. Springs and seepages are also often valuable habitats for invertebrates.
3.6.33 Large and old trees occur throughout the older areas of woodland and some of these support features characteristic of veteran trees, such as relatively large quantities of dead wood, and cracks and cavities. These provide a range of valuable resources that support a large number of dependent species.
3.6.34 Standing and fallen deadwood, is of value to a wide range of species and large pieces of deadwood are of particular valuable. The quantity of deadwood in the surveyed woods was variable. Both standing and fallen deadwood of all sizes was moderately abundant in most of the older woods, including a number of trees felled to waste. In contrast, in the more recent secondary woodlands, and in much of the riverside woodland, deadwood was sparse.
3.6.35 Damage was relatively limited in most of the woods. The most common form was damage to the field layer, and the creation of bare ground by trampling, usually in the form of paths, both official and unofficial. This tended to be most pronounced in the woods nearest to the edges of the town, or, for example, adjoining car parks.
Non-Woodland Trees
3.6.36 Scattered non-woodland trees occur within and on the boundaries of fields throughout the study area. Of note are a number of large and old trees, including oak and ash, which are likely to be of particular value to wildlife, in the fields near Easby. The Temple Grounds also contain a relatively large, and locally important, number of large and old trees, especially beech. Many of these are approaching the end of their lives and there are also a number of dead individuals that provide valuable deadwood habitat
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3.7 Woodland Evaluation
3.7.1 Table 3 summarises the outcome of the evaluation of the nature conservation value of woodland in the study area.
Table 3 Relative nature conservation importance of woodlands in the Richmond and Swale Valley area.
Nationally Important Hudswell Wood County Importance Low and Billy Bank Wood Round Howe (valleyside) Wood Round Howe Wood Round Howe Car Park Wood Locally Important Clinks Bank Wood Riverside trees and woodland Jack Kings Wood Earls Orchard Wood Low Value Castle Bank Woods Park Wynd Wood Convent Wood Easby Wood Old Railway Line
3.7.2 As a result of the methods of the evaluation process there are some clear patterns within this classification. The woodlands of highest value are the ancient semi- natural woodlands, whereas those of relatively lower value tend to be those that are of recent and secondary origin. The reasons why these differences in time of origin and longevity contribute to the differences in value have been outlined elsewhere, but include the greater naturalness of the species and communities present, the amount of time available to accumulate species and the greater structural diversity of the older woodlands.
3.7.3 It should be borne in mind that although a number of the woods have been classified as being of low value, this is a relative classification, and all of the woods are of some nature conservation value, both for themselves and the species they support, and for their contribution to the wider woodland network in the area. Indeed, the
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value of all the woodland in the area as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts, as such a woodland network enables a greater diversity of species and communities to be supported, through enhanced opportunities for dispersal and migration, than would be the case within each of the woods in isolation.
3.7.4 Of particular note and value in this regard is the relatively large concentration of woodland between Lownethwaite and Richmond Bridges, particularly to the south of the Swale. This area also includes a relatively large area of unimproved or semi- improved grassland and the River Swale. All these elements add to the overall value of this area for nature conservation. Similar combinations of valuable semi-natural habitat are also present elsewhere in the study area, such as to the east of Richmond Bridge, on the south side of the river, where woodland and species-rich unimproved grassland are also present, although on a smaller scale than that to the west of Richmond Bridge.
Conclusion
3.7.5 The woodland in the Richmond and Swale Valley area is of high nature conservation value, both in terms of many of the individual woodlands and as a whole habitat network, in addition to its importance in the landscape and its value for recreation, and it should be considered a substantial natural asset of the area.
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4.0 KEY VIEWS
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 As outlined in Section 2.0 a number of areas of woodland and other woody vegetation have developed in the last century. In some cases this has resulted in a number of highly valued views of the town becoming obscured, to a greater or lesser degree. The loss or deterioration of these views was identified as an issue in the RSVI Strategic Framework17, and it recommended that appropriate management measures be put in place to restore these views. Restoration of these views has the potential to significantly enhance the experience of the town and it’s setting for both residents and visitors alike. However, potentially, restoration of these views could also have negative impacts on wildlife, and management measures should aim to minimise or mitigate any such impacts and also seek opportunities for biodiversity gain.
4.2 Identification of views
4.2.1 The RSVCI Strategic Framework (Figure 11) identified eight important views of the town. For the purposes of this study the views from Theakston Lane and Hudswell were considered to be a lower priority, as a result of their location to the south of the main recreational area in the Swale Valley. The RSVCI report on the condition of views in the Richmond area18 also identified a number of additional key views, as did consultation. The views that are the subject of the current study are listed below, and their locations are identified in Figure 5.
1. Green Howards Road – wide views across Bolton Crofts towards the Castle. Probably of greater importance to residents than to visitors. 2. Old Railway Line – views of Easby Abbey from the southern end of the publicly accessible part of the line north of the bridge over the Swale. 3. Maison Dieu – classic view of the town, Castle River and Station Bridge. 4. Easby Low Road – very similar to 2, but from a lower elevation. Important as it is on the popular walk to Easby. 5. Station Bridge – views of the river, the Batts, old Grammar School and Castle.
17 Chris Blandford Associates, 2003. Richmond Swale Valley Initiative Strategic Framework. 18 Joicey, B. and Deighton, J. (ed. Grant, C.), 2007. Improving Richmond’s Viewing Points. Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative.
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6. St. Marys Church – view of the 12th century church from the south, especially Station Road. 7. The Batts – dramatic, close-up views of the Castle and town. 8. Castle Walk – impressive views of the river, Richmond Bridge and the wider countryside. 9. Sleegill – dramatic close, frontal view of the Castle. 10. Richmond Bridge – views along the ‘town reach’ of the river, and of the Castle. 11. Upstream of Richmond Bridge – classic, and historically much photographed view of the Bridge and Castle from the south bank of the river. 12. Newbiggin – views of the many streets, and the many attractive and listed buildings within it.
4.3 Condition of views
4.3.1 Photographs, and a description of the condition of each view are presented below.
1. Green Howards Road a b
Photographs 1 Views south (towards town) from Green Howard Road, a view clear, b view obscured by trees and scrub.
The status of the view from Green Howards Road is variable. Parts are clear, especially towards the western end of the road where attractive views of the town across the fields, framed by isolated trees, can be found. However, small trees and shrubs obscure some viewpoints along the road, particularly in the central part.
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2. Old Railway Line a b
Photographs 2 Views of Easby Abbey from the old railway line, a lower edge partially obscured by trees and shrubs on riverbanks, b Abbey substantially obscured by large willow on east bank of river.
The visibility of Easby Abbey from the old railway line has recently (2007) been substantially improved by the cutting back of a line of Leyland cypress that is adjacent to it. Trees and shrubs alongside the railway line and on the adjacent riverbanks still partially obscure the abbey. In particular, a large willow on the eastern bank tends to obscure the abbey from the southern end of the line, near to the bridge over the river (Photograph 2b). Cutting back/coppicing of this willow should therefore be a priority.
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3. Maison Dieu
Photograph 3 View of Richmond from Maison Dieu.
Most of the historic centre of the town is still clearly visible from Maison Dieu, although woodland has developed considerably in this area in the last century. This has resulted in the loss, for example, of the view of St Mary’s church. However it does also attractively frame the view. Grazing management of the pasture immediately below the road appears to have lapsed and ruderal (weed) species such as nettle Urtica dioica and ragwort Senecio jacobaea are abundant. Weed control and restoration of appropriate grazing management should be a priority in order to prevent succession to scrub and woodland, which would lead to the loss of this view.
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4. Easby Low Road
Photograph 4 View towards Richmond from the high point on the Easby Low Road.
Trees and shrubs currently obscure the view from the Easby Low Road. Some limited cutting back of these would restore this view, which could be attractively framed by retained trees.
5. Station Bridge
Photograph 5 View of Richmond and Castle from Station Bridge
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From most places on the Station Bridge pavement the view of the town is clear, although there are some small trees at the south-western corner of the bridge that obscure the view from the southern end of the bridge. The location of the pavement on the eastern side of the bridge means that the busy road is positioned between the viewer and the view.
6. St. Marys church a
b
Photographs 6 Views of St. Marys church a, late 19th or early 20th century and b, 2007.
The church is substantially obscured by planted exotic conifers.
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7. The Batts
Photograph 7 View towards the Castle from the Batts.
The view of the castle and town from the Batts is obscured by recently developed woodland between the Batts and Park Wynd.
8. Castle Walk
Photograph 8 View of river and Richmond Bridge from Castle Walk
Thanks to recent control of the scrub on the central part of Castle Bank views from this part of Castle Walk are open. However, woodland at either end of the Bank obscures views in these areas.
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9. Sleegill a
b
Photographs 9 Views of a, the Castle and b, Castle and western end of the town, from Sleegill.
The view of the castle from Sleegill is mostly clear (Photograph 6a). However, the view of the western part of the old town is largely obscured by recently developed woodland at the western end of the Castle Bank (Photograph 6b).
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10. Richmond Bridge
Photograph 10 View of River Swale and Castle from Richmond Bridge.
The eastern end of the Castle is clearly visible, but recently developed woodland at the western end of the Castle Bank obscures the western end of the Castle.
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11. Upstream of Richmond Bridge
a
b
Photographs 11 Views of Richmond Bridge and Castle from upstream of Richmond Bridge, a, late 19th or early 20th century, b, 2007.
This popular, and historically much photographed (Photograph 8a), view of Richmond Bridge and the Castle is now obscured by trees that have developed on the riverbank in recent decades. The western end of the Castle is also obscured by recently developed woodland at the western end of the Castle Bank.
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12. Newbiggin
Photograph 12 View of Newbiggin looking west from the eastern end.
A number of planted street trees, of a variety of species and sizes, partially obscure many of the historic buildings.
4.4 Conclusions and Recommendations
4.4.1 Some of the important and historic views of Richmond are still visible, such as those from Maison Dieu, Station Bridge and parts of Castle Walk. However, a number are obscured, completely or in part, such as that from Easby Low Road, views of Easby Abbey from the old railway line and of the Castle from upstream of Richmond Bridge. It is recommended that management measures be put in place to restore these views. Recommendations regarding such management measures are included in Section 5.0, the Strategic Woodland and Tree Management Plan (Paragraphs 5.5.27-5.5.55).
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5.0 STRATEGIC WOODLAND AND TREE MANAGEMENT PLAN
5.1 Aims
5.1.1 The aims of the Strategic Woodland and Tree Management Plan for the Richmond and Swale Valley are to:
• Conserve and enhance the nature conservation value of the tree and woodland resource; • Restore important and historic views; • Identify opportunities for woodland expansion and new tree planting; and • Identify opportunities for training and volunteering in relation to the management of trees and woodland.
5.2 Methods and Objectives
Nature Conservation Management of Trees and Woodland
5.2.1 The management recommendations for the conservation and enhancement of trees and woodland were informed by:
• the criteria against which the quality of woodland and trees for nature conservation are judged (Appendix 1); • the outcomes of the woodland survey and evaluation (Sections 3.4-3.7), • practicalities.
5.2.2 Consideration of these factors led to the formulation of a number of specific conservation management objectives for woodlands in the area:
• to conserve existing native species populations and communities; • to control non-native species, especially sycamore and beech; • to diversify structure, particularly in the younger woodlands; • to conserve large, old and veteran trees; • to conserve woodland glades; and • to increase the quantity of deadwood.
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Restoring Views
5.2.3 Details on the location and current condition of important and historic views are contained in Section 4.0.
5.2.4 The gains that restoration of these views may have for public enjoyment and access to the Richmond and Swale Valley area were carefully evaluated in relation to the probable consequences such work would have on wildlife. Means of minimising or mitigating any possible negative consequences have been identified, and opportunities for biodiversity gains sought.
Future Woodland Development and Tree Planting
5.2.5 The objectives for future woodland development and tree planting in the Richmond and Swale Valley are to,
• increase the total woodland resource of the area, • add to the nature conservation value of the area as a whole, • enhance the value of existing woodlands, • screen visual detractors in the area, • develop new opportunities for recreation, education, volunteering and training in relation to trees and woodland, • contribute to the delivery of the Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Plan Target Goal (W-T3) of 15ha of new woodland.
5.2.6 The criteria used for identifying potential areas for woodland expansion or tree planting were as follows:
• Current value - Areas were excluded if tree planting or natural woodland regeneration would lead to a reduction in their existing nature conservation value. In practice this meant that areas identified tended to be of relatively low current nature conservation value, such as arable and improved grassland. • Increasing habitat unit size - Areas contiguous with existing woodland were favoured, to increase the size of existing woods, and/or to soften transitions to other habitat types.
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• Increasing connectivity – Areas and measures were favoured if they increased connectivity between existing trees or areas of woodland. • Important or historic views – Areas were excluded if tree planting or woodland regeneration would obscure important or historic views. • Screening visual detractors – Areas were favoured in which tree planting would screen features identified as having a negative impact on the quality of views.
5.2.7 A broad indication of the current nature conservation value of non-woodland habitats in the study area was determined by conducting a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, as outlined in Sections 3.1-3.3, (Figure 3).
5.3 Monitoring and Review
5.3.1 The implementation of the recommendations contained in the Strategic Woodland and Tree Management Plan, and their effectiveness in delivering its aims and objectives, should be subject to ongoing monitoring and regular review, and suggestions are made with regard to appropriate monitoring programmes and the timing of reviews.
5.3.2 In general, monitoring should be kept as simple as possible, in order to limit the resources and technical knowledge required, and to increase the likelihood that recording continues to be undertaken. Volunteers could potentially make a valuable contribution to this work, (see paragraphs 4.5.81-4.5.89)
5.3.3 The results of the monitoring programme should be used to inform the review process, and any adjustments that might need to be made to the management plan and work programmes.
5.4 Protected Species and Archaeological and Historical Features
5.4.1 The potential impact of any management work on protected species that may be present should be considered, and work should be carried out in accordance with Natural England guidelines, in order to minimise the possibilities for any negative impacts, and to comply with relevant legal obligations. Management work that could possibly affect breeding birds, such as felling of trees or other cutting back of woody vegetation, should be undertaken outside of the bird-breeding season (March
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to August inclusive). Prior to felling, all trees should also be inspected for their potential to support roosting or hibernating bats, by an experienced and suitably qualified ecologist.
5.4.2 The possible effects of the management recommendations described below on features of archaeological and historical interest have not been identified in this study. Therefore, these should be appropriately assessed prior to the commencement of any work, including tree management and planting, and appropriate measures should be put in place to avoid any negative effects.
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5.5 Recommendations
5.5.1 Figure 6 illustrates the locations and areas to which management recommendations apply. The following paragraphs include recommendations on the nature conservation of existing woodland, the restoration of views, woodland development and tree planting and volunteering and training in relation to trees and woodland. They also outline the rationale for the Management Plan and establish the principles upon which the recommendations are made.
Nature Conservation and Enhancement of Existing Woodlands
5.5.2 The results of the woodland survey suggest that most of the woodlands in the Richmond and Swale Valley area have experienced relatively low levels of management intervention in the recent past. It is recommended that, in general, the level of management intervention remain at a relatively low level. However, a limited increase in management is suggested, with an emphasis on the targeted control of the abundance of non-native tree species, especially sycamore and beech. The nature and extent of management measures that will be appropriate will vary between woods, dependent on their individual characteristics, including the relative abundance of non-native species.
5.5.3 Measures to control non-native species also offer opportunities to enhance other woodland features of nature conservation importance, such as increasing their structural diversity and the quantities of standing and fallen deadwood.
5.5.4 Additional recommendations on the control of other non-native invasive species, the conservation of glades, and of old and veteran trees are also offered.
5.5.5 The management plan outlined below is strategic in nature, and although in some cases recommendations are made with regard to particular woodlands, or groups of woodlands, some additional survey and evaluation work will be required to inform decision making involved in developing management plans for individual woodlands or groups of woodlands (for example those under the management of particular landowners). This will include an assessment of the particular opportunities and constraints individual woodlands or groups of woodlands present, for example in relation to the abundance and distribution of beech and sycamore, and the development of an appropriate approach to their control.
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5.5.6 The development of individual woodland management plans, as described above, should be carried out in consultation with, and with the agreement and consent of the relevant landowner(s), including identification of means of resourcing the agreed work programme.
Non-native Tree Species
5.5.7 Non-native tree species other than sycamore and beech are relatively rare in the woodlands of the study area, and in most cases do not pose a significant threat to their nature conservation value. Indeed, individuals or small groups conifers, for example, can provide additional resources of value, for example, to birds. As long as they do not appear to be actively regenerating it may valuable to retain them. Where local concentrations of such species occur, for example larch in Billy Bank Wood and Scots pine in the small plantation at the northern end of the Round Howe, opportunities for their removal, or reduction could be sought if considered appropriate. Elsewhere, the limited threat that these species pose means that in most cases their removal need not be a priority.
Sycamore and Beech
5.5.8 A discussion of the status of sycamore and beech in the study area, and the possible threats that they pose to the nature conservation value of the woodland within it, is presented in Appendix 5. Due to their widespread naturalisation within the woodlands of the study area, management of these species should take a pragmatic approach. Seeking to eliminate them, even on a very limited scale, will not be acceptable, or achievable, on the grounds of cost, practicality, public acceptance or nature conservation, because of the levels of disturbance that this would involve. These species should therefore be accepted as an established component of woodlands in the area, and management measures should, where possible and appropriate, seek to manage and control their abundance or dominance.
5.5.9 Because of variability in the nature of the woodlands in the area (Section 3.4-3.7, Tables 1(Appendix 2) and 2 (Appendix 3)), the approach to sycamore and beech control should be flexible, with effort targeted at woodlands and measures where the greatest benefits are likely to be gained. Disturbance to the canopy and the ground appears to favour sycamore regeneration, and therefore control should proceed by a
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number of small steps, based on the treatment of individual trees, or small groups of trees.
5.5.10 The highest quality ancient woodlands in the area, such Hudswell, Round Howe, Billy and Low Bank woods should be considered the priority for sycamore and beech control. These woods represent the most natural or least modified woodlands in the area, and because of the characteristic and species-rich shrub and field layer communities they support, they are the most likely to benefit from a reduction in the abundance of these species. In most parts of these woodlands native tree species regeneration is relatively abundant, and carefully managed reductions in sycamore and beech abundance should help to favour the development of this. Research in similar woodlands elsewhere in the UK19 has identified that sycamore cover in the canopy and understorey/shrub layer of up to approximately 40% does not appear to have a negative impact on the ground flora. This figure could therefore be used as a guideline, or target, for the management of sycamore in these woodlands, and this threshold is exceeded, measures should seek to reduce the abundance of sycamore (and beech) below this level. However, lower percentage covers may be considered appropriate and achievable in some areas, such as Hudswell Wood (SSSI). The dense beech stands present in Round Howe (valleyside) and Low Bank Woods could be opened up through thinning, in order to enable regeneration of native species. One approach would be to start on the edges of such stands, adjacent to seed sources of native tree species, with further opening up progressing once native species regeneration has established in treated areas.
5.5.11 In the more recently developed woodlands, the case for control measures is less strong. However, where native tree species are present at relatively high frequency or abundance, both in terms of seed producing trees and/or regeneration, some reduction of sycamore and beech may be justified in order to favour the establishment and development of native species regeneration with a view to increasing their relative abundance in the long term. Such circumstances may apply, for example, to parts of Jack Kings and Clink Bank Woods, for example, as well as some of the riverside woodland.
19 Riddle, N.S., 2005. Ash sycamore alternation study. Unpublished MSc thesis, Staffordshire University. Stiven, R., 2007. Managing sycamore in semi-natural woodlands. Natural England and Ravine WoodLIFE Project. Thompson, R., 2005. Stand dynamics of Tilio-Acerion woodlands in the Clyde Valley. Highlands Bichwoods.
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5.5.12 In some of the most recently developed woodlands, sycamore is overwhelmingly dominant, and native tree species regeneration is very sparse or absent. In addition, the field layers of these woodlands are often very species poor. In these cases, control measures are likely to have limited benefits, unless action is also taken to increase the abundance of native species, for example through planting. (See the management recommendations regarding the woodlands on the Castle Bank and at Park Wynd with regard to the restoration of key views, Paragraphs 5.5.39-5.5.47 Further information on species for planting is provided in Appendix 6)
5.5.13 The economic value of any timber produced as a result of control measures is likely to be relatively low. In addition, in many of the woodlands there are significant constraints in regard to the extraction of any timber. As a result of these factors, it is recommended that in most cases timber be left in-situ to increase the fallen and standing deadwood resource20. Where trees are considered likely to remain stable in the medium term, and not to present a health and safety risk once treated (for example in relation to footpaths), they may be left standing, and treated by ring- barking and/or herbicide injection. Conventional felling may be carried out where it will not cause significant damage to the canopy of neighbouring trees, or to native tree species regeneration. Where conventional felling would cause such damage, trees should be felled in sections. Trees/wood should only be cut as required for felling operations, or for clearance of material from pathways etc., and should otherwise be left intact. All stumps of felled trees should be treated with herbicide in order to prevent regrowth.
5.5.14 It is important that regenerating sycamore and beech in the field and shrub (understorey) layers are addressed. This can be controlled by a combination of hand pulling of small seedlings and saplings, and cutting (and herbicide treatment of stumps) of larger individuals. Although the control measures outlined above are designed to favour native tree species regeneration and development, some additional local control of sycamore and beech regeneration may also be required following tree removal, as described above.
20 Although, where timber has a commercial value, and extraction will not cause damaging disturbance, sale of such timber may be used to offset some of the costs of management. Also, some standing or fallen timber could be used for the creation of woodland sculptures (Section 6.5).
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5.5.15 Control of non-native tree species, as described above, also provides opportunities for the diversification of woodland structure, particularly in even-aged stands of trees. As outlined elsewhere (Paragraphs 3.6.10-3.6.11), such stands tend to support a narrower range of environmental conditions, and therefore of dependent species, than more structurally diverse stands. In such woodlands, an ongoing programme of targeted sycamore and beech control, and the development of native species regeneration (from introductions through planting if required) should favour the development of a more diverse structure.
5.5.16 The approach outlined here is similar to that developed and described for the management of sycamore and beech in similar woodlands of the Peak District and Wye Valley21 as part of the Ravine WoodLIFE project. This included the development of flow-charts to aid decision-making in terms of management measures for sycamore control. Further useful information (including downloadable leaflets and reports) on the threats posed by sycamore and beech, and on control strategies, is available from the project web site22.
Other Invasive Non-native Species
5.5.17 Japanese knotweed should be controlled with the objective of eliminating it from the study area. It is included in Part II, Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence if any person ‘plants, or otherwise causes to grow in the wild’, any plant included in Schedule 9. In the study area the most appropriate method of control will be in-situ herbicide treatment. However, if for any reason material is to be excavated and removed for disposal, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, any plant material or soil contaminated with Japanese knotweed is likely to be classified as controlled waste. The contaminated waste must therefore be transferred to an authorised person or landfill, and with duly completed waste transfer notes. Although Japanese knotweed is not classified as Hazardous Waste under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, if the plant is treated with certain herbicides, it may be classified as Hazardous Waste. Further information on
21 Stiven, R., 2007. Managing sycamore in semi-natural woodlands. Natural England and Ravine WoodLIFE Project. 22 Hhttp://www.ravinewoodlife.org.uk/index.asp Hhttp://www.ravinewoodlife.org.uk/conservation-toolbox/
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Japanese knotweed and its control and disposal can be obtained from the relevant page of the Environment Agency’s website23.
5.5.18 Himalayan balsam should be controlled, particularly in areas where it is locally abundant. Control can be achieved through pulling or cutting plants (e.g. with a strimmer or brush cutter) twice a year, from May to July inclusive, before flowering and seed set begins. Except in areas where there is very little native vegetation, or where such vegetation is very impoverished in terms of species, chemical herbicides should not be used, as these would damage the native flora.
5.5.19 Other non-native species pose less of a threat, although snowberry and laurel are locally abundant in a small number of woods, and opportunities should be sought to control or eliminate these species.
Old, Large and Veteran Trees
5.5.20 Wherever possible, old, large and veteran trees, and the features they support, such as deadwood, cracks and cavities, should be retained. Further information on the identification and management of veteran trees and veteran tree characteristics is available from Natural England24 and Ancient Tree Forum25.
Glades and Open Areas
5.5.21 Woodland glades and other open areas within woodlands are generally rare in the study area. However, where they occur they are of considerable value, both in themselves, because they often contain relatively species-rich communities, and for the added diversity they provide to the woodland habitat as a whole.
5.5.22 However, the conservation of these features and their species and communities requires management, such as grazing or cutting, to conserve species-richness and to prevent the development of scrub and trees. At present, such management appears to be inadequate in some cases, and invasion by bramble, scrub and Himalayan balsam
23 H http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/aboutus/1105530/1086477/1090509/1090548/1091977/ 24 Read, H., 2000. Veteran Trees: A guide to good management. English Nature, Peterborough. Hhttp://www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/Handbooks/upland.asp?id=6 25 Hhttp://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/ancient-tree-forum/atfhome/home.htm Hhttp://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/ancient-tree-forum/atfnews/news04/guides.htm
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is occurring, for example, in the glades in Round Howe Car Park Wood and in the riverside woodland between Richmond and Easby.
5.5.23 It is recommended that the glades in these areas be cut once a year in late summer or early autumn to a height of approximately 5cm. All arisings should be removed and left in a pile in an area of low floral diversity nearby to decompose. In areas where Himalayan balsam is present, additional cuts should be included earlier in the year in accordance with the recommendations for the control of this species outlined above (Paragraph 5.5.18).
5.2.24 The larger areas of unimproved grassland between Hudswell and Round Howe (valleyside) Woods should continue to be regularly grazed to maintain their species diversity and to prevent the development of scrub and woodland. Some limited expansion of these has occurred in this area in the last century (Figure 2)
Monitoring and Review
5.5.25 A programme of monitoring should be put in place to determine the effects, or effectiveness, of any management measures undertaken, including those described below:
• Success of control measures in reducing the abundance of beech and sycamore, such as the effectiveness of ring barking and herbicide treatments.
• Responses of the field and shrub layers, and of native and non-native tree regeneration, to reductions in beech and sycamore abundance. Fixed plots could be established and attributes such as abundance, and species composition and richness could be recorded before, and at periods after beech and sycamore control measures are implemented.
• Presence and abundance of invasive non-native species in response to management measures, such as annual recording the abundance (cover) of Himalayan balsam in fixed plots
• Species composition and richness of grassy glades in response to annual cutting, recorded periodically from fixed plots.
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It is important that conditions are recorded before the application of management measures, to provide a baseline against which subsequent measurements can be compared.
5.5.26 Progress in the implementation of the plan, and on its effectiveness in delivering objectives should be reviewed every five years. However, in some cases, such as the effect of beech and sycamore control on the abundance and species-richness of the shrub and field layers, and on the regeneration and development of native tree species, longer review periods may be required to gain a fuller picture on the effectiveness of the measures.
Restoration of Important and Historic Views
5.5.27 Section 4.0 identifies and describes a number of important and historic views of Richmond and the River Swale that are currently obscured by trees and woodland. Management recommendations for the restoration of these views are described below. A number of views may be restored by small-scale, localised measures affecting small numbers of trees. However, larger scale measures, affecting the whole of a number of small woodlands are also recommended.
5.5.28 These measures also present opportunities for enhancement of the nature conservation value of the areas affected, through control of non-native species, diversification of the flora through planting of appropriate native species, and increasing structural diversity.
5.5.29 The possible targeted use of grazing to maintain views and the open character of areas is also discussed.
Small-scale Localised Measures
5.5.30 In some cases, small numbers of trees and other woody vegetation are obscuring important and historic views (Section 4.3, Figures 5 and 6), and these are typically cases where the trees are located close to the viewpoint or viewer. They include a number of historically highly valued (and painted/photographed) views of the town and river, such as from the high point on the Easby Low Road, and from the south bank of the Swale to the west of Richmond Bridge (Sections 4.2-4.3, Views 4 and
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11 respectively, Figure 5). They also include views of Easby Abbey from the well- used track along the old railway line (Sections 4.2-4.3, View 2, Figure 5). Restoration of these views in particular should prove relatively straightforward, and the benefits to be gained are likely to be substantial. Restoration of these views should therefore be seen as a priority. In addition, similar opportunities also exist for opening up views of the river from the adjoining woodlands.
5.5.31 In these cases it is recommended that views be restored by the targeted removal of obscuring trees and other woody vegetation. This could include felling or coppicing of small numbers of trees, coppicing of shrubs and crown lifting.
5.5.32 Trees of relatively low nature conservation value, such as younger specimens of non-native species, most commonly sycamore and beech, should be targeted for felling, although smaller individuals of native species such as ash may also be felled. Large and old individuals, especially of native species, should not be targeted, as these, and the features they support, are of particular value for nature conservation (Paragraphs 3.6.33, 4.5.20). In addition, in some cases better quality individuals may be retained on the edges of cleared areas as they can provide attractive frames for views.
5.5.33 Stumps of felled trees should be left in place, and where ground stability is likely to be of concern, such as on steep banks and beside the river, they should be allowed to regrow, and subsequently treated as coppice. A regular programme of cutting of the regrowth will need to be put in place in order to keep the views open. The period between cuts will depend on the particular characteristics of the location and the vigour of the regrowth, and will require ongoing monitoring. However, a period of approximately five years is suggested in most cases.
5.5.34 In circumstances where ground stability is not an issue, and where a more permanent solution to restoring views is appropriate, cut stumps may be treated with an appropriate herbicide to prevent regrowth.
5.5.35 Where health and safety and other considerations allow, felled trees should be left in place to increase the fallen deadwood resource. In cases where it is not possible to leave trees whole, it may be possible to cut and stack the timber and brash to provide habitat stacks for wildlife species. In some cases it may be necessary to chip
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or remove some or all of the material from site. Decisions should be based on the individual characteristics and location(s) of the site(s).
5.5.36 Due to the very limited scale of the management operations involved in the restoration of these views, and the targeting of trees of relatively low nature conservation value, the impact from these measures on wildlife species is likely to be negligible. Indeed, such measures are likely to increase the structural and environmental diversity of the habitat. For example, dense coppice growth provides good breeding habitat for a number of bird species and cover for species such as otter Lutra lutra. Such management operations are more likely therefore to have positive rather than negative effects on wildlife species and nature conservation value.
Easby Abbey from the old railway line
5.5.37 Views of Easby Abbey from the old railway line could be improved by limited extension of a number of existing gaps in and sparse parts of the line of trees and shrubs on the eastern side of the path. A large willow Salix sp. on the western bank of the river Swale tends to obscure parts of the Abbey from the southern end of the railway line (Section 4.3, Photograph 2b), near to the bridge of the river. Periodic coppicing of this tree to limit its size would reveal more of the Abbey from this point. A considerable improvement of this view has been achieved by the reduction of a line of Leyland cypress x Cupressocyparis leylandii that lies on the boundary of a property adjoining the Abbey. Further, and more permanent improvement could be achieved through replacement of the trees with an alternative boundary structure, such as a wall.
St Mary’s
5.5.38 The Churchyard of this 12th century church has been extensively planted with trees, many of which are exotic conifers. A number of these trees, including an Atlantic cedar Cedrus atlantica, were removed in early 2008. However, a number of specimens, including two large Lawson’s cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, remain. These trees continue to substantially obscure views of the church from Station Road and elsewhere to the south. They have little biodiversity value and they threaten the structural fabric of the church and churchyard, and such threats are only likely to increase in the future. On balance therefore we suggest that the
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benefits of removing the trees, in terms of opening up views of this very attractive church and of protecting the fabric of the church and churchyard, outweigh any potential costs. Our recommendation is therefore that these trees, especially the two large specimens of Lawson’s cypress, be removed.
Newbiggin
5.5.39 Newbiggin contains a large number of attractive Georgian buildings, many of which are listed. However, tree planting (of a range of species, sizes and ages) obscures, or limits views of a number of the buildings, and threatens to obscure more in the future. Because of their location, and the inevitable disturbance in the surrounding area, the nature conservation value of the trees concerned is limited. Options for reducing the obscuring effect of the trees on the buildings are described below.
Crown reduction – The crowns of the trees, especially the larger ones, could be reduced in size and density through a programme of regular pruning.
Pollarding –The trees could be regularly pollarded. This is effectively a more extreme version of the previous option. Because of the differences in species and size of the trees involved this is likely to produce a very uneven effect visually. In addition, some of the larger and older trees may not respond well to the process of pollarding.
Selective removal – The number of trees could be reduced by selecting and retaining a small number of the better individuals, and removing the rest.
Replacement with smaller trees – The existing trees, particularly the larger individuals, could be removed and replaced with smaller species.
Replacement and pollarding – the existing mix of trees could be replaced with a single or more limited range of species and regularly pollarded. Species that respond well to regular pollarding, such as lime Tilia sp. or hornbeam Carpinus betulus, should be chosen.
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Castle Bank and Park Wynd Woods
5.5.40 Three small areas of woodland, Castle Bank east and west and Park Wynd partly or wholly obscure views of the castle and town (Figure 5), for example from Richmond Bridge, the Falls and the Batts. As described in Sections 2.0 and 3.0 these woodlands are of recent origin, are species-poor, dominated by non-native species, and of relatively low value for nature conservation.
5.5.41 It is recommended that a programme of coppice management be initiated for these three woodlands. This would involve the felling of the majority of trees in each of the woods and their subsequent management as coppice stools, on a cycle of approximately ten to twelve years. A small number of the better quality and more valuable trees could be retained in each wood, where they do not obscure views, in order to conserve and enhance diversity. Suitable trees include, for example, the large ash towards the base of the slope in Castle Bank west, and some of the trees at the eastern end of Park Wynd, that do not obscure the view of the castle from the Batts.
5.5.42 The woods should be divided into compartments, with the compartments felled/coppiced rotationally. Four compartments are suggested, with Castle Bank east divided into two compartments and Castle Bank west and Park Wynd comprising the other two. Felling of the compartments should be undertaken between October and February, and staggered, with one compartment cut approximately every two to three years. This will allow the development of coppice growth of a range of different ages and structures throughout the three woods. Coppicing of the first compartment should then take place two to three years after the felling of the last compartment, and so on.
5.5.43 Where other factors, such as health and safety, allow, some or all of the felled timber should be left in situ, to increase the deadwood resource. However, the relatively urban location of the woods in question may mean that opportunities for this are limited.
5.5.44 Control of sycamore regeneration is likely to be necessary following felling/coppicing as the disturbance involved in this is likely to favour seed germination and seedling establishment.
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5.5.45 Action should be taken to control or eliminate other non-native species, such as laurel and snowberry that are present in these woods. Control measures could include a combination of cutting, herbicide treatment and digging out of plants, as appropriate.
5.5.46 Immediately following felling of each compartment, the opportunity should be taken for increasing tree and shrub diversity in these woods through planting. In order to keep views open, such planting should be of shrub and small tree species such as hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, dog rose, native willows (such as goat and grey willow) and rowan. Any supplementary tree planting should be carefully sited so that it does not develop to obscure views. Thinning of the sycamore stools by treating some them with herbicide is likely to be necessary to allow enough space for the new planting to develop, and to establish a better balance with native tree and shrub species.
5.5.47 In order to diversify the field layer, seeding and plug and bulb planting of appropriate species could also be undertaken. Such an approach has proved relatively successful in some recently developed and species-poor woodland in the Milton Keynes area26. Some control of existing ground flora species, such as ivy and ground elder, may be necessary before and after planting. Seed, plugs and bulbs of appropriate species can be purchased from a number of commercial suppliers. Preferably, plants may be grown from locally collected seed, either under contract by a local nursery, or by volunteers. A list of appropriate species is provided in Appendix 6.
5.5.48 The diverse structural characteristics of actively managed coppice woodland favour a range of dependent species such as birds and invertebrates. The treatment of these woodlands as coppice with standards, combined with their diversification with new native planting has the potential to substantially increase their nature conservation value, in addition to restoring important and historic views.
26 Francis, J.L., Morton A.J. and Boorman, L.A., 1992. The establishment of ground flora species in recently planted woodland. Aspects of Biology 29, pp 171-178. Francis J.L. & Street M,. 1993. The establishment of woodland herbs in new plantations in Milton Keynes. Urban Nature, 1:3, 107-110. Francis, J. L. & Morton, A., 2001. Enhancement of amenity-woodland field layers in Milton Keynes. British Wildlife, 244-251.
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Grazing
Castle Bank
5.5.49 The measures outlined above do not consider the management of the central section of the Castle Bank, which has developed as scrub and incipient woodland in recent years. This has recently been cut back, and in order to retain it in a more open condition it is likely that this will have to be repeated relatively frequently. An alternative, or complementary measure that could be considered for this area, or for Castle Bank as a whole, would be to introduce grazing and browsing animals such as goats. The long-term aim would be to return the bank to more grassy vegetation, such as appears to have been present up to the 1920s. Indeed, the steep, south-facing slope could provide suitable conditions for the development of relatively species- rich grassland, given the presence of local sources of seed and other propagules. Some such sources are present nearby, for example on the riverbank beside Riverside Walk. Animals should be introduced immediately following cutting back of the woody growth, so that they could browse on the freshly developing regrowth.
5.5.50 In combination with tree felling, grazing/browsing could also be introduced to the woodland areas at either end of the Castle Bank. Again, animals should be introduced following tree felling, in order to allow them to control regrowth from the stumps. If stumps were treated with herbicide, then grazing and browsing would control the redevelopment of scrub and woodland in these areas.
5.5.51 This measure would involve greater capital expenditure, for example in terms of the erection of fencing and provision of water, and will also require the ongoing management of the animals. However, it could eliminate the need for regular cutting, or at least reduce its frequency and intensity.
5.5.52 Any plans for the introduction of grazing to the Castle Bank would require a thorough investigation into its feasibility, and expert advice should be sought on the issues involved, including the provision of the necessary infrastructure, obtaining appropriate stock and welfare obligations. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the Grazing Animals Project27 could be useful first contacts in this regard.
27 Hhttp://www.grazinganimalsproject.org.uk/index.html
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Maison Dieu
5.5.53 The pasture below Maison Dieu, which is important for the view of the town, currently appears to be neglected and under-grazed, with large amounts of tall ruderal (weedy) species. Although rabbits are present, they may not be sufficient to prevent the development of woody vegetation on this site if the current circumstances persist. It is therefore important that appropriate grazing management is re-introduced to this area in the near future.
Monitoring and Review
5.5.54 Regular (annual) monitoring should be undertaken of areas subject to management measures aimed at delivering the restoration of important and historic views, and associated measures to enhance nature conservation value. Such monitoring should include:
• the visibility of views;
• assessment of regrowth rates of coppiced trees and shrubs, with particular regard to the appropriate length of the coppice cycle;
• the effectiveness of herbicide treatment;
• the effects of coppicing on wildlife species populations, such as birds;
• the survival and development of planting aimed at diversifying the species- poor coppiced woodlands; and
• the effectiveness of control measures for non-native species.
5.5.55 Review, and possible adjustments to the work programme, for most of these factors should be undertaken on an ongoing basis, and at least annually. However, some aspects, such as the response of wildlife species populations to coppicing, will require longer periods for a satisfactory review to be conducted, and should undertaken every five years.
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Future Woodland Development and Tree Planting
5.5.56 Figure 6 illustrates areas in which it is suggested woodland development and tree planting would be advantageous, and the areas are discussed in more detail below.
Planting Material
5.5.57 All planting material should be of species native to the area, and their relative abundance should reflect that in local woodland. Appendix 6 provides a list of appropriate species for planting and notes on the relative abundance with which they should be used. Sycamore and beech should not be included in any new planting, with the exception of historic designed landscapes, such as the Temple Grounds, where beech forms an important component of the original planting.
5.5.58 All planting material should be of UK, and preferably local, provenance. Ideally trees and shrubs could be grown from locally collected seed in order to provide a source of local provenance stock. Such growing could be undertaken on a voluntary basis, or under contract by a local nursery.
Woodland Creation and Expansion
Gallowfields Trading Estate
5.5.59 Land around the Gallowfields Trading Estate has been identified as suitable for the development of a new community woodland. The creation of woodland in this area has the potential to confer a number of benefits, including visual screening of the estate, increased nature conservation value of the area, and opportunities for public access and recreation. As a project it could also be a focus for local community involvement or engagement, and offers many possibilities for voluntary work, training and educational activities.
5.5.60 The estate was identified as a visual detractor in the Strategic Framework Document prepared in 200328. It is visible from the historic centre of the town, especially the Castle, and is widely considered to have a negative impact on views to the north. In addition, it is visible from a number of the approaches to the town. Much of the
28 Chris Blandford Associates, 2003. Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative, Strategic Framework.
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woodland in the Richmond area is confined to the Swale valley, and there is relatively little woodland in areas outside of the valley, including the Gallowfields area. Most of the land to the west, south and east of the estate is currently of low nature conservation value, consisting largely of improved grassland and arable, and is therefore suitable for new habitat creation, including woodland development and tree planting.
5.5.61 Woodland creation in this area could also incorporate the development of a number of other habitats and features of nature conservation and amenity value, including scrub, species-rich grassland (Gingerfields SSSI, to the north of the Old Racecourse, or Richmond Meadows SSSI, to the south of the river, might be possible sources of seed for this) and ponds, creating a mosaic of habitats that would have the potential to support a wide range of wildlife species. The retention of carefully sited areas of open habitat, such as grassland, should also enable the retention of valued views out from the estate. In the longer term there may be opportunities for the development of sources of renewable energy from the new woodland, for example through wood harvesting by coppicing.
5.5.62 Areas to the south and north east of the estate have already been identified in the Richmondshire Local Plan as potential areas for the expansion of the estate. The estate is also currently subject to a study by Richmondshire District Council regarding its future development and possible expansion. These factors mean there is uncertainty regarding the area or areas that might be available for woodland (and other habitat) development. The area identified in Figure 6 is therefore indicative only, and represents the area within which it is suggested that woodland development could take place, and it is not suggested that the whole of this area be planted as new woodland.
5.5.63 Plans for the development of a community woodland in this area should be subject to further consultation with all interested parties, including landowners, Richmondshire District Council, Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Group, landscape and archaeological officers of North Yorkshire County Council, businesses, the local community and volunteer groups. Such consultation, and the development of plans for the future of the landscape surrounding the estate, might be conveniently incorporated into the ongoing study by Richmonshire District Council into the estates future.
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5.5.64 It is suggested that plans for woodland creation in the area around the Gallowfields estate could include;
• development of a new native broadleaved community woodland around the estate; • creation of areas of scrub and scrub/grassland mosaic, particularly on the edges of any new woodland; • retention of open areas within and around the new woodland, including areas of new species-rich grassland; • construction of other features of nature conservation value, such as ponds; • conversion of the existing coniferous and sycamore plantations to the north of the estate to woodland of native broadleaved species and their incorporation within the new woodland; • opportunities for tree planting within the existing estate, and within any areas of future expansion; • provision for public access and recreation.
5.5.65 Planting would be the most appropriate method for the development of woodland in this area. Its relative isolation from existing woodlands, and therefore from sources of tree seed, means that natural woodland development from self-sown seed is likely to take an unacceptably long time.
5.5.66 Planting of new woodland could be delivered in two ways, or a combination of the two. Large-scale planting of commercially grown stock would have the advantage of achieving the objective of screening the estate in a relatively short period. However, such planting tends to lack structural diversity due to its inevitable even- agedness, and this can constrain its nature conservation value. It also tends to limit opportunities for community involvement. Alternatively trees and shrubs for planting could be grown from locally collected seed, which would have the advantages of conserving local forms of native species and increasing opportunities for community involvement. Taking this approach, the development of the woodland would tend to take longer and occur on a more piecemeal basis. The screening of the estate would also therefore probably take longer. However, priority could be given to areas in which planting would provide a screening effect. The piecemeal development of the woodland would also tend to reflect natural woodland
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development more closely, and is therefore likely to create a more diverse habitat of greater nature conservation value.
5.5.67 Alternatively a hybrid approach could be adopted that would seek to combine the advantages of both approaches. Targeted planting of commercially grown stock could be used to ‘kick-start’ the development of the woodland in areas where such planting will quickly screen the estate. However, further expansion and development could be achieved using stock of local provenance.
5.5.68 The local community, including, for example schools, could be engaged in all stages of the development of the new woodland. This could include the collection of tree and shrub seeds from local woodlands, sowing of seed, growing on of stock, planting and aftercare. Such an approach would provide many opportunities for volunteering, training and educational activities. School children, for example, could be involved in all stages of the process throughout their school career. They could follow the development of trees, shrubs and areas of woodland that they have grown and/or planted themselves, and these activities would provide many opportunities for the exploration of a range of educational themes. Community engagement of this kind would tend to foster a strong sense of local ownership of the new woodland.
5.5.69 Useful information regarding many issues in relation to community woodlands is available on the internet29.
29 Community Woodland Network Hhttp://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/communitywoodlandnetwork/aboutus/aboutus.htm Set up by the Woodland Trust to support community woodland groups. This includes links to many individual community woodland projects around the country at, Hhttp://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/communitywoodlandnetwork/aboutus/groups.htm
Community Woodlands Association Hhttp://www.communitywoods.org/ Represents Community Woodland groups in Scotland
Green light Trust Hhttp://www.greenlighttrust.org/people_plant.htm A Heritage Lottery funded group/project to develop community woodlands in the east of England.
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East of Lownethwaite Bridge
5.5.70 An area of land to the east of Lownethwaite Bridge has also been identified as a potential area of woodland expansion. This includes the area to the south of the A6108 Reeth Road, bordered by the River Swale and Round Howe Car Park Wood, and a field to the north of the road, between it and Whitclife Wood (Figure 6). Apart from the line of trees, or narrow strip of woodland, adjacent to the river, and a hedge, the land here is currently of relatively low nature conservation value, comprising areas of arable or improved grassland and tall ruderal vegetation.
5.5.71 Woodland development in this area would not obscure any important or historic views. It would expand the existing woodland resource, such as Hudswell Wood to the south, Round Howe Car Park Wood to the east and Whitcliffe Wood to the north and would increase habitat connectivity between these them. The development of a woodland habitat corridor between these woodlands could have substantial nature conservation benefits.
5.5.72 This area could be planted with an appropriate mixture of native species (Appendix 6), preferably of local provenance. However, because of its proximity to areas of high quality native woodland, development of new woodland in this area could be allowed to take place naturally. This would simply involve leaving the area undisturbed, for example by agricultural management or grazing animals. Such an approach would mean that woodland development would be relatively slow, and some limited control of the abundance of non-native tree species, and sycamore in particular, may be necessary in the establishment phase. However, in comparison with planting, it is cheaper, and the woodland that develops tends to contain greater structural diversity and is composed of locally adapted forms of tree, shrub and other plant species. The intermediate stages in the development of woodland, such as coarse grassland and scrub, would also have nature conservation value in their own right.
5.5.73 In addition to the benefits outlined above, the development of woodland in this area could represent a valuable feature that could be incorporated in the development of a Nature Trail from the Round Howe car park (Section 6.3), if access for such a trail to this area could be established. It would offer many opportunities for the exploration of a range of subjects in relation to woodland development.
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Woodland Diversification
5.5.74 As noted elsewhere (4.5.46), some of the species-poor and more recently developed woodlands, particularly those on the Castle Bank and Park Wynd would benefit from diversification through tree and shrub planting, as natural colonisation may take an unacceptably long time. More detailed descriptions of the management recommendations for these woods, including planting, are included in paragraph 4.5.46.
Non-woodland Tree Planting
5.5.75 Outside woodlands, tree planting should be used to ensure the continuity of trees in the wider landscape. This is especially important in the case of areas with particularly prominent trees, or trees of particular nature conservation value, such as the Temple Grounds and in the fields near Easby Abbey. In some of these areas, such as the Temple Grounds, an ongoing programme of tree planting and replacement is already in place. However, in other areas potential replacements are currently lacking. As with woodland tree planting, in most cases such planting should use tree species native to the area. However, where non-native tree species form an important component of historic designed landscapes, such as beech within the Temple Grounds, the planting on non-native species is acceptable and appropriate.
5.5.76 Planting of new trees should not compromise the retention of older trees, as these have properties (3.6.33) that it takes a long time to acquire.
Monitoring and Review
5.5.77 Monitoring of the success of woodland development and tree planting should include the following:
• Engagement with, and agreement by all interested parties of a plan for the development of a new community woodland around the Gallowfields Trading Estate, and for woodland to the east of Lownethwaite Bridge.
• The area planted with trees and shrubs (or number planted), and the success of their establishment and development.
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• The progress of the natural development of woodland in terms of the presence and abundance of trees, shrubs, and other woodland species. The abundance of non-native tree species in naturally developing woodland. These could be monitored with the establishment of fixed plots and periodic recording of species composition.
5.5.78 Review of the programme should be undertaken every five years.
Opportunities for Volunteering and Training
5.5.79 Many opportunities exist for volunteers to make a valuable contribution towards the delivery of the management objectives and recommendations outlined above, plus a range of other activities. The involvement of volunteers can reduce costs, and enable work to be carried out that would not otherwise be accomplished. In addition, the volunteers themselves value the experience and skills that they gain, the social contacts that they develop, and the sense of achievement that follows from making a positive contribution to their environment. It can also foster a sense of ownership, of both projects and places, within the volunteers themselves, and also within the wider community to which they belong.
5.5.80 Opportunities exist for a range of different people of all levels of experience and knowledge, from school children to people with particular skills or areas of expertise. The participation of volunteers in projects and activities also offers opportunities for individuals to develop their knowledge and skills through training and education. Many skills can be learned informally on the job, or through the provision of designated training days or courses. Yorwoods30 provides a range of opportunities and support within Yorkshire for more formal training, assessment and certification in relation to woodland management and forestry, including practical skills, best practice in woodland management, and business management.
5.5.81 Some suggestions for opportunities for volunteering and training in relation to woodland and trees are described below.
30 Hhttp://www.yorwoods.org.uk/ Hhttp://www.yorwoods.org.uk/traininganddvlopmnt.html
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Ecological Surveying
5.5.82 More detailed surveying of the abundance of sycamore and beech, and of regeneration of native and non-native tree species in the woodlands of the area, to inform the development of individual woodland management plans.
5.5.83 Further surveying of the woodlands, for example for other species groups, such as mammals, birds, invertebrates and fungi, would be valuable for developing a more complete picture of the species present and their current status.
5.5.84 Monitoring of change in aspects of the woodlands and their dependent species would be valuable, particularly following management interventions, and during the creation of new areas of woodland.
5.5.85 Positive contributions to such surveying and monitoring work can be carried out by people with a range of levels of knowledge and expertise, and also provide a means of increasing peoples awareness and understanding of trees and woodlands.
5.5.86 Local natural history and biological recording groups are a valuable source of local knowledge and expertise, particularly for particular groups of organisms. Many of them undertake regular surveying programmes, and if approached, may be very happy to include surveys in the Richmond area. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre31 are likely to be a useful first contacts in this regard.
Woodland Management, Including Restoration of Views
5.5.87 Control of sycamore and beech regeneration in both existing and developing woodlands, including both pulling and cutting.
5.5.88 The use of chainsaws and herbicides legally requires specialist training and certification. However, volunteers could still be involved in some of the measures involved in the restoration of views, such as small scale cutting and pruning of trees and shrubs, and coppicing.
31 Hhttp://www.neyedc.co.uk/
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5.5.89 Planting of trees, shrubs and field layer species for the diversification of recently developed and species-poor woodlands.
Woodland Development
5.5.90 As outlined in elsewhere (4.5.59-4.5.67) volunteers could be actively involved in the development of new areas of woodland, such as around the Gallowfields Trading Estate. Activities that would contribute to this include:
• collection of seed of woodland species from local woodlands; • sowing of collected seed; • growing on of native woodland species raised from collected seed; • planting of trees, shrubs and field layer species; and • aftercare of planted trees and shrubs.
Public Access and Engagement
5.5.91 Maintenance of access routes and associated infrastructure such as stiles, gates, signs etc.
5.5.92 Leading or assisting with guided walks, for example in conjunction with the annual walking festival. A regular programme of such walks throughout the year could also be developed and advertised for both local people and visitors.
5.5.93 Many opportunities exist for leading or assisting with educational activities in relation to trees and woodland. Durham County Council already have an active field centre at Earls Orchard. The development of a nature trail in the Round Howe area could be a focus for educational activities, as could the development of a community woodland around the Gallowfields Trading Estate described elsewhere (Paragraphs 5.5.59-5.5.69). Wildlife Watch is the children’s section of the Wildlife Trusts32, which undertakes a range of activities aimed at fostering an interest and understanding of the natural environment. It is organised through a number of local groups managed by volunteer leaders, and there are over forty such groups in Yorkshire. There is not currently a group in Richmond.
32 Hhttp://www.ywt.org.uk/wildlifeWatch.htm
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5.5.94 Volunteers could contribute to the development, organisation and management of a regular woodland and tree related event. Such an event would represent a visitor attraction to the area, and could also be a point of contact with the wider community, offering opportunities for greater understanding of woodland in the area and a ‘way in’ to volunteering for local people. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust33, Woodland Trust34 and Forestry Commission35 all operate regular programmes of events at their properties, and similar events could be organised within the Richmond and Swale Valley area. The National Trust, (as a major owner of woodland in the area), BTCV and Yorwoods could be valuable partners in the development of such an event. The organisation of such an event is also a target goal (W-T5) for the Richmonshire Biodiversity Action Plan36
Volunteer Groups
5.5.95 A number of voluntary environmental or conservation groups have been active in the Richmond area including:
• Ragged Robins; • Richmond Pride; • National Trust Volunteers; • British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV); and • Army Volunteers.
5.5.96 Some of these, such as the Ragged Robins and Richmond Pride, are locally based in the Richmond area, although the Ragged Robins now operate more widely in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The army volunteers are based at Catterick Garrison and therefore also have a local focus to their work. The National Trust volunteers and BTCV regularly include work in the area in their programmes.
5.5.97 The development of voluntary groups could follow a number of trajectories in the area, including the expansion and/or merging of existing groups, covering the whole range of sites and activities in the area. Alternatively new groups with a focus on particular sites, such as ‘Friends of’ groups, or activities, such as footpath groups,
33 Hhttp://www.ywt.org.uk/events.htm 34 Hhttp://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/getinvolved/index.htm 35 Hhttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/whatson 36 Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Group, 2005. Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Hhttp://www.richmondshire.gov.uk/PDF/Final%20BAP.pdf
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could also be developed. Larger national and regional groups could continue to make a valuable contribution, particularly for larger and more occasional tasks.
5.5.98 Volunteers and voluntary groups should be encouraged and supported to contribute to the activities outlined above. The RSVCI, or other local bodies could provide a supporting role in this regard, offering advice and support to existing and prospective volunteers and groups, taking a lead in developing new volunteers and voluntary groups, and fostering contacts between voluntary groups and local landowners, businesses and training providers.
Professional Training
5.5.99 It is of course essential to ensure that all professional staff are adequately trained (and in some cases certified) to undertake the work for which they are responsible. However, for those individuals for whom it would be relevant, it would also be valuable to develop an education and training programme aimed at delivering a broad understanding of trees and woodland, including their history, wildlife, and management.
Monitoring and Review
5.5.100 Monitoring of the involvement of volunteers in relation to trees and woodland could include the following:
• The number of groups and individuals active in the area on an annual basis. • The amount of time contributed by volunteers to tree and woodland projects. • An audit of the work undertaken by volunteers. • Although informal training can be difficult to quantify, more formal training, in terms of number of training days and courses undertaken, and assessments passed, could be monitored.
5.5.101 The status of volunteering and training and the success of initiatives to encourage volunteering and training in relation to trees and woodland should be reviewed every five years.
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6.0 COMMUNITY ACCESS AND ENGAGEMENT PROPOSALS
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 Included as part of the brief for the Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study were a number of schemes aimed at encouraging increased public access and engagement with trees and woodland and the wider countryside in the Richmond and Swale valley area. These were to:
• provide proposals on the route of a Nature Trail, starting from the Round Howe car park, and also on appropriate levels and forms of interpretation; • identify measures to develop an integrated network of multi-purpose access routes and linkages as a ‘Community pathway’; and • identify possible sites for a Trim Track and woodland sculptures.
6.2 Community Pathway
6.2.1 A network of well-used rights of way and other access routes are present with the Richmond and Swale valley area, particularly in the Swale valley itself. These routes are accessed by a number of means, directly on foot, especially from the town centre, and by public transport. However, many residents and visitors use private cars to access the path network and make use of the five car parks present in the Swale valley, at Easby Abbey, the Old Station, the Foss, Yorke Square and Round Howe. These car parks should be considered of particular value in enabling use of the access network.
6.2.2 However, despite the popularity of many of the paths in the area, the RSVI Strategic Framework identified a lack of strategic planning in the development of the access network in the area. This had led to a number of specific issues, including a lack of provision in terms of bridleways and cycle routes, and also of access routes between residential areas and the surrounding countryside. It recommended that opportunities be sought for joining up rights of way to develop an integrated and coherent network.
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Proposed Circular Route
6.2.3 At inception, CBA was presented with a map and description of a proposed route for a multi use access route, or ‘Community Pathway’, produced by J Deighton and R Connelly, for consideration as part of the process of developing proposals for such a network. This comprised a continuous route around the town taking in the old racecourse, the Scots Dike, Easby, the old railway line, Cravengate, West Field and Aislabeck.
6.2.4 Consultation, and exploration of parts of the proposed route on the ground led to the identification of some parts that it was felt offered potential as part of a multi-use access network, such as the route through Aislabeck, along the northern and eastern edge of the town, particularly the upgrading of the footpaths along the southern edge of the racecourse and the Scots Dike for use by cyclists and horse riders. The old railway line between the station and Easby is already operating relatively successfully as a multi-purpose route. However, a number of issues and challenges with regard to the proposed route were also brought to light, which are outlined below:
Cost – it is likely that the proposed path would be very costly to develop, both in terms of compensation payments to landowners for the creation of new access routes across their land, and for the construction of the path it self. This would need to be of a standard appropriate for its intended use, and as a broad estimate it is likely that construction costs for a 3m wide path (the width necessary for multi- use37) would be in the region of £200-300 per linear meter.
Topography – the very hilly nature of the landscape in the Richmond and Swale valley area, with many steep gradients, means that pasts of the proposed route would be likely to be problematic or unsuitable for some users, even if the necessary standard of path were put in place.
Co-operation of landowners – the creation of new access routes or the upgrading of existing ones is dependent on the co-operation and agreement of landowners. This may well be difficult and costly to achieve with regard to parts of the proposed route.
37 BT Countryside For All Standards and Guidelines(i), Zone 2 paths
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River Bridges – neither of the bridges (Richmond or Station), as they stand, are entirely satisfactory for use by horses, due to their confined nature and the levels of traffic they experience.
The Batts and Riverside Road – Richmondshire District Council have indicated that they do not consider that use of this route by horses and bicycles is compatible with its current use.
Riverside Walk (south bank of River Swale between Station and Richmond Bridges.) – This was proposed as an alternative to the Batts and Riverside Walk as a route between Station and Richmond Bridges. A continuous footpath, part right of way and part permissive path, already runs through this area. It was proposed that the existing path be upgraded to enable use by cyclists and horse riders. This would require a substantial amount of engineering to achieve, due to the topography and the character of the existing pathways. It is felt that such a path is incompatible with the character of this area, and that the inevitable damage that would be caused to valuable SINC designated areas of unimproved and species-rich grassland (through which it would pass) would be unacceptable.
Cravengate – This is a busy, narrow, confined and steep road with poor visibility. It is difficult to see how it could be made to satisfactorily accommodate bicycles, and especially horses.
West Field – It is felt that the creation of a multi-use path through the West Field would be likely to damage the important archaeology present, and its character. The West Field already has open access to pedestrians and Westfields Lane, which is immediately adjacent to the north, is lightly trafficked, and therefore offers a more satisfactory route for cyclists and horse riders.
Residential areas - Parts of, or options for, the proposed route pass through residential parts of north and east Richmond. It is unclear if the existing roads are sufficiently commodious to accommodate horses in particular, and also how feasible it would be to make such improvements as would be required to make them so. In addition, these areas are unlikely to be popular as areas for recreational use, and the demand for such a route through these areas may not exist.
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Easby Lane – Although this road is relatively quiet, the poor visibility and the occasional fast car make it unattractive for most users.
Conclusions and recommendations
6.2.5 Consideration of these issues, and an exploration of alternative routes, has led to the conclusion that the development of a continuous, multi-use, off-road route around Richmond faces very substantial difficulties. Therefore, we recommended that effort to improve the access network in the area should focus on the identification and improvement of areas or points where it is felt improvement or upgrading of existing paths, or the creation of new links, would make the greatest positive contribution to the usability of the network. Emphasis should also be put upon upgrading or creating additional links between heavily used points of departure or destinations such as the town centre, schools, places of employment, such as Gallowfields Trading Estate and recreational areas, such as parks, playing fields and popular sites in the Swale valley, such as Easby Abbey, the Old Station, the Foss and Round Howe car park.
6.2.6 To inform the process of the identifying potential areas of improvement and addition to the existing access network it is recommended that further research be undertaken to help understand existing use, and to determine probable demand for any proposed improvements.
6.2.7 Where creation of new routes is the objective, in order to ensure continuity of provision, the creation of new rights of way should be favoured of the permissive routes wherever possible.
6.2.8 Improvement or upgrading of sections of the existing access network could include upgrading existing footpaths to easy access (accessible to the less physically able, buggies and wheelchair users etc) and/or multi-use (access for more than one of (but not necessarily all), pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders).
6.2.9 Examples of potential improvements and additions to the access network are described below, and their location is illustrated in Figure 7.
1. Upgrading of the public footpath along the southern edge of the racecourse (between Hurgill and Whashton roads) to easy access and/or multi-use. This
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could provide a useful off-road link between these roads. The racecourse is already popular with walkers. 2. Improvement of existing footpath between Gallowfields Trading Estate and Quakers Lane (for access to the town centre facilities) to make them easy access, and the possible development of an off-road cycle route. 3. Creation of an off-road easy access and/or multi-use link between Gallowfields Trading estate and the Gallowgate playing field and Trim Track. This would improve accessibility to this potentially valuable but underused leisure facility from the estate. 4. Upgrading of the footpath running south east from the eastern end of the Old Racecourse to Green Howards Road to easy access/multi-use. This would improve access to the Old Racecourse from residential areas in the Gallowgate area, and could link with the proposed new link between Gallowfields Trading Estate and the Gallowgate playing field and Trim Track. 5. Creation of a new access route along the northern edge of the town between Whashton and Darlington Roads. This could provide a useful off-road link for the residential areas in the northern part of the town. It would connect with the Old Racecourse to the west and the route along the Scots Dike at the eastern end. There area a number of potential access points from the adjacent residential areas along the course of the route. The route would follow the southern boundary of the Richmond Golf Club at its western end, and areas of rough grassland, scrub and woodland along the southern boundary of the course may provide a satisfactory location for the route that would not cause conflict with course users. 6. Upgrading of the existing footpath along the Scots Dike to the east of the town (between the Darlington and Brompton roads) to easy access/multi-use. This could offer a useful off-road link between the residential areas on the eastern side of the town and the Swale valley. The potential impact of this proposal on the Scots Dike, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, should be assessed. 7. Improvement of the public footpath from Maison Dieu to the Easby Low Road, passing through the western end of Clinks Bank Wood. Part of this potentially useful link through Clinks Bank Wood is currently more or less impassable, even for relatively able-bodied people, due to fallen and cut timber. and the presence of a number of seepages. However, these seepages are likely to be of considerable nature conservation value and improvements to this path should avoid damage to them (for example by re-routing if necessary).
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8. Creation of new footpaths and or easy access/multi-use paths through the fields between the Brompton road at the junction with Easby Lane and the valley paths between Richmond and Easby Abbey. These could provide attractive off- road links between existing, well-used rights of way, and link with the path along the Scots Dike to the north. 9. Upgrading of the existing footpath between Easby Abbey and Easby Low Road to easy access and/or multi-use. In combination with the old railway line (which is already effectively a multi-use path) this would enable the development of an attractive, circular, easy access and/or multi-use path from the Old Station to Easby Abbey on both sides of the river, the ‘Easby Loop’ easy access/multi-purpose path. This route already constitutes a large part of the existing Drummer Boy Walk and is highlighted as point 8 in the Town Trail booklet. The route is easily accessed from the town centre, and from the car parks at the Old Station or Easby Abbey. 10. Creation of a link between the old railway line and Theakston Lane in the region of the Scots Dike. If necessary the route could be located off the Scots Dike to avoid damage to this Scheduled Ancient Monument. Safety issues in relation to the crossing of the A6136 between the proposed new path and Theakston lane should be addressed in relation to this proposal. 11. Improvement of the connection between the western end of Theakston lane at Holly Hill and the start (southern end) of the footpath to the west running north to the bottom (east) end of Boggy Lane. Improvements, such as the provision of an off-road pedestrian path, might be made here, to improve the safety of the connection between these routes on this busy road. 12. Creation of new footpath(s) between the West Field and the Round Howe car park. These could link these popular recreational sites. Paths could be routed through the Reeth Road cemetery and/or the fields to the west, Richmondshire Landscape Trust own some of the land in this area (in addition to the West Field). 13. Upgrading of a new public footpath along the eastern side of the Aislabeck site between the Hurgill Road and Westfields. This footpath was created as part of the development of new holiday homes on the site. Access along this route for horse riders, and possibly cyclists, would constitute a useful link between Westfields (bridleway) to the south and the Old Racecourse. 14. Creation of a new off-road footpath or pavement between the northern end of the proposed new Aislabeck footpath and the western end of the footpath along the southern edge of the Old Racecourse.
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6.2.10 Safety implications of the proposed new paths and improvements/upgrades in relation to crossing and use of connected highways should be fully explored and addressed as part of their development.
6.2.11 As a complementary facility to the development of an easy access/multi-use path along the ‘Easby Loop’, it is suggested that the area of land on the north bank of the river Swale, to the east of Station Bridge, could be developed as an attractive picnic area. The site appears to have been derelict for some time and is currently occupied by tall ruderal vegetation with some scrub. Its location close to the town centre and the Old Station makes it easily accessible, and its riverside location would make it an attractive site for such a development.
6.2.12 With regards to connections to access networks beyond the immediate Richmond and Swale valley area, the use of the railway line to Brompton-on-Swale as a multi- purpose access route, (where it could link with the SUSTRANS National Cycle Network), offers a very significant opportunity, and efforts to negotiate such a route should be a priority.
Monitoring and review
6.2.12 Use, and the usability of the access network could be monitored by measuring levels of use of the network, including improved, upgraded and newly created sections, and inviting feedback from users.
6.2.13 The success of improvements to the access network should be reviewed every five years.
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6.3 Nature Trail
6.3.1 The Richmond and Swale Valley area offers many opportunities for increasing understanding and enjoyment of the natural world, its ecosystems, habitats and species. As part of this, the Round Howe car park offers an ideal departure point for a Nature Trail, due to its relative accessibility, the interesting and attractive countryside adjacent to it, and the range of high quality habitats and features this supports, including ancient woodland, the river Swale and areas of unimproved grassland. A Nature Trail in this area could be of value to both residents and visitors, and it could provide a valuable educational resource, for example to local schools, and to the Field Centre at Earls Orchard, operated by Durham County Council. A trail that could be used flexibly, both in a self-directed way, and as a focus for led activities, would offer the greatest potential benefits. Proposals for the route and interpretation of such a Nature Trail are offered below.
Route
6.3.2 It is recommended that the proposed Nature Trail make use largely of existing footpaths and access routes in Round Howe Car Park Wood, immediately to the west of Round Howe car park, and the area to the south of the river between Lownethwaite and Richmond Bridges, including Hudswell, Billy Bank and Low Bank Woods and the grassland in the Round Howe area. This would take in a range of different habitats, including woodland, grassland and the river Swale and would also include features of geological and historical interest, such as the Round Howe, the rock outcrops and screes on the valley sides and Billy Bank mine. These would offer a wide range of subjects and features for highlighting within the trail(s), and for different forms of interpretation and activities.
6.3.3 Rather than forming a single continuous route we recommend that the Nature Trail should comprise a modular system, in which each part of the trail can be used in a ‘stand-alone’ fashion. Such an approach is favoured by the topography of the area, as well as the distribution of habitats and access routes. In addition, and more importantly, it would provide greater flexibility for users to pick and chose the part or parts they wish to access, for example in terms of the amount of time available to them, and their mobility. A number of suggested trails are described below and illustrated in Figure 7.
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Round Howe Car Park Wood - an ‘Easy Access’ trail, for use by those of restricted mobility, could be developed, although upgrading of some of the existing paths would be necessary.
Hudswell Wood - a trail though this very attractive SSSI woodland, including the paths beside the river and along the top of the wood. This route would be suitable for physically able users.
Round Howe grassland – this trail of intermediate difficulty would explore the level grassland between the river and the valley sides. It would feature impressive and attractive views of the valley-side crags and woods, and of the river.
Low and Billy Bank Woods – the trail through these SINC woodlands would include paths beside the river, and below the impressive crags on the valley sides. It would also visit the Billy Bank mine.
6.3.4 Although small improvements to improve accessibility could be made to the path network on the south side of the river, any improvements should be carefully considered in relation to the conservation of the very ‘natural’ feel of this area.
6.3.5 In addition to the Round Howe car park this network of Nature Trails could be conveniently accessed at its eastern end at Richmond Bridge. This would be a relatively convenient access point from the town centre, for the Durham County Council Field centre at Earls Orchard and also from the car park at Yorke Square. Interpretation materials (see below) could be placed, for example, at Yorke Square car park, and at the entrance to Low Bank Wood.
6.3.6 The possibility of negotiating an access route along the north bank of the river Swale, between the western end of Round Howe Car Park Wood and Lownethwaite Bridge could be explored. Such an addition to the existing access network in the area would link the proposed trails in Round Howe Car Park Wood and Hudswell Wood and enable a circular walk from Round Howe car park along both banks of the river. In the context of the Nature Trail, access through this area would be particularly valuable if woodland development were to take place on adjoining land to the north of the river (Paragraphs 5.5.69-5.5.72).
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Interpretation
6.3.7 It is recommended that a consistent design language be developed for any interpretation materials that form a part of the Nature Trail. This should reflect, and be sympathetic to, the nature of the landscape and habitats present in the Round Howe area. In addition the Nature Trail, and its constituent parts should form a coherent whole in terms of subject and approach.
6.3.8 A number of interpretive methods and materials could be used as part of the Nature Trail including the following.
Information boards – a traditional method of providing information on access route(s) and features of interest. Such boards, although useful, are relatively large and conspicuous, and must therefore be sensitively placed.
Leaflets - also a traditional form of interpretation that can carry the same types of information as boards. However, leaflets have the added flexibility, from a users perspective, of being able to be carried with them while using the trail. Leaflets are often combined with marker posts that identify the locations of features of interest on the ground. Activity leaflets could also be prepared for children, with games, things to look for, simple ‘experiments’ to conduct and riddles and questions to answer. Such activities can be a very effective means of engaging children’s attention, and are a useful educational tool that could be linked to the National Curriculum.
MP3 players – MP3 players could be used to deliver information and interpretation for the Nature Trail. These would provide a means of delivering interpretation through sound in ways that more traditional forms of interpretation, such as boards and leaflets cannot. Sounds, such as bird songs and calls, which may not otherwise be experienced by users, due to their seasonality and inherent unpredictability, could be included. Such players could be made available, for example, from the Tourist Information Centre in Richmond. However, there is a danger that the use of such players could limit the users engagement with their environment, as it would reduce the sounds they could hear, and focus attention inwards to what they are listening to, rather than outwards to their environment.
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Sculptures – Features or subjects to be highlighted in the Nature Trail could be interpreted through works of woodland sculpture. Sculptors could be approached to interpret such features or subjects I ways that encourages understanding and enjoyment. Timber from woodland management (Section 5.5) could be used to make sculptures.
‘Nature Room’ – A covered structure could be constructed on land adjoining the Round Howe car park as a source of additional information, and as a focus of activities. Such a structure would be of particular value to school and other educational groups, for individuals with very limited mobility, and on wet days. The size of the structure, and the scale of the information and activities it would house, could range from very modest to something more ambitious. Such a structure could incorporate innovative building methods that reduce the environmental impacts of construction, and if appropriately designed, represent an attractive addition and focus to the area. Construction could also be linked to a wider re-landscaping of the car park area.
6.3.9 Interpretation materials, especially any hardware that is paced on site, should be sensitive to the characters of the different areas in which they are located. For example, bolder forms of interpretation, such as woodland sculptures, would probably be more acceptable in Round Howe Car Park Wood, given it’s location, history and the levels of use it experiences. In contrast, interpretive materials sited in areas to the south of the river, such as Hudswell Wood, which have a very ‘natural’ feel, should be discrete, and not detract from this character.
6.3.10 Consultation with potential user groups, such as the Durham County Council field centre and local schools to identify likely demand and needs, and to generate ideas and suggestions, would be of value to inform the development of the Nature Trail.
Monitoring and review
6.3.11 Use of, and satisfaction with the Nature Trail could be monitored by measuring levels of use and inviting feedback from users.
6.3.12 The success of the Nature Trail should be reviewed every three years.
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6.4 Trim Track
Introduction
6.4.1 There is an existing Trim Track in Richmond situated at Gallowgate in the north of the town, and accessed through a new housing estate from Whashton Road. The location of this Trim Track means that is not widely used. It is therefore important that the location of the new Trim Track has links to the urban centre of Richmond to encourage greater usability of new facilities.
Criteria for Search Area
6.4.2 A site survey was carried out to identify potential sites for the Trim Track. The following key factors were considered important for the Trim Track:
• Accessibility • Location to complementary facilities • Space • Safety • Impact on important and historic views
Results
6.4.3 The following potential sites for the Trim Track were identified, based on the above criteria, and are illustrated in Figure 8.
1. Round Howe Car Park 2. Playing field by Richmond Bridge 3. The Batts 4. Ronaldshay Park 5. Adjoining the Old Station
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Conclusions and Recommendations
6.4.4 In assessing the suitability of the potential sites, Round Howe car park was not considered appropriate due to the limited space available and its distance from the town centre. The playing field and Ronalsdhay Park were deemed unsuitable due to lack of space, although both sites are ideally situated and nearby sporting facilities should ensure greater use. In addition, the playing field is conspicuous in views from the Castle and Castle Walk, and the placing of equipment within it might negatively affect the quality of these views. The Batts central location and close proximity to a school may also encourage greater use. However, there are concerns about the compatibility of a Trim Track with use of the site for events, and also on views within and into the site.
6.4.5 It is therefore recommended that the site adjacent to the Old Station be chosen for the Trim Track (Figure 8, site 5). This comprises two areas of amenity grassland, one beside the river to the east of Station Bridge, and another on the eastern side of the old railway line south of the Old Station. There are also a number of paths that run through the riverside woodland between and adjacent to these two areas. These areas should provide adequate space for a Trim Track, and the site is relatively accessible from the centre of the town. There is adequate parking and the existing swimming pool and recently redeveloped Station and associated leisure complex provide complementary facilities. The site is very popular during the day and evening, and is well lit, and therefore safety should be a low concern. In addition, the location of the Trim Track at this site will not have any impact on important and historic views of Richmond.
Monitoring and review
6.4.6 Use of, and satisfaction with the Trim Track could be monitored by measuring levels of use and inviting feedback from users.
6.4.7 The success of the Trim Track should be reviewed every three years.
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6.5 Woodland Sculptures
6.5.1 Woodland sculpture can enhance a place and setting when sensitively positioned, responding to the changing seasons, different lights and weathering over time. Woodland sculpture should be tactile, engaging the visitor on closer inspection and linking together art and landscape. Placement is key when locating sculpture, elements can be isolated to create a focal point or a series of sculptures can tell a story.
Conclusions and Recommendations
6.5.2 A detailed site survey of the area was carried out to identify suitable locations for sculpture, in relation to accessibility and visual setting. It is suggested that a Woodland Sculpture Trail could be developed along the Swale valley from Round Howe car park to the town centre and then through the Batts and down the old railway line to the river at Easby (illustrated in Figure 9). Two areas have been identified for prioritisation, Round Howe Car Park Wood (as a means of interpretation of the Nature Trail, paragraph 6.3.8) and the old railway line. Placing of woodland sculptures in these areas could represent the first stages in the development of the larger Woodland Sculpture Trail along the valley.
6.5.3 In addition to Woodland Sculpture, interpretation, signage and site furniture along the Woodland Sculpture Trail and the Nature Trail should have its own design language, which would respond to the themes chosen to reflect the unique setting of Richmond and the River Swale. The materials palette should be based upon local materials bringing together the local distinctiveness and character of the area. Local artists could be asked to design and produce sculptures, and local schools could also be involved. Timber produced from woodland management could be used for the creation of woodland sculptures.
Monitoring and review
6.5.4 The response of residents and visitors to the installation of woodland sculptures could be assessed by inviting feedback.
6.5.5 The success of woodland sculptures should be reviewed every three years.
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7.0 IMPLEMENTATION
7.1 Work programmes for the delivery of the recommendations contained in the Strategic Woodland and Tree Management Plan, and for Community Access and Engagement (including the Nature Trail, Community Pathway, Trim Track and Woodland Sculptures) are presented in Tables 4-14 below. These include objectives, actions (including cross-references to relevant figures, appendices and sections and paragraphs of the management plan), and suggested timescales for implementation of actions. Programmes for the first five and, where appropriate, for subsequent years, are included.
7.2 Where appropriate, the location of the actions included within the work programmes is illustrated in Figure 5 (Woodland and Tree Management proposals), where relevant work programme reference numbers are included against management recommendations in the key.
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Woodland and Tree Management Plan Work Programme
Table 4 Nature Conservation and Enhancement of existing woodlands, first 5 years.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale NC1 Identify the relative abundance of sycamore and beech in the Survey woodlands (5.5.9-5.5.12) Year 1 canopy, and of native and non-native tree regeneration in individual woodlands NC2 Identify priorities and appropriate approaches and measures for Develop management plans for individual woods or groups of Year 1 the control of sycamore and beech in individual woods. woods in consultation with woodland owners. (5.5.5-5.5.6 and 5.5.9-5.5.12) NC3 Control or reduce the abundance of sycamore and beech. Initiate a programme of targeted sycamore and beech control Years 2-5 where appropriate, including felling to waste, treatment of standing trees, and cutting and pulling of beech and sycamore regeneration, in accordance with individual woodland management plans. (5.5.13-5.5.14) NC4 Increase structural diversity of woodlands Selective thinning of even-aged stands, for example as part of Years 2-5 NC3 above. (5.5.13 and 5.5.15) NC5 Increase standing and fallen deadwood resource within Selective felling to waste and treatment of standing trees to Years 2-5 woodlands create fallen and standing deadwood, for example as part of NC3 above. (5.5.13) NC6 Control other non-native tree species Identify opportunities to control or eliminate other non-native Ongoing tree species where appropriate. (5.5.7) from year 1 NC7 Identify locations and areas of invasive non-native species. Survey area Year 1 NC8 Control invasive non-native species. Commence control programme of invasive non-native species. Ongoing (5.5.17-5.5.18) from year 1 NC9 Identify and conserve old and veteran trees Survey area and record locations and characteristics. (5.5.20) Years 1-2 NC10 Conserve and enhance glades, Round Howe Car Park Wood and Commence annual cutting of glades. (5.5.21-5.5.23, Figure 6) Ongoing Riverside Woodland (Clinks Bank-Easby Abbey). from year 1 NC11 Conserve species-rich unimproved grassland between Hudswell Ensure continuity of appropriate grazing management. Ongoing and Round Howe Woods. from year 1
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Table 4 Nature Conservation and Enhancement of existing woodlands, first 5 years continued.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale NC12 Monitor effects and effectiveness of management measures Establish monitoring programmes as appropriate with the Ongoing implementation of management measures. (5.5.25) from year 1 NC13 Review progress of the implementation of the management plan Review progress of the implementation of the management plan Year 5 recommendations and the effectiveness of the measures already recommendations and the effectiveness of the measures already put in place. put in place, based on the results of the monitoring programme. Make alterations to the management measures as required. (5.5.26)
Table 5 Nature Conservation and Enhancement of existing woodlands, subsequent years.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale NC14 Control and reduce the abundance of beech and sycamore. Continue programme of beech and sycamore control according Ongoing to individual woodland management plans. (5.5.13-5.5.14) NC15 Increase structural diversity and the deadwood resource of Continue programme of selective thinning of even-aged stands Ongoing woodlands. by felling to waste and treatment of standing trees as part of NC3 above. (5.5.13 and 5.5.15) NC16 Control other non-native tree species Continue to seek opportunities to control or eliminate other non- Ongoing native tree species where appropriate. (5.5.7) NC17 Control invasive non-native species. Continue monitoring and control measures of invasive non- Ongoing native species as required. (5.5.17-5.5.18) NC18 Conserve and enhance glades Continue annual cutting management of glades. (5.5.21-5.5.23, Ongoing Figure 6) NC19 Monitor effects and effectiveness of management measures Continue with established monitoring programmes and establish Ongoing new ones as appropriate with the implementation of new management measures. (5.5.25) NC20 Review progress of the implementation of the management plan Review progress of the implementation of the management plan Every 5 recommendations and the effectiveness of the measures already recommendations and the effectiveness of the measures put in years put in place. place, based on the results of the monitoring programme. Make alterations to management measures as required. (5.5.26)
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Table 6 Restoration of Important and Historic views, first 5 years.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale V1 Identify opportunities for the restoration of views through the Identify locations, including individual trees and shrubs, for Year 1 limited control and removal of woody vegetation control or removal. Prioritise locations where the greatest benefits can be most easily achieved such as the south bank to the west of Richmond Bridge, high point on the Easby Low Road and views of Easby Abbey from the old railway line (5.5.30 and 5.5.36, Figures 5 and 6) V2 Restore views Fell, coppice or cut back trees and shrubs to restore views. Years 1-2 (4.5.31-4.5.35, Figure 6) V3 Restore views of Easby Abbey from the old railway line, St Seek replacement of line of Leyland cypress with a wall and Years 1-2 Marys and of buildings in Newbiggin. coppicing of riverbank willow with appropriate landowner. Seek permission to remove two large Lawson’s cypress and remove if granted. Identify appropriates measures to restore views of buildings in Newbiggin and implement. (5.5.37-5.5.39) V4 Control woody vegetation on the Castle Bank Explore the feasibility of introducing grazing on the Castle Year 1 Bank. (5.5.49-5.5.52) V5 Conserve view of town from Maison Dieu Restore appropriate grazing management to pasture below Years 1-2 Maison Dieu. (5.5.53) V6 Begin the restoration of views of the Castle and town from Commence programme of coppicing of woodland on the Castle Years 1-5 riverside viewpoints currently obscured by woodland on the Bank and at Park Wynd, including the retention of a number of Castle Bank and at Park Wynd. the best standard trees that do not obscure views. (5.5.40-5.5.44, 6) V7 Monitor the success of measures to restore views. Put in place monitoring programmes to evaluate the success of Ongoing measures undertaken to restore views. (5.5.54) from year 1 V8 Review the success of measures to restore views. Review the success of measures to restore views in the light of Ongoing the results of the monitoring programme and make adjustments from year to the measures as required. (5.5.55) 1. Year 5.
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Table 7 Restoration of Important and Historic views, subsequent years.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale V9 Maintain restored views Re-coppice trees and shrubs after 5 years or as required. Every 5 (5.5.33) years, dependent on re- growth rates. V10 Continue the restoration of views of the Castle and town from Continue coppicing programme in Castle Bank and Park Wynd Ongoing riverside viewpoints currently obscured by woodland on the Woods. (5.5.40-5.5.44) every 2-3 Castle Bank and at Park Wynd. years V11 Monitor the success of measures to restore views. Put in place monitoring programmes to evaluate the success of Ongoing measures undertaken to restore views. (5.5.54) V12 Review the success of measures to restore views. Review the success of measures to restore views in the light of Ongoing the results of the monitoring programme and make adjustments and every 5 as required. (5.5.55) years.
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Table 8 Woodland Development and Tree Planting, first 5 years.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale TP1 Develop new community woodland around the Gallowfields Engage with all interested parties (including Richmondshire Year 1 Trading Estate. District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, RSVCI, landowners, businesses, community and volunteer groups, schools etc.) to explore the possibility of developing a new community woodland (with other habitats) around the Gallowfields Trading Estate. (5.5.59-5.5.69, Figure 6) TP2 Draw up a development and management plan, including aims Years 1-2 and objectives, site(s), means and methods of delivery and management, and appropriate monitoring procedures. (5.5.61- 5.5.68 and 4.5.77) TP3 Collect and sow seed of native tree and shrub species from local Ongoing woods. Grow on until of appropriate size for planting as part of from year 1 the new woodland. (5.5.66 and 5.5.90, Appendix 6) TP4 Commence planting of new woodland with native tree and shrub Year 2-3 species. Develop other habitats and features of nature conservation value. Put in place appropriate measures for monitoring and aftercare. (5.5.65-5.5.67 and 5.5.76, Figure 6, Appendix 6) TP5 Convert existing coniferous and sycamore plantations to the When north of the estate to native broadleaved woodland. (5.5.64) possible TP6 Develop new native broadleaved woodland to the east of Explore the feasibility of developing new woodland to the east Year 1-2 Lownethwaite Bridge. of Lownethwaite Bridge and draw up a plan for its development, including aims and objectives, site(s), means and methods of delivery and management, and appropriate monitoring and review procedures. (5.5.70-5.5.73, Figure 6) TP7 Allow the natural development of woodland from seed on land Years 2-5 to the east of Lownethwaite Bridge by ceasing all land management operations, and/or plant with appropriate native tree and shrub species. Monitor the progress of the development of the new woodland. (4.5.72 and 4.5.76, Figure 6, Appendix 6)
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Table 8 Woodland Development and Tree Planting, first 5 years continued.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale TP8 Diversify species composition of recently developed secondary Control or eliminate non-native tree and shrub species as Ongoing woodland, increasing the proportion of native tree and shrub appropriate, for example in conjunction with felling and coppice from year 1 species. management (V6), and plant native tree and shrub species. Put in place monitoring and aftercare measures as required. (4.5.46- 4.5.47 and 4.5.74, Figure 6, Appendix 6) TP9 Conserve existing, and plant new non-woodland trees, including Engage with landowners with regard to the value of non- Years 1-5 field trees. woodland trees and to ensure appropriate replacement planting is undertaken. (4.5.75-4.5.76, Figure 6) TP10 Review progress in the development of new woodland and tree Review progress in the development of new woodland and tree Year 5 planting. planting in relation to the results from monitoring. (4.5.78)
Table 9 Woodland Development and Tree Planting, subsequent years.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale TP10 Develop new woodland around Gallowfields Trading estate and Continue the development of new woodland through planting Ongoing to the east of Lownethwaite Bridge. and/or naturally from seed. (Figure 6) TP11 Control abundance of non-native tree species in new naturally Monitor the abundance of non-native tree species, especially Ongoing developing woodland east of Lownethwaite Bridge. sycamore and beech, in naturally developing woodland, and control if required. (5.5.72) TP12 Diversify species composition of recently developed secondary Continue to control or eliminate non-native tree and shrub Ongoing woodland, increasing the proportion of native tree and shrub species as appropriate, for example in conjunction with coppice species. management, and plant native tree and shrub species. (5.5.46- 5.5.47 and 5.5.74, Figure 6) TP13 Conserve existing and plant new non-woodland trees, including Continue to engage with landowners with regard to the value of Ongoing field trees. non-woodland trees and to ensure appropriate replacement planting is put in pace. (5.5.75-5.5.76, Figure 6) TP14 Monitor and review progress of the development of new Continue monitoring as appropriate. Review progress of the Ongoing woodland and tree planting. development of new woodland and tree planting with reference and every 5 to monitoring results. (4.5.78) years
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Table 10 Volunteering and Training, first 5 years.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale VT1 Deliver of the objectives of the Strategic Woodland and Tree Encourage and support volunteers and voluntary groups to Ongoing Management Plan, and increase public engagement and contribute to the delivery of the objectives of the Strategic understanding of trees and woodland in the area. Woodland and Tree Management Plan and other tree and woodland related activities. (5.5.79-5.5.80 and 5.5.98) VT2 Support the development of voluntary groups and a range of Provide advice and support to existing and prospective voluntary Ongoing voluntary activities in relation to woodland and trees, including groups in the area. (5.5.98) VT3 practical management work, and public engagement and Take the lead in coordinating the development of voluntary Ongoing education. groups, such as ‘Friends of’ groups, and for identifying and developing opportunities for volunteering in the area. (5.5.98) VT4 Foster and develop contacts between voluntary groups, Ongoing landowners and businesses and the wider community. (5.5.98) VT5 Encourage volunteering in a range of different activities and Ongoing contexts. (5.5.82-5.5.94) VT6 Identify and develop opportunities for training, including the Develop contacts between volunteers, voluntary groups and Ongoing acquisition of skills and knowledge, in relation to woodland and local training providers. (5.5.70 and 5.5.98) VT7 trees. Identify and develop opportunities for training within the Ongoing activities of voluntary groups. (5.5.80) VT8 Encourage the development of training plans within voluntary Ongoing groups. VT9 Ensure that all people are provided with adequate training to Ongoing undertake the tasks allocated to them. (5.5.70 and 5.5.98) VT10 Increase awareness of woodland and trees in the area, both Establish an annual woodland and tree event in conjunction with By year 3 among local people and with visitors, and develop opportunities appropriate partners. (5.5.94) for encouraging voluntary work in relation to trees and woodland.
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Table 10 Volunteering and Training, first 5 years continued.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale VT 11 Monitor effectiveness of measures to encourage volunteering Conduct annual monitoring of appropriate parameters to Annually and training in relation to trees and woodland. determine – • the effectiveness of measures to encourage volunteering and training • the contribution of volunteers to nature conservation, restoration of views and public access and engagement. (5.5.100) VT12 Review effectiveness of measures to encourage volunteering and Review effectiveness of measures to encourage volunteering and Year 5 training in relation to trees and woodland. training in relation to trees and woodland with reference to annual monitoring, and make amendments to measures and work programme as appropriate. (5.5.100)
Work should continue on an ongoing basis in subsequent years to develop volunteering and training in relation to woodland and trees, as outlined in the work programme above.
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Community Access and Engagement Work Programme
Table 11 Access network improvements and additions.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale CP1 Improve the access network in the Richmond and Swale valley Identify sections of the existing access network where an Years 1-2 area for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. assessment of likely demand suggests improvement and upgrading and creation of new links will substantially increase accessibility and usability of the network, and the areas and facilities it connects. (6.2.5-6.2.9, Figure 7) CP2 Identify sources of funding for improvement, upgrade and Year 1 creation of access routes. onwards CP3 Consult with all relevant interested parties, such as landowners, Year 1 Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County onwards Council, with regard to any planned improvements, upgrades and creations to the access network, with the objective of obtaining agreement to the proposals. CP4 Begin groundwork on improvements, upgrades and creation of Year 1 access routes. onwards CP5 Develop and advertise the ‘Easby Loop’ as an easy access Year 1 and/or multi-use route. (6.2.9, Point 8, Figure 7) onwards CP6 Develop facilities complementary to the development of an easy Explore the feasibility of developing the site on the north bank Year 1 access/multi-purpose route along the ‘Easby Loop’ of the Swale to the east of station Bridge as a landscaped picnic onwards area(6.2.11, Figure 7). CP7 Develop a multi-use access route along the old railway line, with Consult and co-operate with all interested parties to explore the Year 1 the aim of connecting to the SUSTRANS network at Brompton- feasibility of developing a multi-use access route along the old onwards on-Swale. railway line to Brompton-on-Swale. (6.2.12) CP8 Monitor the success of improvements to the access network. Measure use of improved, upgraded and created sections of the Year 1 access network, and invite feedback from users. (6.2.12) onwards CP9 Review the success of improvements to the access network. Review the success of improvements to the access network in Every 5 the light of the results of the monitoring programme, and make years adjustments as required. (6.2.13)
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Table 12 Nature Trail.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale NT1 Develop a Nature Trail starting from the Round Howe car park Identify appropriate route(s) for a Nature Trail starting from Year 1 between Lownethwaite and Richmond Bridges. Round Howe car park. (6.3.2-6.2.6, Figure 7) NT2 Identify appropriate forms of interpretation for a Nature Trail Year 1 starting from Round Howe car park, including contacting probable user groups (such as the Durham County Council field centre and local schools) for their ideas and suggestions. (6.3.7- 6.3.10) NT3 Identify sources of funding to develop a Nature Trail starting Year 1 from Round Howe car park. NT4 Put in place a Nature Trail starting from Round Howe car park. Year 2 NT5 Explore the likely demand for feasibility of a ‘Nature Room’ in Year 1-2 the Round Howe car park, to complement and support the Nature Trail and related educational activities. (6.3.8) NT6 Monitor the success of the Nature Trail. Measure use of the Nature Trail and invite feedback from users. Year 2 (6.3.11) onwards NT7 Review the success of the Nature Trail. Review the success of the Nature Trail in the light of the results Every 3 of the monitoring programme, and make adjustments as years required. (6.3.12)
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Table 13 Trim Track.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale TT1 Develop a Trim track Identify a suitable site, and a source of funding for a Trim Track. Year 1-2 (6.4.4-6.4.5, Figure 8) TT2 Construct a Trim Track at the chosen site. Year 2-3 TT3 Monitor the success of the Trim Track. Measure use of the Trim Track and invite feedback from users. Year 2 (6.4.6) onwards TT4 Review the success of the Trim Track. Review the success of the Trim Track in the light of the results Every 3 of the monitoring programme, and make adjustments as years required. (6.4.7)
Table 14 Woodland Sculptures.
Ref. No. Objectives Actions Timescale WS1 Develop a woodland sculpture trail through the Swale valley Identify suitable sites and sources of funding to start the Year 1 from Easby Abbey to Round Howe car park. development of a sculpture trail in the Swale valley. (6.5.2, Figure 9) WS2 Approach sculptors and discuss the form, positioning etc of Years 1-2 appropriate sculptures for the sculpture trail, and for applications (such as the Nature Trail) to which it is related. (6.5.3) WS3 Put sculpture in place. Year 2 onwards WS4 Monitor the success of the woodland sculpture trail. Invite feedback on the woodland sculpture trail. (6.5.4) Year 2 onwards WS5 Review the success of the woodland sculpture trail. Review the success of the woodland sculpture trail in the light of Every 3 the results of the monitoring programme, and make adjustments years as required. (6.5.5)
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Woodland Evaluation Criteria
The two sets of criteria used to evaluate the woodlands in the study area were the Ratcliffe criteria1 and the guidelines for the selection of woodland SSSIs2. The latter is largely a developed and applied form of the former.
Ratcliffe Criteria
These are a series of non-habitat specific criteria against which the nature conservation value of any site can be assessed, and are as follows -
• Size (extent) – a broad measure of viability, based on size; • Diversity – is a measure of variety of physical structure, and of communities and species, and is intimately linked to size; • Naturalness – although this is a difficult attribute to evaluate, it broadly relates to the degree to which an area has been modified by human activity; • Rarity – reflects the ‘added value’ that a rare habitat, community or species may contribute, and the degree to which it may require protection; • Fragility – reflects the degree of sensitivity of a particular habitat, community or species, particularly in relation to environmental change; • Typicalness – represents those habitats, communities and species that may occur extensively or commonly, and may otherwise be overlooked in favour of the unusual or the rare; • Recorded history – where sites and/or habitats have an extensive recorded history, this information can provide additional and important insight into a site’s value; • Position within an ecological/geographical unit – this relates to the spatial relationship between sites or habitats. Generally, where sites or habitats are adjacent to high value examples of other habitats, they will be more highly rated; • Potential value – this criterion best applies to those sites where further or future management may enhance the site’s overall ecological value, in comparison with its current status;
1 Ratcliffe, D.A. (ed.) (1977). A Nature Conservation Review Vols 1 and 2. Cambridge University Press. 2 Nature Consevancy Council (1989) Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs. Rationale, operational approach and criteria. Detailed guidelines for habitats and species groups. Chapter 2 Woodlands. • Intrinsic appeal – may best represent those habitats, communities or species that are high in the public consciousness, and may be reflected in the relative extent to which a site, habitat and/or species may have been studied.
The specific application of these criteria to woodland include–
• Size – Larger woods encompass a wider range of local woodland diversity, or offer greater opportunities for the creation of diversity through a range of management measures. Some species, such as certain species of bird, require large areas of woodland to support viable populations. • Diversity – This includes diversity of physical structure, in age of trees, and floristic and faunal variability, especially in relation to differences in soils and topography. • Permanence – Generally sites that have been continuously wooded, or wooded for a relatively long period are of greater value than more recently developed woodland, because they are generally richer and more natural in terms of species and communities, for example. • Lack of Modification – Less modified woods, in terms of species, communities and structure are favoured over more modified examples. Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Wood Species Jack Round Howe Round Round Howe Round Howe Canopy layer Kings car park Hudswell Howe (valley side) (riverside) Convent Abies alba Eurpoean silver fir Acer platanoides Norway maple R Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore D A F/LA R F F F Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut R R Alnus glutinosa Alder O R F/LA O Alnus incana Grey alder R Betula pendula Silver birch R Betula pubescens Downy birch Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Castanea sativa Sweet chestnut Fagus sylvatica Beech R F F/LA F/LD O O Fraxinus excelsior Ash F/LA A A F A/LD F F Larix decidua Larch R R R Picea sp. Spruce sp. Pinus sylvestris Scots pine LA R Populus alba White poplar LA Populus balsamifera Balsam poplar R R Populus x canadensis Hybrid black poplar Prunus avium Wild cherry RR Prunus padus Bird cherry R R Prunus sp. Ornamental cherry Quercus cerris Turkey oak Quercus petraea Sessile oak O F R Quercus robur Pedunculate oak O RR Salix caprea Goat willow R Salix fragilis Crack willow R R R Sequoiadendron giganteum Giant redwood Sorbus aucuparia Rowan R R Taxus baccata Yew Tillia cordata Small-leaved lime R Tillia platyphyllos Large-leaved lime R LA R Tillia x europaea Hybrid lime Ulmus glabra Wych elm R F OO O O R
Shrub layer Acer campestre Field maple Acer platanoides Norway maple R Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore F RR O O Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut Alnus glutinosa Alder F/LA Betula pendula Silver birch Betula pubescens Downy birch Buddleia davidii Butterfly bush R Buxus sempervirens Box Corylus avellana Hazel O FF O F Cotoneaster horizontalis Wall cotoneaster Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn F F/LA O F R F Daphne laureola Spurge laurel Fagus sylvatica Beech O O F Fraxinus excelsior Ash F O F F/LA Ilex aquifolium Holly F/LA O OF O F R Larix decidua Larch Ligustrum ovalifolium Garden privet Malus sylvestris Crab apple RR Philadelphus sp. Mock orange R Pinu sylvestris Scots pine Prunus laurocerasus Laurel Prunus avium Wild cherry Prunus padus Bird cherry Prunus sp. Ornamental cherry R Prunus spinosa Blackthorn O O/LA R LA Quercus petraea Sessile oak RR Quercus robur Pedunculate oak R Ribes alpinum Alpine currant Ribes nigrum Blackcurrant R Ribes uva-crispa Gooseberry Rosa canina Dog rose R R R R 0 Rubus ideaus Raspberry R R R Salix caprea Goat willow R R R Salix cinerea Grey willow R R Salix fragilis Crack willow R Salix purpurea Purple willow R Salix triandra Almond willow Sambucus nigra Elder F R/LA O R O Sorbus aucuparia Rowan OO R O Symphoricarpus alba Snowberry R R R A/LD Syringa vulgaris Lilac Taxus baccata Yew O R Tillia platyphyllos Large-leaved lime R Ulex europaeaus Gorse Ulmus glabra Wych elm F O OO O O O Viburnum opulus Guelder rose R Viburnum rhytidiophyllum Wrinkled viburnum R
Climbers Hedera helix Ivy OOORO OO Lonicera pericyclemum Honeysuckle R
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Species Wood Field layer Jack Round Howe Round Round Howe Round Howe Ferns and horsetails Kings car park Hudswell Howe (valley side) (riverside) Convent Blechnum spicant Hard fern Dryopteris dilatata Broad buckler fern O OR O Dryopteris felix-mas Male fern F F A/LD O O O O Phyllitis scolopendrium Harts tongue F O Polypodium vulgare agg. Polypody Polystichum aculeatum Hard shield fern R O R Polystichum setiferum Soft shield fern R Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Equisetum arvense Field horsetail
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes Agrostis capillaris Common bent Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent R Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass R Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood false brome F F O O F F/LA Bromus ramosa Hairy brome F O Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot O R O Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair grass O F/LA O F O Festuca gigantea Giant fescue O O Festuca rubra Red fescue Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog R Melica uniflora Wood melick R O Phalaris arundinacea Canary reed grass R Poa annua Annual meadow grass Poa trivialis Rough-stalked meadow grass R Carex remota Remote sedge R Carex sylvatica Wood sedge R OF Luzula sylvatica Great wood-rush O F/LA O Juncus inflexus Hard rush
Forbs Aegopodium podograria Ground elder LA LA O/LA O/LA F/LA Achillea millefolium Yarrow Ajuga reptans Bugle O RF O O Alchemilla vulgaris agg. Ladies mantle R R Alium ursinum Ramsons ? Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard R F R Anemone nemorosa Wood anemone ? ? Angelica sylvestris Angelica O O Anthriscus caucalis Bur chervil R Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley O R R R O Arctium minus Lesser burdock R R Arum maculatum Lords and ladies R R Caltha palustris Marsh marigold Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed R Campanula latifoloia Giant bellflower R Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Cardamine flexuosa Wavy bittercress O R Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower Cerastium fontanum Common mouseear Cetaurea nigra Knapweed R Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb R R Chrysosplenium opposotifolium Opposite-leaved gldn saxifrage R O LF Circaea lutetiana Enchanters nightshade O F O Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle R Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle R Crepis paludosa Marsh hawksbeard R O Cruciata laevipes Crosswort R/LA R Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Epilobium hirsutum Great willowherb Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved willowherb R F F O O Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet R R Fragraria vesca Wild strawberry Galium aparine Cleavers R O Galium odoratum Woodruff FR Geranium pratense Field cranesbill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert F F LF O Geranium sylvaticum Wood cranes-bill R OR R Geum rivale Water avens R R Geum urbanum Wood avens O F/LA F O F F O Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy R R Hedera helix Ivy F/LA A/LD O O F/LA F/LA Heracleum sphonyllium Hogweed R R Hesperis matrionalis Dames'-violet Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell ? Hypericum hirsutum Hairy St. Johns wort R RR Lapsana communis Nipplewort O O O Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle O O Lysimachia nemorum Yellow pimpernel O Lysimachia punctata Dotted loosestrife Mentha aquatica Water mint R Mercurialis perennis Dogs mercury F/LA A/LD A/LD F/LA O/LA F/LA Mycelis muralis Wall lettuce O R Myosotis scorpioides Water forget-me-not Myosotis sp. Forget-me-not sp. R Myrrhis odorata Sweet cicely O O O O
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Wood Species Jack Round Howe Round Round Howe Round Howe Forbs cont. Kings car park Hudswell Howe (valley side) (riverside) Convent Ononis repens Restharrow Oxalis acetosa Wood sorrel O Persicaria maculosa Redshank R Petasites hybridus Butterbur LA O/LA Plantage laceolata Ribwort plantain Plantago major Greater plantain R Potentilla anserina Silverweed Potentilla sterilis Barren strawberry R O O R Primula veris Cowslip Primula vulgaris Primrose O OO O Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R OF O Pulicaria dysenterica Coltsfoot Ranunculus acris Meadow buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup O O R O Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble O F O/LA O O F F/LA Rumex acetosa Common sorrel R Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock R Rumex pulcher Fiddle dock R Rumex sanguineus Wood dock R O R Sanicula vulgaris Sanicle R Scrophularia nodosa Figwort RR R Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort R R Silene dioica Red campion O F F O O Solidago canadensis Canadian goldenrod R Sonchus asper Prickly sowthistle R R Sonchus olraceus Smooth sowthistle R Stachys officinalis Betony RR Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort O OR Stellaria holostea Greater stitchwort Stellaria media Chickweed RR Symphytum officinale Comfrey Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion R O R Teucrium scorodonia Wood sage R Trifolium repens White clover Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot R Urtica dioica Nettle O/LA F/LA O O O O Veronica beccabunga Brooklime R Veronica chamaedrys Germander speedwell Veronica montana Wood speedwell O O F F O Vicia cracca Tufted vetch Vicia sepium Bush vetch R RR Vilola riviniana Dog violet R OF O O Viola odorata Sweet violet
Invasive alien species Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed LD Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan balsam F/LA R
DAFOR Scale Ancient woodland indicator species D Dominant Non-native species A Abundant Nationally Scarce species F Frequent Not surveyed O Occasional ? Present, but abundance could not be estimated R Rare L Locally or Patchily
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Wood Species Billy and Riverside opposite Temple Castle Castle Park Earls Canopy layer Low Bank Temple Grounds Grounds Bank West Bank East Wynd Orchard Abies alba Eurpoean silver fir R Acer platanoides Norway maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore F/LA O O/LF A DDF Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut RRR Alnus glutinosa Alder R D Alnus incana Grey alder Betula pendula Silver birch Betula pubescens Downy birch R Carpinus betulus Hornbeam R Castanea sativa Sweet chestnut Fagus sylvatica Beech F/LD R F/LD R Fraxinus excelsior Ash F/LA O OA ORA Larix decidua Larch R O Picea sp. Spruce sp. Pinus sylvestris Scots pine Populus alba White poplar Populus balsamifera Balsam poplar Populus x canadensis Hybrid black poplar R Prunus avium Wild cherry R R Prunus padus Bird cherry Prunus sp. Ornamental cherry R Quercus cerris Turkey oak R Quercus petraea Sessile oak O O Quercus robur Pedunculate oak R Salix caprea Goat willow Salix fragilis Crack willow Sequoiadendron giganteum Giant redwood R Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Taxus baccata Yew F/LD R Tillia cordata Small-leaved lime R Tillia platyphyllos Large-leaved lime RR Tillia x europaea Hybrid lime Ulmus glabra Wych elm O R R
Shrub layer Acer campestre Field maple R Acer platanoides Norway maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore F/LA O OO F F F/LA Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut R Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pendula Silver birch Betula pubescens Downy birch Buddleia davidii Butterfly bush Buxus sempervirens Box O Corylus avellana Hazel R O Cotoneaster horizontalis Wall cotoneaster R Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn O O OR OR Daphne laureola Spurge laurel Fagus sylvatica Beech F/LA LA Fraxinus excelsior Ash F.LA R RO O F F/LA Ilex aquifolium Holly F/LA R OR O A Larix decidua Larch R Ligustrum ovalifolium Garden privet Malus sylvestris Crab apple Philadelphus sp. Mock orange R Pinu sylvestris Scots pine Prunus laurocerasus Laurel A Prunus avium Wild cherry R Prunus padus Bird cherry R Prunus sp. Ornamental cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn R R R O Quercus petraea Sessile oak R R Quercus robur Pedunculate oak Ribes alpinum Alpine currant O R Ribes nigrum Blackcurrant RR Ribes uva-crispa Gooseberry R Rosa canina Dog rose R RR Rubus ideaus Raspberry R Salix caprea Goat willow R Salix cinerea Grey willow R R Salix fragilis Crack willow Salix purpurea Purple willow R Salix triandra Almond willow Sambucus nigra Elder O F/LA F F F Sorbus aucuparia Rowan R Symphoricarpus alba Snowberry LA R LD LA Syringa vulgaris Lilac R Taxus baccata Yew O R R Tillia platyphyllos Large-leaved lime Ulex europaeaus Gorse R Ulmus glabra Wych elm F O O FRF Viburnum opulus Guelder rose Viburnum rhytidiophyllum Wrinkled viburnum
Climbers Hedera helix Ivy O O F/LA O A A F Lonicera pericyclemum Honeysuckle R R
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Species Wood Field layer Billy and Riverside opposite Temple Castle Castle Park Earls Ferns and horsetails Low Bank Temple Grounds Grounds Bank west Bank east Wynd Orchard Blechnum spicant Hard fern R Dryopteris dilatata Broad buckler fern F O O Dryopteris felix-mas Male fern F/LA O R O Phyllitis scolopendrium Harts tongue F/LA Polypodium vulgare agg. Polypody Polystichum aculeatum Hard shield fern O Polystichum setiferum Soft shield fern Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Equisetum arvense Field horsetail
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes Agrostis capillaris Common bent Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent R Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass LA Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood false brome R F/LA Bromus ramosa Hairy brome O O Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot R R Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair grass R O Festuca gigantea Giant fescue O Festuca rubra Red fescue Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog R Melica uniflora Wood melick O Phalaris arundinacea Canary reed grass Poa annua Annual meadow grass R Poa trivialis Rough-stalked meadow grass Carex remota Remote sedge Carex sylvatica Wood sedge O O/LF R Luzula sylvatica Great wood-rush F/LA O R Juncus inflexus Hard rush
Forbs Aegopodium podograria Ground elder LA Achillea millefolium Yarrow Ajuga reptans Bugle Alchemilla vulgaris agg. Ladies mantle Alium ursinum Ramsons Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard R LA O/LA Anemone nemorosa Wood anemone ? Angelica sylvestris Angelica Anthriscus caucalis Bur chervil Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley R A O F/LA Arctium minus Lesser burdock R Arum maculatum Lords and ladies Caltha palustris Marsh marigold Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed Campanula latifoloia Giant bellflower Campanula rotundifolia Harebell R Cardamine flexuosa Wavy bittercress R Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower Cerastium fontanum Common mouseear Cetaurea nigra Knapweed Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb R R R Chrysosplenium opposotifolium Opposite-leaved gldn saxifrage F/LA Circaea lutetiana Enchanters nightshade F O Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle Crepis paludosa Marsh hawksbeard Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Dipsacus fullonum Teasel R Epilobium hirsutum Great willowherb R O Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved willowherb O O R Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet R R Fragraria vesca Wild strawberry Galium aparine Cleavers RR Galium odoratum Woodruff O Geranium pratense Field cranesbill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert F Geranium sylvaticum Wood cranes-bill R Geum rivale Water avens R Geum urbanum Wood avens F F OOO Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy O Hedera helix Ivy F/LA F/LD A/LD D D F/LA Heracleum sphonyllium Hogweed Hesperis matrionalis Dames'-violet Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell ? Hypericum hirsutum Hairy St. Johns wort R Lapsana communis Nipplewort R Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle O R Lysimachia nemorum Yellow pimpernel R Lysimachia punctata Dotted loosestrife Mentha aquatica Water mint Mercurialis perennis Dogs mercury F/LA F/LA F/LA Mycelis muralis Wall lettuce O R Myosotis scorpioides Water forget-me-not Myosotis sp. Forget-me-not sp. Myrrhis odorata Sweet cicely O
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Wood Species Billy and Riverside opposite Temple Castle Castle Park Earls Forbs cont. Low Bank Temple Grounds Grounds Bank west Bank east Wynd Orchard Ononis repens Restharrow Oxalis acetosa Wood sorrel O O Persicaria maculosa Redshank Petasites hybridus Butterbur R Plantage laceolata Ribwort plantain R Plantago major Greater plantain R Potentilla anserina Silverweed Potentilla sterilis Barren strawberry Primula veris Cowslip Primula vulgaris Primrose Prunella vulgaris Selfheal O Pulicaria dysenterica Coltsfoot Ranunculus acris Meadow buttercup R Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup O O R Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble F F/LD F/LA O F A Rumex acetosa Common sorrel Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock R R Rumex pulcher Fiddle dock Rumex sanguineus Wood dock O O Sanicula vulgaris Sanicle F Scrophularia nodosa Figwort Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort Silene dioica Red campion O Solidago canadensis Canadian goldenrod Sonchus asper Prickly sowthistle Sonchus olraceus Smooth sowthistle Stachys officinalis Betony Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort R Stellaria holostea Greater stitchwort Stellaria media Chickweed Symphytum officinale Comfrey Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion R Teucrium scorodonia Wood sage Trifolium repens White clover Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Urtica dioica Nettle F/LA O F/LA O O F/LA Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Veronica chamaedrys Germander speedwell R Veronica montana Wood speedwell F O F Vicia cracca Tufted vetch Vicia sepium Bush vetch Vilola riviniana Dog violet O O Viola odorata Sweet violet
Invasive alien species Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan balsam R LA
DAFOR Scale Ancient woodland indicator species D Dominant Non-native species A Abundant Nationally Scarce species F Frequent Not surveyed O Occasional ? Present, but abundance could not be estimated R Rare L Locally or Patchily
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Wood Species Riverside, Richmond-Station Riverside, Richmond- Clinks Riverside, Clinks Old Railway Canopy layer Bridges, south side Station Bridges, north side Bank Bank-Easby Easby Line Abies alba Eurpoean silver fir Acer platanoides Norway maple R Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore A F A A F F/LA Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut R Alnus glutinosa Alder LA LA R Alnus incana Grey alder R Betula pendula Silver birch R Betula pubescens Downy birch R Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Castanea sativa Sweet chestnut RR Fagus sylvatica Beech O F/LA O F R Fraxinus excelsior Ash A F F/LA F O F/LA Larix decidua Larch R Picea sp. Spruce sp. LA Pinus sylvestris Scots pine RR Populus alba White poplar Populus balsamifera Balsam poplar Populus x canadensis Hybrid black poplar R Prunus avium Wild cherry R R Prunus padus Bird cherry Prunus sp. Ornamental cherry Quercus cerris Turkey oak Quercus petraea Sessile oak O O O O Quercus robur Pedunculate oak Salix caprea Goat willow R R Salix fragilis Crack willow R Sequoiadendron giganteum Giant redwood Sorbus aucuparia Rowan R Taxus baccata Yew Tillia cordata Small-leaved lime Tillia platyphyllos Large-leaved lime R F/LA Tillia x europaea Hybrid lime LA Ulmus glabra Wych elm O O R R
Shrub layer Acer campestre Field maple Acer platanoides Norway maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore F/LA O F F O F Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut Alnus glutinosa Alder LA O Betula pendula Silver birch Betula pubescens Downy birch Buddleia davidii Butterfly bush Buxus sempervirens Box Corylus avellana Hazel F F O Cotoneaster horizontalis Wall cotoneaster Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn F O O O Daphne laureola Spurge laurel O R Fagus sylvatica Beech FOOR Fraxinus excelsior Ash F O F F F Ilex aquifolium Holly F/LA F/LA O O/LA Larix decidua Larch Ligustrum ovalifolium Garden privet LA Malus sylvestris Crab apple Philadelphus sp. Mock orange Pinu sylvestris Scots pine R Prunus laurocerasus Laurel LA Prunus avium Wild cherry Prunus padus Bird cherry R Prunus sp. Ornamental cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn LA Quercus petraea Sessile oak R Quercus robur Pedunculate oak Ribes alpinum Alpine currant O O Ribes nigrum Blackcurrant Ribes uva-crispa Gooseberry Rosa canina Dog rose R R R R Rubus ideaus Raspberry R O/LA Salix caprea Goat willow R Salix cinerea Grey willow R R Salix fragilis Crack willow O Salix purpurea Purple willow R Salix triandra Almond willow R Sambucus nigra Elder OO FO Sorbus aucuparia Rowan R Symphoricarpus alba Snowberry Syringa vulgaris Lilac R Taxus baccata Yew O R Tillia platyphyllos Large-leaved lime Ulex europaeaus Gorse R Ulmus glabra Wych elm F O F O O O Viburnum opulus Guelder rose Viburnum rhytidiophyllum Wrinkled viburnum
Climbers Hedera helix Ivy F/LA F O O O Lonicera pericyclemum Honeysuckle R
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Species Wood Field layer Riverside, Richmond-Station Riverside, Richmond- Clinks Riverside, Clinks Old railway Ferns and horsetails bridges, south side Station bridges, north side Bank Bank-Easby Easby line Blechnum spicant Hard fern Dryopteris dilatata Broad buckler fern Dryopteris felix-mas Male fern O/LF F R R Phyllitis scolopendrium Harts tongue R Polypodium vulgare agg. Polypody R Polystichum aculeatum Hard shield fern Polystichum setiferum Soft shield fern Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Equisetum arvense Field horsetail R
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes Agrostis capillaris Common bent LA Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass LA Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood false brome F/LA F F/LA Bromus ramosa Hairy brome RR Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot R Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair grass F/LA R Festuca gigantea Giant fescue R Festuca rubra Red fescue R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Melica uniflora Wood melick O R Phalaris arundinacea Canary reed grass R R Poa annua Annual meadow grass Poa trivialis Rough-stalked meadow grass Carex remota Remote sedge Carex sylvatica Wood sedge O R Luzula sylvatica Great wood-rush F/LA O O Juncus inflexus Hard rush R
Forbs Aegopodium podograria Ground elder LA O LA Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Ajuga reptans Bugle R Alchemilla vulgaris agg. Ladies mantle Alium ursinum Ramsons Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard LA Anemone nemorosa Wood anemone Angelica sylvestris Angelica O Anthriscus caucalis Bur chervil R Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley OOO Arctium minus Lesser burdock R Arum maculatum Lords and ladies Caltha palustris Marsh marigold R Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed Campanula latifoloia Giant bellflower Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Cardamine flexuosa Wavy bittercress O Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower R Cerastium fontanum Common mouseear R Cetaurea nigra Knapweed R LF Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb R R Chrysosplenium opposotifolium Opposite-leaved gldn saxifrage Circaea lutetiana Enchanters nightshade Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle R Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle R Crepis paludosa Marsh hawksbeard R R Cruciata laevipes Crosswort R LF Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Epilobium hirsutum Great willowherb Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved willowherb Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet R R R Fragraria vesca Wild strawberry R R Galium aparine Cleavers Galium odoratum Woodruff F Geranium pratense Field cranesbill LA LF Geranium robertianum Herb Robert F F Geranium sylvaticum Wood cranes-bill Geum rivale Water avens Geum urbanum Wood avens F F O Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy R Hedera helix Ivy A F/LA A/LD F/LA Heracleum sphonyllium Hogweed R Hesperis matrionalis Dames'-violet R R Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell ? ? Hypericum hirsutum Hairy St. Johns wort Lapsana communis Nipplewort R Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling R Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle R O Lysimachia nemorum Yellow pimpernel Lysimachia punctata Dotted loosestrife LA Mentha aquatica Water mint Mercurialis perennis Dogs mercury F/LA F/LA F/LA O Mycelis muralis Wall lettuce R Myosotis scorpioides Water forget-me-not R Myosotis sp. Forget-me-not sp. Myrrhis odorata Sweet cicely O O
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 1 DAFOR woodland species abundance.
Wood Species Riverside, Richmond-Station Riverside, Richmond- Clinks Riverside, Clinks Old railway Forbs cont. bridges, south side Station bridges, north side Bank Bank-Easby Easby line Ononis repens Restharrow R Oxalis acetosa Wood sorrel R Persicaria maculosa Redshank Petasites hybridus Butterbur Plantage laceolata Ribwort plantain R Plantago major Greater plantain R O Potentilla anserina Silverweed LA Potentilla sterilis Barren strawberry Primula veris Cowslip Primula vulgaris Primrose R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal O Pulicaria dysenterica Coltsfoot Ranunculus acris Meadow buttercup F Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup O/LA R Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble F/LA O F/LA Rumex acetosa Common sorrel Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock R Rumex pulcher Fiddle dock Rumex sanguineus Wood dock OO Sanicula vulgaris Sanicle F Scrophularia nodosa Figwort Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort O Silene dioica Red campion O O Solidago canadensis Canadian goldenrod LA Sonchus asper Prickly sowthistle Sonchus olraceus Smooth sowthistle Stachys officinalis Betony Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort OO Stellaria holostea Greater stitchwort Stellaria media Chickweed R Symphytum officinale Comfrey R Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion Teucrium scorodonia Wood sage R Trifolium repens White clover O Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot O Urtica dioica Nettle O F F Veronica beccabunga Brooklime F Veronica chamaedrys Germander speedwell R Veronica montana Wood speedwell O Vicia cracca Tufted vetch R Vicia sepium Bush vetch R Vilola riviniana Dog violet F Viola odorata Sweet violet R
Invasive alien species Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed R Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan balsam F/LA LA
DAFOR Scale Ancient woodland indicator species D Dominant Non-native species A Abundant Nationally Scarce species F Frequent Not surveyed O Occasional ? Present, but abundance could not be estimated R Rare L Locally or Patchily
11106101_RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study_rb Table 2 Woodland features, Richmond and Swale Valley.
Wood General Comments NVC Rides and Glades Springs and Veteran Trees Deadwood Browsing/Grazing Tree Regeneration Damage Communities Streams Jack Kings A narrow woodland either side of a small W8d and e Telephone cable Small stream down No, though one Moderate of a Rabbits abundant, Small amounts of Very limited at stream. The bottom third has rather a disturbed wayleave towards full length. or two large range of sizes. see Regeneration. ash, sycamore and southern end for and eutrophic aspect, but the top two thirds southern end. trees. Little standing. wych elm. Few repair of appear relatively undisturbed. Sycamore is the saplings, see boundary wall. dominant canopy tree, and generally the wood Browsing/Grazing. is quite dark, but still moderately species-rich. Round Howe car Riverside wood to the west of Round Howe car W8d and e Two small glades Stream enters (from No, though one Sparse and No. Moderate, mostly Some localised park park. Some may be quite old, for example at western end, but culvert under or two large mostly small. ash and sycamore. damage and adjacent to the river, particularly in the central becoming invaded adjoining road) at trees. wear, especially and western parts. Other parts appear to be by scrub and eastern end, next to to ground flora relatively recent secondary woodland with Himalayan balsam. car park, and exits from recreational evidence of old masonry etc. Also much ivy via another culvert. use. and nettle in these parts. Includes some patches Apparently forms of dense scrub and small glades. Heavy pond in winter. recreational use from adjacent car park. Site of Nature Conservation Importance. Hudswell Good quality, relatively large, ancient semi- W8e (and Canopy gaps Adjoining river and Scattered large Moderately Deer tracks, but Patchy, but No. natural wood on a steep north facing slope, possibly f) throughout, with small stream and old trees. abundant of all few obvious signs abundant in places. (including rock outcrops), to the south of the associated vigorous towards western sizes including of damage. Mostly ash with River Swale. Adjoins Round Howe (valley shrub and field end, dry in standing, and some beech. side) Wood to east. Ash is the most abundant layers. Adjoins summer. trees felled to Relatively little canopy tree, though sycamore and beech are small areas of waste. sycamore. both frequent. Shrub and field layers are unimproved variable, with some areas quite sparse, but are grassland at eastern generally well developed, species-rich, and end. contain a good range of characteristic woodland and ancient woodland indicator species. Yew is mainly associated with the rock outcrops. Few non-native species, apart from trees mentioned above. Owned and managed by the National Trust, and has a number of footpaths that are quire well used. Site of Special Scientific Interest, and within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Round Howe Mainly ancient semi-natural woodland on a W8e (and Small canopy gaps. No. Some large and Moderate, Some signs on Patchy, but very No. steep, rocky knoll. Contains a stand of tall possibly f) and old trees. including small regenerating ash. thick in places, large-leaved limes, which is notable if not g amounts of Rabbits present. especially ash. planted. Formed part of an amenity ‘landscape’ large material, Little sycamore and in the 19th Century. Northern part is a recent standing and sessile oak. plantation of Scots pine and beech with very fallen. poorly developed and species-poor shrub and field layers. Owned and managed by the National Trust and a Site of Nature Conservation Importance.
Wood General Comments NVC Rides and Glades Springs and Veteran Trees Deadwood Browsing/Grazing Regeneration Damage Communities Streams Round Howe Ancient semi-natural woodland on a steep, W8e (and Canopy gaps. No. A number of Moderately Deer were observed Thick ash No. (valley side) mostly north-facing slope, (including rock possibly f), large, old trees. abundant, in the wood, and regeneration at outcrops and scree), to the south of the River W12. including some there were thicket stage at the Swale. Continuous with Hudswell Wood to large material, abundant signs western end, with west and Billy and Low Bank Wood to east. both standing (including tracks thinning taking The western end is dominated by ash, though and fallen. and droppings) place. Sparse in the beech and sycamore are frequent throughout. throughout much of central section, There are thickets of young ash regeneration in the wood. though some beech, this area, possibly following tree falls, and in including some which the ground flora is relatively sparse. The relatively large central section has a quite different aspect, in individuals. Thick which mature beech is dominant. Here the ash at the eastern shrub and field layers are sparse, probably as a end, including result of the dense shade cast by this species. saplings. Generally The eastern end is narrower, and located on a saplings confined rocky cliff. Beech, although present, is less to the eastern end, dominant here, and this, combined with its possibly because of position, means that the canopy is quite open. the more open As a result, except on the rock faces, the shrub canopy, and and field layers are quite well developed. Yew inaccessibility of is mainly associated with the rock outcrops. the cliffs to deer. Owned and managed by the National Trust and a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. Round Howe Narrow strips of trees/woodland on both the W7 and W8e. No, but both strips No, but adjoining A few large old Sparse, No, but possibly Patchy, some ash Relatively large (riverside) northern and southern banks of the Swale to the are very narrow river. trees. probably much some on south side and sycamore. amounts of bare east of Round Howe Bridge. The northern side with open habitats removed in at eastern end ground on paths and the eastern end of the southern side are on on either side. floods. where it is not in places. Some low lying and gravely ground and are fenced from the disturbance dominated by alder. The western end of the adjacent associated with southern side is on and above a steep bank and meadows/pastures. caravan site on is dominated by ash. A caravan site is adjacent northern side. to that on the northern bank and these strips on both banks provide a valuable screen for this from the paths on the south bank. Owned and managed by the National Trust. Convent A small woodland on the northern bank of the Highly No. No, but adjoining No. Very little. No. Some, mostly ash No. Swale to the south of the old convent, and modified form river. and sycamore, but surveyed only from the opposite bank. Possibly of W8. also smaller of relatively recent origin and highly modified amounts of wych by planting of non-native species etc. elm.
Wood General Comments NVC Rides and Glades Springs and Veteran Trees Deadwood Browsing/Grazing Regeneration Damage Communities Streams Billy and Low Bank Ancient semi-natural woodland on steep, east W8e (and Canopy gaps Spring at eastern Quite a lot of Moderately Not obvious. Generally good of No. and north-facing slopes, (including rock possibly f), throughout, end. Several small large old trees, abundant of all mostly ash beech outcrops), to the south of the River Swale. Most W12 especially in the streams, including especially sizes, including and sycamore, in is ash woodland, though beech and sycamore ash-dominated quite deep and beech. trees felled to that order of are frequent throughout. The shrub and field areas. ravine-like. High waste. abundance. Very layers are patchy, but in places relatively well bryophyte cover on Abundant in little in the beech developed and species-rich. However, smaller boulders within stream beds. dominated areas. areas towards the tops of the slopes, and these. Dry in especially at the eastern end, are dominated by summer. mature beech, and, more locally still, by sessile oak. There are also small amounts of larch, which appears to be subject to ongoing thinning or removal. Where beech is dominant the shrub and field layers are very sparse, probably as a result of the dense shade cast by this species. Great wood-rush is relatively prominent in the field layer in places here, which is suggestive of more acidic soils. Shared ownership but managed by the National Trust, and a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. Riverside opposite A narrow strip of trees or woodland adjoining W7 No. No, but adjacent to No. Very little. Probably, as it is Very little, though No. Temple Grounds the river and dominated by alder. Its river. not fenced from the some young alder. narrowness, and open character, means that it adjacent grassy has a grassy field layer including many non- meadows/pastures. woodland species, but which is often very Some bits are steep species-rich. Owned and managed by the and inaccessible National Trust. however. Temple Grounds Mostly narrow woodland(s) forming part of the Because of the No. No, but adjacent to A number of Quite No. Very patchy. Some Some limited 18th century landscaped park. Planted and non- large planted river. old and large abundant, both areas of dense squirrel damage native trees, including many large and old component, trees, standing and beech regeneration, and localised beeches, form a large component. The most does not especially fallen, given but otherwise rather vandalism. woodland(s) are comprised of three parts (or closely match beech. the size of the sparse. woods) with distinct characters. Riverside is on any recognised woodlands, a flat sandy area in the north west of the NVC though little in grounds and is composed of a mix of mature community. Riverside and semi-mature broadleaved and coniferous Millbank Wood Wood. trees. There is very little shrub layer (although approaches snowberry is locally abundant at the NW end) W12c. and the field layer, though sparse in places, is dominated by wood false brome. Mill Bank is on a steep bank above the river and Mill Field. It is dominated by beech and yew. Beneath this it is generally very dark and the shrub and field layers are poorly developed, though ivy and bramble are locally abundant. Peel Close Bottom comprises a largely grassy area in which there are a number of large and old trees, mostly beech. Some recent planting (mostly of small-leaved lime) has been undertaken. Wood General Comments NVC Rides and Glades Springs and Veteran Trees Deadwood Browsing/Grazing Regeneration Damage Communities Streams Castle Bank West A very small, recently developed woodland on W8d No. No. No. Very little, No. Some ash and Generally has the steeply sloping, south facing, western end of small amounts sycamore. quite a disturbed the Castle bank. The canopy is a mixture of ash on the eastern aspect. and sycamore. The shrub layer is dominated by edge from laurel and elder, and the field layer by ivy and recent felling cow parsley. Overall the wood is very species- work. poor and, for its size contains a relatively large number of non-native species. Castle Bank East A small, recently developed woodland on the W8d No. No. No. Very little. No. Sparse, mostly Relatively large steeply sloping, south and east facing, eastern sycamore. areas of bare end of the Castle bank. The canopy is ground due to dominated by sycamore, which casts a deep trampling. shade. The shrub layer is generally sparse, and the field layer is bare or strongly dominated by ivy. Overall the wood is very species-poor. Park Wynd A small, recently developed woodland on a W8d No. No. No. Very little. No. A little ash and Bare ground on moderate south-east facing slope above The sycamore. paths and much Batts. The canopy is dominated by sycamore, litter. which casts a deep shade. Snowberry, is locally dominant in the shrub layer, and the field layer is strongly dominated by ivy or ground elder. Overall the wood is very species-poor and contains a relatively large number of non-native species. Earls Orchard A small woodland on a moderately steep north W8d and e Narrow ride (for No. Number of Moderately No. Patchy ash and No. facing slope south of the river Swale and path) in the centre, large old trees. abundant, sycamore. opposite the castle. The eastern end is with abundant especially continuous with the riverside woodland nettle, bramble, smaller between Richmond and Station bridges. Ash is grasses and a range material, the most abundant canopy species. The central of other species. including much and western ends have rather a disturbed aspect, from with a relatively open canopy and very dense management shrub layer, including much bramble and holly. operations.. The eastern end appears less disturbed, and the shrub layer is correspondingly rather more open. The field layer is dominated by frequent and locally abundant nettle, ivy and dogs mercury.
Wood General Comments NVC Rides and Glades Springs and Veteran Trees Deadwood Browsing/Grazing Regeneration Damage Communities Streams Riverside, A narrow strip of woodland on steep north- W8e Grassy glade on the One small (dry at Some large old A little. No. Ash, sycamore, Some bare Richmond-Station facing banks and rocks above the River Swale. beach to the east of time of survey) trees. wych elm and ground from Bridges, south The eastern end is very narrow and scrubby in the falls. Part of stream small amounts of trampling and parts with quite a grassy field layer. Alder is this appears to have approximately half beech. litter. locally dominant in this part. The central been sown, but way along. Beside section, near the falls, is the widest and least parts are river. disturbed, and has the most ‘wooded’ feel, with moderately species- ash and sycamore the dominant canopy species. rich with meadow This section is continuous with Earls Orchard. cranesbill and The western section is very narrow but knapweed etc. otherwise is broadly similar to the central section in species composition. Generally, despite its small size, the wood is quite species- rich, and contains a range of characteristic woodland and ancient woodland indicator species. Himalayan balsam is locally abundant in the eastern part. Riverside, A narrow and discontinuous strip of trees NA Quite open and Beside river. No. Very little. No. A little ash and Some localised Richmond-Station beside the north bank of the river, including the discontinuous. sycamore. bare ground from Bridges, north Batts and beside Riverside Walk. Overall ash is trampling, and the most abundant species, although sycamore litter. is frequent and alder is locally abundant at the eastern end on the edge of the Batts. The field layer is variable, but is mostly grassy, and moderately species-rich in places Clinks Bank A relatively large wood on a moderately steep W8e (and Canopy gaps. A number of small Some large, old Moderately No. Good, ash, Some bare south-west facing slope between Richmond and possibly W12) streams and trees, including abundant of all sycamore and ground from Easby. Surveyed only from public rights of seepages, ash, beech and sizes and types. beech. trampling at way, mainly at the western end. Probably quite especially at the sessile oak. western end, and old, though not ancient. Ash, sycamore and western end. some litter. beech share dominance in the canopy. Quite well-developed shrub and field layers, though somewhat less species-rich than local ancient woodlands.
Wood General Comments NVC Rides and Glades Springs and Veteran Trees Deadwood Browsing/Grazing Regeneration Damage Communities Streams Riverside, Clinks A narrow strip of riverside trees or woodland to W8d and e Small glades Beside river. No. Relatively No. Some ash and Some bare Bank-Easby the east of the River Swale. Some is on steep towards the little. sycamore. ground from banks above the river, whereas other parts are southern end are trampling. on flatter areas beside the river and at the top of grassy and banks. Well-used footpaths pass through and moderately species- alongside all of it. The narrow strip of trees on rich, with meadow the opposite bank was not surveyed, but was cranesbill and dominated by alder and is probably W7c knapweed. They woodland. There is a narrow strip of Abbey are being invaded wood between the track and the river between by Himalayan Easby Abbey and the old railway bridge. This is balsam. quite species-rich ancient woodland with sycamore, ash and beech the most abundant tree species. Another strip of trees, including ash, sycamore, oak and willows is present on the opposite bank. Easby A small wood either side of Easby lane on the Heavily No. No. No. Very little. No. Some sycamore. No. edge of the village. Beech and sycamore are the modified form most frequent trees, but there are a relatively of W8. large number of planted non-native species, Northern including a small are of spruce. The shrub and section not field layers are species-poor and laurel is attributable to locally dominant in some areas. Recent any NVC clearance of laurel gives a disturbed aspect to community. some areas. Old Railway Line Narrow strips of trees either side of the old W8, but Some glades of Beside river at No. Very little. No. Some sycamore Some bare railway line that have developed since the scrubby (W21) species-poor northern end. and ash. ground from closure of the line in the late 1960s. Species in places at the amenity grassland trampling at the composition tends to reflect that in the local southern end. at the northern end. northern end. landscape, with abundant ash and sycamore, but also hawthorn, wych elm, oak etc. field layer is species poor with grasses, nettle ivy and similar. A patch of small teasel Dipsacus pilosus, an ancient woodland indicator, is present to the north of the track to St. Martins House. At the northern end there is a strip of woodland between the line and the river and the field layer here contains a larger number of characteristic woodland species, particularly on steep banks and rocks above the river.
County: North Yorkshire Site Name: Lower Swaldedale Woods and Grasslands
Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, as amended.
Local Planning Authority: Yorkshire Dales National Park, (Richmondshire District Council)
National Grid Reference: NZ 120014
Ordnance Survey Sheets 1:50,000: 91, 99 1:10,000: SE 19 NW; NZ 10 SW, SE
Area: 223.66 (ha) 552.66 (ac)
First Notified: 1992
Description and Reasons for Notification: Lower Swaledale Woods and Grasslands comprises a complex of woodlands, scrub, grasslands, limestone scar and scree, which lie on the eastern edge of the Pennines on both sides of the River Swale upstream of the town of Richmond. It supports the largest area of Ancient Semi- Natural Woodland within Richmondshire and Craven Districts along with large areas of species-rich limestone and neutral grassland. These habitats are threatened by a range of factors including neglect, agricultural change and overgrazing by rabbits. There are four nationally important species of vascular plant at the site including the nationally rare large- fruited prickly-sedge Carex muricata subsp muricata and three nationally scarce species Ð wood barley Hordelymus europaeus, birdÕs-eye primrose Primula farinosa and limestone bedstraw Galium sterneri. There are also two regionally scarce species and four that are at the edge of their British range.
Six major types of semi-natural woodland occur here, due to a range of slopes, aspect and soils. All are uncommon in the Yorkshire Dales area where semi-natural woodland now covers only about 1% of the land area. The examples found here are amongst the largest and most diverse remaining in the area, the complexity of the site as a whole being reflected within individual woodland blocks where the presence of three or more distinct woodland types is a common occurrence. On the limestone ash Fraxinus excelsior is often dominant; in more neutral and acidic conditions oak Quercus petraea, Q. robur and birch Betula pubescens are pre-eminent, while in localised wetter areas alder Alnus glutinosa is common. Wych elm Ulmus glabra is much reduced in importance through disease although in some areas it remains unaffected, and in others is regenerating. Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, probably originating from planting, is a widespread, though rarely dominant, component of much of the woodland, while hazel Corylus avellana and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna are the commonest components of the understorey. A most uncommon feature is the occurrence of yew Taxus baccata woodland along many of the limestone scars, a habitat which is scarce nationally and very localised in extent where it does occur.
The woodland flora provides many interesting contrasts, some areas being dominated by a single species, for example dogÕs mercury Mercurialis perennis or wild garlic Allium ursinum, whilst others display considerable diversity. Acidic soils are very restricted although where they do occur, in Whitcliffe Wood, bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus dominates the ground flora. Neutral conditions predominate and support the widest variety of species, wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, wood sorrel Oxalis acetosella and bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta are common components, as are wood craneÕs-bill Geranium sylvaticum, yellow pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum, three species of St. JohnÕs-wort Ð perforate, hairy and square-stalked Hypericum perforatum, H. hirsutum, H. tetrapterum, hairy wood-rush Luzula pilosa and less frequently moschatel Adoxa moschatellina. Early purple-orchid Orchis mascula is locally abundant.
In damp flushes within the woods meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, great horsetail Equisetum telmateia, cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis, water avens Geum rivale, remote sedge Carex remota, hairy sedge C. hirta, pendulous sedge C. pendula and common spotted- orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii occur. Small teasel Dipsacus pilosus is common on some lightly flushed slopes in Whitcliffe Wood.
Local rarities include toothwort Lathraea squamaria, herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia, LeerÕs- sedge Carex divulsa subsp leersii, broad-leaved helleborine Epipactis helleborine, tea-leaved willow Salix phylicifolia, black bryony Tamus communis and field maple Acer campestre.
On the limestone scars vegetation is sparse but is characterised by wall lettuce Mycelis muralis and common whitlowgrass Erophila verna.
Unimproved neutral grassland is very scarce nationally and examples of two distinct communities occur mainly on the lower slopes of this site. The richest areas are at Under Bank and contain up to twenty higher plant species characteristic of traditional hay meadows including cowslip Primula veris, ragged-Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi, ladyÕs-mantle Alchemilla sp, rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, common birdÕs-foot- trefoil Lotus corniculatus and common spotted-orchid. Pastures to the west of West Applegarth contain the characteristic species of another community including quaking-grass Briza media, field wood-rush Luzula campestris, pignut Conopodium majus, betony Stachys officinalis, water avens and bugle Ajuga reptans.
In contrast the limestone grassland on the upper slopes of much of the central, northern part of the site support a different range of species. SheepÕs-fescue Festuca ovina is abundant together with limestone bedstraw, wild thyme Thymus praecox, rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium, viperÕs-bugloss Echium vulgare, biting stonecrop Sedum acre, marjoram Origanum vulgare, musk thistle Carduus nutans, salad burnet Sanguisorba minor and ladyÕs bedstraw Galium verum.
Small areas of limestone grassland also occur on the top of some of the siteÕs limestone scars, at White Scar this habitat unusually supports thrift Armeria maritima, a plant of predominantly coastal distribution.
Other habitats are relatively restricted in extent but add considerable diversity to the site. Regenerating woodland, dense gorse Ulex europaeus, scattered hawthorn and dog-rose Rosa canina provide a scrub component, the woodland including regenerating elm, and the scattered scrub supporting adderÕs-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum.
The site also supports a wide range of breeding birds including sparrowhawk, tawny owl, woodcock, all three British woodpeckers, wood warbler, pied flycatcher and redstart, as well as forming part of the hunting range of buzzards which breed outside the site.
Badger, brown hare and roe deer are all recorded for the site.
Other Information: 1. The site falls within the Yorkshire Dales National Park with the exception of the area to the north of the Swale and east of Deep Dale. 2. Much of Hag Wood, Calfhall Wood and Hudswell Wood are owned by the National Trust. 3. High Spring Wood is owned by the Ministry of Defence.
Non-native tree species in the Richmond and Swale Valley area
A number of non-native tree species to have been introduced to the Richmond and Swale Valley area. These include species that are not native to the UK such as sycamore and many conifer species. It also includes species that, although native to the UK, are not native to this area, such as beech and Scots pine. Although widely valued in urban, garden and park settings, such species are generally considered to be of lower value to wildlife conservation, and also to pose a number of threats to the wildlife and habitats into which they have been introduced, or have become naturalised.
Coniferous species are not native to the Richmond and the Swale valley area, and generally are of low value in terms of both nature conservation and landscape. The presumption should therefore be that they should not be planted, and where they are already present, opportunities should be sought for their removal, and where appropriate, for their replacement with native broad-leaved species. However, such species are a relatively rare or form a minor component of woodland in the area.
In contrast, because of their widespread presence in the Richmond and Swale valley area, the status of sycamore and beech, and the possible threats that they pose are discussed in more detail below.
Sycamore Sycamore is native to mainland Europe where it is an important component of many woodlands otherwise similar to those in the Richmond and Swale valley area. However, it is generally considered not to be native to the UK, and was probably introduced, either by the Romans or subsequently. In some areas it was extensively planted, and it has become widely naturalised since the 18th century, both within woodlands and beyond. The leaves of sycamore expand earlier in the spring than those of ash, the native canopy dominant of the woods in the Richmond and Swale valley area. In addition, the leaf canopy of sycamore also tends to cast a heavier shade. It has been suggested that these factors may have negative effects on the abundance and diversity of the flora of the woodland field layer. In addition, in itself, sycamore is widely perceived to support fewer species than native species of tree, although this was based largely on results from a single group of organisms, leaf eating invertebrates1. More recently, evidence has been obtained that suggests that some of the fears regarding the possible threat that sycamore poses to British woodlands may not be fully
1 Kennedy, C.E.J. and Southwood, T.R.E., 1984. The number of species associated with British trees, a reanalysis. Journal of Animal Ecology 53, . substantiated. In many woodlands in which sycamore is present, it has been observed that it appears to be struggling to regenerate. Indeed, in the Richmond and Swale Valley area, although sycamore if frequent in the canopy of Hudswell wood, young sycamore is relatively sparse in comparison with ash (and beech, see below). Research carried out in woodlands in the Peak District the Wye Valley2 suggests that sycamore regeneration tends to be associated with previous disturbance, of the ground and/or woodland canopy. This, and additional research conducted in the Clyde Valley3 also suggests that as long as sycamore does not exceed approximately 40-50% cover in the canopy, it does not have a significant negative impact on the field layer flora. Generally, sycamore does not achieve such levels of cover in most of the older woods in the Richmond and Swale Valley area, although it is dominant in some of the younger secondary woods. The view that sycamore supports fewer species than other native tree species, because it was based on a single group, has also been questioned as simplistic. In fact sycamore has been found to be of great value for epiphytic species such as lichens, and although of low diversity, it produces a high biomass of leaf-eating invertebrates, which in turn have the potential to support large numbers of, for example, predatory invertebrates and birds. The widespread presence of sycamore in the Richmond and Swale valley area as well as practical issues such as difficulty of access and cost, mean that a pragmatic approach should be adopted, whereby sycamore is accepted as a naturalised element, but its abundance within woodlands and the wider landscape is managed.
Beech Although beech is native in the southern UK its range does not include Yorkshire. However, it has been widely planted outside this range in the north and west of the country, and has subsequently naturalised in many of these areas, including the Richmond and Swale valley area. Beech casts a very heavy shade, and consequently has the potential to significantly affect the abundance and diversity of woodland shrub and field layers, and to an even greater degree than sycamore. Apparently unlike sycamore, it is also capable of regenerating in relatively dense shade, and the potential therefore exists for beech to become increasingly abundant and even dominant in some ash woods. For example regenerating beech is relatively frequent in parts of Hudswell Wood, the Round Howe Woods and Low and Billy Bank Wood.
2 Riddle, N.S., 2005. Ash sycamore alternation study. Unpublished MSc thesis, Staffordshire University. Stiven, R., 2007. Managing sycamore in semi-natural woodlands. Natural England and Ravine WoodLIFE Project. 3 Thompson, R., 2005. Stand dynamics of Tilio-Acerion woodlands in the Clyde Valley. Highlands Bichwoods. However, beech also has considerable biodiversity value. In addition global warming may mean that beech woodlands in the south of Britain may are under threat, and a northward movement of the range of beech has been predicted. Therefore, as with sycamore, beech should be accepted as a naturalised component of woodlands in the Richmond and Swale valley area, although its abundance should be controlled. Planting methods, and appropriate woodland species for planting, to develop new native broadleaved woodland in the Richmond and Swale valley area
Planting methods (trees and shrubs)
The aim of the planting methods outlined below is to maximise diversity, in terms of species and structure. This will also tend to support the greatest diversity of dependent species and provide the most attractive woodland in terms of amenity. Advice on methods following such an approach is contained in Rodwell and Patterson (1994)1, from which the methods outlined below are developed.
It is important to plant both tree and shrub species in order to develop a diverse woodland, and they should be planted at a ratio of approximately 2 : 3 respectively.
Traditional forestry-style dense planting in regular rows (designed for timber production rather than amenity and nature conservation) should be avoided. Trees and shrubs should be planted in groups or large clumps of up to 50m in width, and individual species should be clustered within such clumps. Gaps of between 7 and 20 m should be left between clumps to increase structural diversity and larger areas of more than 25m should be left to form glades.
Hard, straight edges to the new woodland should be avoided and areas of scrub and grassland should be incorporated along the woodland edge.
Spacing of plants within clumps should be 2 to 2.5m on average. However some parts of clumps should be planted at a wider spacing of 3-5m. In addition to the nature conservation and amenity benefits, such wider spacing will also be more economical, especially if local genetic stock is in short supply.
Appropriate protection against browsing animals and weed control measures should be put in place in order to enable successful establishment.
1 Rodwell, J. and Patterson, G., 1994. Creating new native woodlands. Forestry Commission Bulletin 112, HMSO, London. Tree and shrub species
All new planting should be of species native to the area and their relative abundance should reflect that in local woodland. Non-native species, including sycamore and beech, should not be planted. The only exceptions should be where such species form an integral part of an important historic landscape, such as beech in the Temple Grounds.
Trees Species Notes Ash Fraxinus excelsior The dominant tree species that should comprise approximately 60-70% of all planted trees. Pedunculate oak Quercus robur The two native oak species. Their combined Sessile oak Quercus petraea abundance should not exceed 10% of new planting. Wych elm Ulmus glabra Seldom forms canopy trees but locally an important and distinctive species that should constitute approximately 10% of planting. Downy birch Betula pubescens The two native birch species. Should be minor Silver birch Betula pendula component of a few percent. Downy birch in wetter areas and silver in drier areas. Alder Alnus glutinosa Should be used only in wet and riverside areas. Locally dominant where it occurs, and so equivalent percentage when planted. Goat willow Salix caprea A minor species in more open areas and woodland edge. Few percent of new planting. Rowan Sorbus aucuparia A distinctive component of northern and western ash woodlands. Few percent of new planting. Yew Taxus baccata A distinctive (but minor) local component of woodlands, especially associated with rocky outcrops. Few percent of new planting. Wild cherry Prunus avium Minor component of local woods. Few percent of new planting. Bird cherry Prunus padus A distinctive feature of northern and western woodlands. Few percent of new planting.
Shrubs Species Notes Hazel Corylus avellana One the major shrub species. 20-50% of new planting. Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna One the major shrub species. 20-50% of new planting. Holly Ilex aquifolium A frequent and locally abundant species. 10-20% of new planting. Blackthorn Prunus spinosa An occasional species. Less than 10% of new planting. Grey willow Salix cinerea A minor species in more open areas. A few percent of new planting. Dog rose Rosa canina An occasional species. Less than 10% of new planting. Alpine currant Ribes alpinum A locally occasional Nationally Scarce species. A few percent of new planting.
Woodland field layer species for planting in recently developed species-poor woodland
Field layer species should only be introduced into areas in which trees and shrubs are well established and the ground receives approximately 10-40% of ambient daylight in summer.
All new seeds or planting material should be of species native to the area and their relative abundance should broadly reflect that in local woodland. The method of introduction (seed = S, plug = P) that best combines cost effectiveness with highest probability of establishment is also suggested.
Vigorous species, such as ivy, that currently dominate the field layer, should be controlled before and following introduction (sowing and/or planting), to enable successful establishment.
Ferns Suggested method of Introduction Male fern Dryopteris felix-mas P Broad buckler fern Dryopteris dilatata P Harts tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium P Soft shield fern Polystichum setiferum P Hard shield fern Polystichum aculeatum P
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes Wood false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum S Hairy brome Bromus ramose S Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa S Giant fescue Festuca gigantean S Wood sedge Carex sylvatica P Greater wood-rush Luzula sylvatica P
Forbs Bugle Ajuga reptans P Wood anemone Anemone nemerosa P Giant bellflower Campanula latifolia P Enchanters nightshade Circea lutetiana P Woodruff Galium odoratum S Wood cranesbill Geranium sylvaticum P Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta S Hairy St. Johns wort Hypericum hirsutum S Dogs mercury Mercurialis perennis P Primrose Primula vulgaris S Sanicle Sanicula europaea P Wood speedwell Veronica Montana S Dog violet Viola riviniana P