A MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HIGH PARK THE BLENHEIM ESTATE

PREPARED BY

THE WYCHWOOD PROJECT

With THAMES VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS CENTRE

SIGNAL COURT, OLD STATION WAY, EYNSHAM, OXFORDSHIRE OX29 4TL

March 2014 (pdf version)

WWW.WYCHWOODPROJECT.ORG

TEL 01865 815424

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1

PREPARATION OF THE PLAN ...... 1

2. SITE MORPHOLOGY ...... 2

TOPOGRAPHY ...... 2

GEOLOGY ...... 4

SOILS ...... 6

3. HISTORY ...... 6

PRE-HISTORY ...... 6

WYCHWOOD - A ROYAL HUNTING FOREST ...... 6

WOODSTOCK - A ROYAL DEER PARK ...... 7

THE CREATION OF BLENHEIM PARK ...... 8

SUMMARY OF HISTORIC REVIEW ...... 14

4. RECENT SITE MANAGEMENT ...... 17

PLANTING OF BROADLEAVED TREE SPECIES ...... 17

VETERAN TREE SURVEYS AND MANAGEMENT ...... 18

THINNING OF PLANTATIONS ...... 18

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT ...... 19

SPORTING USE ...... 19 PHEASANTS ...... 19 DEER ...... 20

PEST CONTROL ...... 20

TREE DISEASES ...... 20 ASH DIEBACK ...... 20 ACUTE OAK DECLINE ...... 21

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014

5. ECOLOGICAL OVERVIEW ...... 22

SSSI ...... 22

UK BAP HABITAT ...... 23

REVIEW OF SPECIES RECORDS ...... 23

2013 SITE SURVEY ...... 24

ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF THE VETERAN TREES ...... 24

GRASSLANDS ...... 27

PONDS ...... 27

6. VETERAN TREES ...... 28

POPULATION ANALYSIS ...... 28

VETERAN TREE SUCCCESSION...... 30

7. LANDSCAPE OVERVIEW ...... 32

8. ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 34

9. REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT ISSUES ...... 34

OVERALL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ...... 35

THE VETERAN TREES ...... 36 MANAGING EXISTING VETERAN TREES ...... 36 MANAGING HABITAT COMPLEXITY ...... 36 DATA MANAGEMENT ...... 36 DEADWOOD ...... 37 VETERAN TREE SUCCESSION ...... 38 NEW TREE RECRUITMENT ...... 38 CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 40

THE BOUNDARY BELTS ...... 40 EASTERN BOUNDARY BELT ...... 40 SOUTHERN BOUNDARY BELT ...... 41 WESTERN BOUNDARY BELT ...... 42

THE CONIFER PLANTATIONS ...... 42

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VIEWS AND VISTAS ...... 42 AROUND HIGH LODGE ...... 43 THE VIEW TO BLENHEIM ...... 43 THE VISTA SOUTH OF HIGH LODGE ...... 44 OTHER RIDES AND VIEWS ...... 45

MAINTAINING THE WOODLAND / GRASSLAND MOSAIC ...... 45

OTHER SPECIES AND HABITATS ...... 48

SPORTING USE ...... 48

SUMMARY REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND POLICIES ...... 49

ANNEX 1: SOILS ...... 53

ANNEX 2: EXTRACTS FROM HISTORIC MAPS ...... 54

ANNEX 3: LIST OF PROTECTED AND NOTABLE SPECIES ...... 67

ANNEX 4 – 2013 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY TARGET NOTES ...... 70

ANNEX 5: LIST OF SPECIES SEEN DURING 2013 SITE SURVEYS ...... 85

ANNEX 6 – WOODLAND SURVEY TARGET NOTES ...... 89

ANNEX 7 – HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN – PROPOSED ACTIONS ...... 111

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014

List of Figures

Figure 1: High Park location and landscape context ...... 3

Figure 2: Geology...... 4

Figure 3: Location of historic quarries ...... 5

Figure 4. High Park Lodge. Engraving by John Boydell 1752 ...... 9

Figure 5. High Park seen from the east. Engraving by John Boydell 1752 ...... 10

Figure 6. High Park Lodge from the south. Lithograph b C.W. Radclyffe, 1842 ...... 11

Figure 7. 1st Edition Ordnance Survey...... 13

Figure 8. View of the palace from High Park. Lithograph by C.W. Radclyffe 1842 ...... 15

Figure 9. The view towards the palace from east of High Lodge, 2013 ...... 15

Figure 10. Oak showing signs of Acute Oak Decline, north of High Lodge, March 2013 ...... 21

Figure 11. Blenheim High Park Phase 1 Habitat Assessment, 2013 ...... 26

Figure 12. Indicative age classes of veteran oaks in High Park ...... 28

Figure 13. Diameter classes of veteran oaks in High Park ...... 29

Figure 14. an assessment of trunk hollowness of veteran trees in High Park using a cumulative hollowness score ...... 30

Figure 15. Numbers of oak trees by size class - inner and outer survey areas (Wychwood Project, 2008) ...... 31

Figure 16. The view from the palace gardens towards the eastern edge of High Park. March 2013 ...... 32

Figure 17. View of the eastern edge of High Park from the Long Hanborough road, 2013 ...... 33

Figure 18. Young oaks recruited close to the canopy of an established successor veteran oak ... 39

Figure 19. The view from the palace of the vista towards High Lodge ...... 44

Figure 20: Long Term Management Character Areas ...... 46

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014

WORKS CITED

Alexander, K. (2002). High Park, Blenheim Estate Veteran Tree Survey - Survey of Saproxylic Invertebrates. Cirencester: Keith Alexander.

Bond, J. a. (2000). Blenheim Landscape for a Palace (Second Edition). Budding Books (Sutton Publishing Limited).

From: 'Blenheim: Park from 1705', A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 12: Wootton Hundred (South) including Woodstock (1990), pp. 460-470. . (n.d.). Retrieved from URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=10647

(1883). No. 9. Near Oxford. In N. Hawthorne, Our Old Home - A Series of English Sketches. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co.

Maddock, A. (2008). UK Biodiversity Action Plan; Priority Habitat Descriptions. BRIG - Wood Pasture and Parkland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Rose, F. a. (n.d.). Field notes on epiphytic lichens, liverworts and mosses in High Park. 1978. Blenheim estate records.

Schumer, B. i. (2000). Discovering Wychwood. Charlbury: The Wychwood Press.

Scott Wilson Resource Consultants, C. &. (1996). Blenheim park Landscape Restoration & Management Action Plan for Phase 2.

White, J. (1998). Information Note. Estimating the Age of Large and Veteran Trees in Britain. . Edinburgh: Forestry Commission.

Wychwood Project. (2007). Woodland Herb Survey, High Park Blenheim Estate. The Wychwood Project.

Wychwood Project. (2008). Blenheim High Park. An Assessment of Tree Size Class. Woodstock, Oxfordshire: Wychwood Project.

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Wychwood Project is grateful for the help and support of the following during the production of this report.

Mr Paul Orsi, Rural Enterprises Manager, Blenheim Estate (to 2013)

Mr John Forster, Archivist to His Grace the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace

Dr Rebecca Tibbetts, Natural England, Oxon & Bucks Land Management Team

Mr Roy Cox, Rural Enterprises Manager, Blenheim Estate (from 2013)

------

Nick Mottram, Wychwood Project Director

Julie Kerans, Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre, Oxfordshire Biodiversity Officer

March 2014

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 On the western edge of the Blenheim estate is High Park, an ancient wood-pasture with a history as long and complex as any other part of the estate. The defining characteristic of High Park is the large number of ancient and veteran trees1. These trees provide, in some cases, a direct physical link back to the time when a royal deer park was established in Woodstock.

1.2 The significance of Blenheim Palace and its parkland is recognised internationally. In 1987 the palace and parkland were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting the importance of the architectural and landscape design work undertaken in the eighteenth century. High Park plays a role in this designed landscape, providing a contrast to the more formal areas of parkland. This contrast has been recognised and respected over the centuries and remains important today.

1.3 The value of High Park as a wildlife habitat was recognised in 1956 when the site and adjacent areas were first designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Over the years the estate has sought to conserve the particular qualities of High Park, whilst continuing to operate a viable rural business dealing with the compromises that this entails. The estate has recently entered into a 10 year Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agri-environment agreement with Natural England2 ending March 2022. The preparation of a management plan for High Park is an integral part of this HLS agreement.

PREPARATION OF THE PLAN

1.4 The Wychwood Project3 was commissioned to prepare a management plan for High Park in late 2012. The aim of the plan is to clarify the long-term management objectives for High Park and identify the range of operations to be undertaken to achieve these objectives. An integral part of the plan is the collation of information about High Park and assembling this into a single reference source for ease of use in the future. The plan draws upon existing reports and background papers held by the estate, Natural England and others, supplemented with additional site survey work. The timescale for the

1 The term 'veteran' tree encompasses a wide range of trees which display attributes associated with late maturity such as large trunk girth and truck hollowing. The term 'ancient' refers specifically to the age class of a tree, describing the stage of development in the ageing process beyond full maturity. Whilst all veteran trees are potentially of cultural and ecological value, ancient individuals are a key indication that there is likely to have been a continuity of veteran tree/deadwood habitat and management at a site. JNCC (2006)

2 Natural England is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Natural England’s purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings

3 The Wychwood Project is a local conservation initiative that seeks to inspire and support people to conserve the landscapes and habitats in the historic former royal hunting forest of Wychwood. www.wychwoodproject.org Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre was commissioned by the Wychwood Project to undertake ecological survey work and reporting wwwtverc.org . Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 1

preparation of the plan required that the survey work was undertaken in winter 2012-13. It was recognised at the outset that this was not the ideal time of year and that additional field survey work during the summer flowering season would provide valuable additional information. The draft management plan was updated in March 2014 in light of new information about the status of Acute Oak Decline in High Park. As with all management plans this is not intended to be a static document but should be reviewed and updated as new information becomes available and the results of management actions can be seen. Supporting information collected as background to this study is provided in an accompanying file.

1.5 The landscape of Blenheim Park has been intensively studied and is the subject of detailed recommendations, most notably a park-wide Landscape Restoration Plan prepared jointly in 1982 by Cobham Resource Consultants and Colvin & Moggridge, updated in 1996 by Scott Wilson Resource Consultants and Colvin & Moggridge. Whilst this 2013 management plan focuses on High Park reference should be made to other documents for detail on other parts of the park and the estate’s setting within the Oxfordshire countryside.

2. SITE MORPHOLOGY

TOPOGRAPHY

2.1 High Park lies at the eastern end of an area of high ground, bounded by The Lake (formerly the line of the River Glyme modified by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th Century) to the east and the River Evenlode to the west. The highest point just to the north-west of High Lodge is 120m above mean sea level. The shore of the Lake and flood- plain of the River Evenlode are at approximately 70m above mean sea level. The ground drops off gently from high Lodge to the north, east and south, becoming steep at the edges. High Park lies at the eastern edge of the parish of Combe close to the small settlement of East End within that parish. The general location of High Park is shown in Figure 1. The area of High Park that is the focus of this plan is 129ha (319ac), of which the Lodge covers approximately 1.7ha (4.3ac).

2.2 There are no rivers or streams passing through High Park itself. There are however a number of ponds both on high ground and low ground. These are referred to further in Chapter 5 – Ecological Overview.

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Figure 1: High Park location and landscape context

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GEOLOGY

2.3 High Park lies at the southern edge of the north Cotswolds dip slope on the boundary between the limestone dominated rocks of the Cotswolds and the clay vales of the upper Thames. The underlying geology was laid down in the shallow seas of the Jurraisc period 159 – 164 million years ago. The rocks are sedimentary in origin: more rocky on the lower ground – white limestone, cornbrash and forest marble limestone; and more silty on the upper ground – mudstones, siltstones and sandstones. The highest ground around High Lodge has a cap of clayey gravel, possibly laid down in a riverine environment, although theories as to other origins exist. One character of this cap is the presence of rounded quartzite pebbles of varying size, often known as Bunter Pebbles. Further details on the site geology, taken from the British Geological Survey’s online resource, are provided in Figure 2.

2.4 There is evidence of frequent quarrying throughout High Park, typically on the white limestone and cornbrash. Most of these quarries are small but several are large and have a noticeable impact on the vegetation. The approximate locations of the principal quarries are shown in Figure 3.

Key to Strata

1. White Limestone

2. Forest Marble (mudstone)

3. Cornbrash Limestone 1 4. Kellaways Clay (mudstone)

5. Kellaways Sand (sandstone

and siltstone)

6. Peterborough Bed (mudstone)

8 7. Drift of sand and gravel over Peterborough Bed

(mudstone)

8. Forest Marble (limestone)

High Park boundary approximate only

Figure 2: Geology.

Contains British Geological Survey Materials. © NERC 2013

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Figure 3: Location of historic quarries

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SOILS

2.5 A detailed soil survey has not been undertaken. An indicative soil map was prepared by the Soil Survey of England Wales in 1982 [Annex 1] however this is clearly noted as based on experience elsewhere rather than site work. What was notable from the field survey work undertaken for this study was the tendency of soils in the middle elevations to hold water: there were numerous wet-flushes, areas of boggy ground and small pools of standing water, in addition to the larger ponds. These wetter soils are prone to compaction and rutting from heavy machinery. It should be noted that rainfall in 2012 and early 2013 was particularly high and these soils may dry out quickly.

3. HISTORY

PRE-HISTORY

3.1 West Oxfordshire has been occupied by man for thousands of years and there are many signs of settlement both in the wider landscape and closer to hand. For example at the northern end of Blenheim Park are physical remains of the pre-historic Grim’s Ditch, the Roman road Akeman Street and associated Romano-British settlement. There is however no recorded archaeological evidence of pre-historic human settlement in High Park itself.

3.2 One mystery of Oxfordshire’s history is the appearance, between the decline of the Roman presence and the arrival of the Normans at the end of the 11th Century, of a relatively large area of woodland. This became known as the Wychwood. The name Wychwood is believed to derive from an Anglo-Saxon kingdom the Hwicce who were based in the Severn valley, though there are no records of their having territory beyond the border of Gloucestershire (Schumer, 2000). James Bond writing in Blenheim – Landscape for a Palace (Bond, 2000) summarises the situation thus: “There is however, some evidence to suggest that the Wychwood – Woodstock country may have formed a frontier region for a period during the emergence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and a situation can be envisaged whereby cultivated land was falling back to waste in a time of political instability, the resulting secondary woodland then coming to be valued and conserved as a resource in its own right for intercommoning, for supplying wood and timber, and for hunting.”

WYCHWOOD - A ROYAL HUNTING FOREST

3.3 What seems clear is that at the time of the Norman conquest large areas of land in ‘The Wychwood’ were relatively uncultivated and sparsely populated. At that time the town of Woodstock did not exist. The name Woodstock itself is believed to derive from the

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Anglo Saxon for ‘place in the woods’ and it is considered that there may have been a royal hunting lodge from that time on the northern banks of the Glyme. Wychwood was designated as a royal Forest, though formal records of this designation do not exist (Schumer, 2000). Forest in this sense was a legal concept rather than a land use designation. The Forest was an area reserved for the royal hunt, managed by crown- appointed officials under a specific system of laws and regulations which took precedence over the Common Law.

WOODSTOCK - A ROYAL DEER PARK

3.4 Bond ( 000) notes that “..medieval chroniclers suggest that it was King Henry I who made the first enclosure of the park at Woodstock towards the beginning of the twelfth century.”, although direct contemporary evidence for this is lacking. A medieval deer park was a functional landscape intended to supply venison to the royal court and its supporters, provide breeding stock for the establishment of other parks as well as sporting interest and, no doubt supply firewood, underwood and timber. Records of this early use and the number of deer the park supported are sparse. Bond (2000) notes between 1230 and 1300 there exist records of well over a thousand deer being taken from the park at Woodstock and provides details of other records from this period, for example rights of common grazing such as pannage (the grazing of pigs on acorns) which existed before the emparkment continuing into the thirteenth century.

3.5 The area now referred to as High Park was but one part of the early medieval deer park. Specific evidence relating to High Park comes in 1 when Sir Henry Lee, the King’s Steward, was given authority to empark an area of land known as The Straights for the keeping of red deer (From: 'Blenheim: Park from 1705', A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 12: Wootton Hundred (South) including Woodstock (1990), pp. 460-470. ), The Straights (or Straits) being the name for the area of High Park around what is now High Lodge. The Lodge itself, then known as Straights Lodge was built in 1586-7. Records indicate that perhaps 20 – 30 years after the initial emparkment Sir Henry Lee emparked further areas of land to the south of The Straights known as Bladon Wood and Heynes Close. The exact location of these is not known but is believed to be in the vicinity of the current Springlock Gate. Evidence for these separate areas has not yet been identified on the ground. Thus by the early seventeenth century what we know as the present day outline of High Park was beginning to take shape.

3.6 Through the seventeenth century the crown continued to make investments into Woodstock Park. By 1620 the land emparked around The Straights came to be known as Queen’s Park. Between 1 and 1 large sums of money were spent to merge Queen’s Park, Hensgrove (a large wooded area to the south of the current palace) and the intervening meadowland into a single deer park. During this period the wider park,

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including the areas to the north, was divided into separate management units or ‘walks’ each being supervised by a designated ‘parker’ or ‘keeper’. Around 1649-50 Sir William Fleetwood was refitting the Lodge, which possibly became known as High Lodge at this point. Fleetwood's successor John Wilmot, earl of Rochester, enlarged or rebuilt the lodge and died there in1680.

3.7 A History of the County of Oxford gives a useful insight into the use (and control) of High Park, noting that “By 1649-50 the park woodland was concentrated in the southern part, with trees worth over £500 in both the Straights and Hensgrove, whereas the northern park contained only £110 worth and was particularly denuded in the north; most of the timber was said to be suitable only for fuel, except for 2,500 trees (roughly two-thirds of the stock) marked for use by the navy. (fn. 15) In 1655 the Admiralty commissioners were ordered to postpone sales of growing timber until the park's owner, Charles Fleetwood, Lord Deputy of Ireland, returned to make his case, and felling then may not have been extensive; (fn. 16). In 1660 further despoliation was forbidden and felled timber impounded.” It is perhaps thanks to the intervention of Charles Fleetwood at this point that we can today marvel at the ancient trees still standing in High Park.

THE CREATION OF BLENHEIM PARK

3.8 The military triumph of the first Duke of Marlborough and the subsequent grant of the Blenheim estate in 1705 was perhaps the key moment in the park’s history. As noted earlier the development of the park and palace in this period is covered extensively elsewhere and only aspects relating directly to High Park are dealt with here.

3.9 A History of the County of Oxford notes that “in the 1660s the western park boundary was altered when c. 35 a. of furze called Combe leys were bought by royal officers as a deer covert and enclosed with a stone wall”. In 1706 it is reported that an additional 60 acres of Combe was annexed and included into High Park occupying the plateau between High Lodge and the present Combe Gate (though this may be a mistake - see notes in 3.10). The earlier internal walls were removed in 1727. This is not the area north of Combe Gate known as New Park, which is outside this study area. A further 17 acres near Combe leys were recorded as imparked during the 18th century, but were still regarded as part of Combe parish in 1778.

3.10 Around the beginning of the 18th century reliable mapping for High Park starts to become available. An inspection of maps and engravings available in the estate archives was made. Extracts from these maps are included as Annex 2. These maps need to be interpreted with caution as it is difficult to tell what was actually present at the time the map was made from what was merely intended but not implemented. Several features are notable from these documents as discussed in the following sections.

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 Early 18th Century: the wooded landscape of High Park occupies only the southern part of the current site. There is separately enclosed area that lies between High Lodge and what is taken to be the land that becomes New Park later that century. This is judged to have an area of between 15 and 20 acres. Whilst the mapped sequences do not match, the changes around the boundary with East End are closer to 35 acres than to 60, suggesting that the latter figure noted in 1706 (paragraph 3.9) is indeed a mistake. There is a clear and prominent open vista to the south of High Lodge and there are indications of rides and walks through the wooded areas. A 1725 reprint of a 1717 map suggests a pond in the south-west corner of the park. The north-east corner of High Park is not shown as wooded. A map of 1719 shows a “Road to High Lodge” entering from the south and other tracks to the north; whether existing or intended is not known. The maps show a clear and substantive gap between the edge of the park boundary and the houses of the hamlet of East End.

 Mid 18th Century: an engraving by Boydell dated 1752 of High Lodge (Figure 4) shows a substantial building in a clearing enjoying views over the surrounding countryside. In the foreground deer are being hunted with guns from horseback.

Figure 4. High Park Lodge. Engraving by John Boydell 1752

A further engraving by Boydell from the same period (Figure 5) shows the impact that the relatively well-treed slopes of High Park had providing a backdrop to the new palace and more open landscape created by Vanburgh and Wise. Whilst the scale of the slopes has been exaggerated it can be seen that the north-eastern corner of High Park is shown as open and distinct from the more wooded areas.

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Figure 5. High Park seen from the east. Engraving by John Boydell 1752

 Late 18th Century: A 1772 map by Thos. Pride is considered relatively reliable. The late 17th Century enclosure north of High Lodge has been amalgamated into High Park, but New Park has not. There remains a gap between the park boundary and East End at the southern end of Combe Green. High Lodge remains in an open area and there is a smaller section of unwooded land – perhaps gardens? – to the north of the Lodge. Walkways and rides remain a feature of the wooded areas though less clearly marked than before. The vista south of High Lodge still exists but is narrower. The north-east corner of the park remains unwooded. There is now a clear road from the lower park crossing the Glyme and running past High Lodge to the north. There are further, apparently lesser tracks that cross the Evenlode entering High Park from the west and also from the south. A plan by Brown dated 1773 continues to show an absence of trees in the north-eastern corner, the rest of the eastern bank of High Park being well wooded. High Lodge itself is believed (though there is no positive proof) to have been remodelled by Brown as part of his landscape improvements, evolving from a solid and rather functional building into the castellated Gothic folly seen today. The completion of the rebuilding is c. 1764.

 Early 19th Century: An 1806 map based on an earlier 1789 plan continues to show that High Lodge is in a relatively open area. There are formal tracks around the park as well as other clearings and rides. The vista south of High Lodge is again shown as relatively open. The access across the Evenlode from the west is marked as Comborough Bridge and from the South as Long Acre Bridge. A gate and lodge at the Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 10

location of the present Combe Gate (built in 1789) is shown; there is a further Combe Gate to the north of New Park.

 Mid 19th Century: One map dated 1863 though less detailed shows, again, High Lodge in open ground, though with a roundel of trees to the south-west. The tracks, other than the main route north past High Lodge, are less evident. The entry across the Evenlode from the west is not shown, though that from the south remains. The area that subsequently becomes the Nursery is shown with a separate boundary. There is a square enclosure south of High Lodge. The north-eastern corner remains open. An 1842 lithograph by C.W. Radclyffe (Figure 6) shows High Lodge fringed by trees as seen from the south, looking up the long open vista, and gives an impression of the more open landscape that existed around the lodge.

Figure 6. High Park Lodge from the south. Lithograph b C.W. Radclyffe, 1842

 Late 19th Century: the first edition OS map produced from 1872 - 1880 brings considerable and reliable detail. This map overlain with the current boundary is reproduced as Figure 7. There is now a clear boundary to East End, an area of woodland called Dog Kennel Copse adjacent to the park boundary to the west and, a mixed species plantation just inside the park boundary near the houses of East End. The ground to the west of High Lodge remains open, albeit with the roundel of trees, as does the vista to the south. Reservoirs and ponds are now shown on the plateau near High Lodge and in the south. The Nursery is clearly marked as a separate area with different vegetation. There are clearly defined tracks and the location of various quarries are marked. The north-east section remains largely open, though with occasional trees, and is clearly demarcated from the woodland to the south with a

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line of trees. The lodges at Springlock Gate (built in the 1840s) and Combe Gate are clearly shown as is the Rock Garden near the upper cascade. Springlock Gate is apparently so named as there was an entrance to the nearby Rock Garden where a rock swung open at the touch of a concealed spring. This map gives an indication that some areas were more wooded than others, though the reliability of this is not known.

 The 2nd Edition OS [c. 1900] provides further details of interest. For the first time there is an indication of a view between High Lodge and the palace; at this stage just a gap in the trees on the steep eastern banks. Perhaps this was the point at which these trees had reached a height where they obscured an earlier view. There are formal clump plantings east of the plateau and the planting on the eastern banks is clearly differentiated from the rest of the woodland area, with smaller clumps of planting along this edge further south. The vista south of High Lodge remains open, although there is a clump planted close to the edge, this clump still being present today.

 The 3rd Edition OS [c. 1923] shows further development of High Park. Perhaps the most significant is that rows of planted trees are now shown on the previously open north-eastern quarter. There are a range of other clumps and features of smaller size planted throughout the park, many of which can still be seen today. The Nursery is still clearly separate and there are structures shown within it, the remnants of which are still visible. The enclosure south-west of High Lodge is clearly shown with an area of 0.541acres. However, the clearing of the view towards the palace has disappeared. There is little change to the 4th Edition.

 Post-war II 1st – 4th Edition [c. 1955 on ]: These maps record a number of significant changes in the landscape of High Park in particular the planting of conifers in the vista to the south of High Lodge – the first time that this vista has been recorded as obscured; and the planting of conifers in the far northern section on an area of quarried ground. Other details include two square ponds to the south-west of High Lodge. The vista from High Lodge to the palace has also been firmed-up with trees cleared across a wide strip running from the eastern bank to High Lodge. At this point High Park has all the main components that can still be seen today.

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Figure 7. 1st Edition Ordnance Survey.

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SUMMARY OF HISTORIC REVIEW

3.11 At the time of the Norman conquest the apparent character of the local countryside is one in which small isolated communities were making relatively little impression on the surrounding semi-natural woodland and heathland. Into this landscape the royal court imposed a new form of land-use, the deer park. This brought with it settlement, institutions and management control. The wooded landscape was, possibly for the first time, being formally managed as a sustainable resource to deliver a variety of benefits: food, woodland products, prestige and sporting interest.

3.12 With the deer park came walls, the building of lodges and the acquisition of more land from surrounding communities. The maps of the early 18th Century suggest that there was by then a well-developed appreciation of what we would now call the amenity value of High Park – with a network of rides and vistas planned even if not all implemented. Particularly notable is the several centuries in which High Lodge has stood in an area of open ground and enjoyed distant views. A contemporary account (Hawthorne, 1883) reads as follows:

“After driving a good way, we came to a battlemented tower and adjoining house, which used to be the residence of the Ranger of Woodstock Park, who held charge of the property for the King before the Duke of Marlborough possessed it. The keeper opened the door for us, and in the entrance-hall we found various things that had to do with the chase and woodland sports. We mounted the staircase, through several stories, up to the top of the tower, whence there was a view of the spires of Oxford, and of points much farther off,--very indistinctly seen, however, as is usually the case with the misty distances of England.”, and later

“Methinks, if such good fortune ever befell a bookish man, I should choose this lodge for my own residence, with the topmost room of the tower for a study, and all the seclusion of cultivated wildness beneath to ramble in.”

3.13 Hawthorne’s phrase ‘cultivated wildness’ seems to capture much of the spirit of High Park to this day.

3.14 With the grant of Blenheim to the Duke of Marlborough there began a process of improvement of the landscape that extended to High Park. Notable from this period is the change in character of the woodland on the eastern banks with more ornamental planting of beech, horse chestnut and lime to define the edge of the new lake. These trees remain an important part of the Brown landscape and the setting of the palace and parkland. What is surprising is that contemporary maps do not suggest that the vista between the palace and High Lodge was a notable feature at that time. The remodelling Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 14

of High Lodge also occurred and the lodge took its place in the landscape as a specific feature as well as an operational base for the keeper of High Park.

3.15 During this period the landscape of the estate assumed perhaps even greater importance in creating a setting for the palace and High Park continued to play its role in this. One of the defining features of Brown’s new landscape was the use of controlled views to create a heightened sense of anticipation and occasion on the approach to the palace. Whilst the main entrances to the palace were set-pieces there was a less-formal entrance from the south, taking a more circuitous route through High Park. The view of the palace from the High Lodge area, depicted in an engraving from 1842 by C.W. Radclyffe (Figure 8) gives a sense of this. However this view is a carefully framed glimpse of the palace and the scale of the view suggests that it was taken not from High Lodge but further down the slope. 19th Century maps clearly show a network of tracks though the western section of High Park that would have afforded such a view, though the tracks are now little used.

Figure 8. View of the palace from High Park. Lithograph by C.W. Radclyffe 1842 (only available from low quality copy)

This can be compared with the current view (Fig 9) taken from towards the top of the slope.

Figure 9. The view towards the palace from east of High Lodge, 2013

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3.16 Whilst much work took place in the intervening years in the rest of Blenheim Park, High Park appeared to have received less attention during the 19th Century. It was with the 9th Duke that further significant changes occurred. The 9th Duke took a great interest in the perpetuation and development of the estate’s landscape including planting large numbers of trees. We are fortunate that his efforts are recorded in detail in the Red Planting Book kept at the estate archives.

3.17 The Red Planting Book records that in 1893 some 1400 trees including specimen oak, ash, elm, birch, beech, lime, horse chestnut and sweet (Spanish) chestnut were planted on the lakeside opposite the Boat House to fill up gaps created by the cutting of thicket and the death of many beech due to rabbit damage. In 189 from “High Lodge to Spring Lock and the Nursery, also near Combe Reach” were planted a mixture of 54 scarlet thorn, 70 oak, 135 lime, 30 horse chestnut and 35 English elm. The notes record that the old thorn had died and were replaced with “clumps of double scarlet thorn which when they flower are extremely pretty”. Perhaps the most significant record from this time relates to the planting of 148 oak in 1898 and beyond. The 9th Duke notes:

“By planting these specimen oaks in every open spot I hope to preserve the effect of this forest of the middle ages. It appears to me that no oak has been planted in it for at least 150 years which is a great pity. Many of the old oaks are dying, and if the planting of young ones is neglected the forest will soon cease to exist, except for the existence of a few old stumps. The planting of oak in the high park should be continued for another 25 years and then the park will be stocked for 500 years..”.

3.18 There is a further record of 150 oaks planted in 1900; 200 oak, 800 beech and 100 lime planted in 1926 and 1928, and 0 oak planted in 19 1 as “A continuation of the planting carried out in 1898”. Given the current interest in maintaining the conservation interest of High Park it is fortunate that the 9th Duke was so far-sighted and diligent in his work.

3.19 The final chapter in the historic development of High Park is the planting of conifers that took place after the world wars of the 20th Century. These include ornamental planting alongside the roads in the north and the establishment of mixed plantations in the vista south of High Lodge.

3.20 The woodland character of High Park has continued to evolve with more planting and site management work in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These are referred to in more detail in the following chapters.

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4. RECENT SITE MANAGEMENT

4.1 The last two decades have seen a range of management works take place in High Park addressing various objectives. Notable elements in the context of this plan include:

 Planting and regeneration of assorted broadleaved tree species  Surveys of veteran trees and management work to enhance the wildlife value of veteran trees  Thinning of earlier plantations  Grassland management  Sporting use and pest control  Tree diseases

PLANTING OF BROADLEAVED TREE SPECIES

4.2 Following the earlier coniferous planting the tree species introduced into High Park has moved towards a mixture of broadleaved species, usually in smaller blocks. Much of this regeneration was undertaken during the late 1980s. There are three broad categories of planting / recruitment.

4.3 Drifts of trees have been planted within the matrix of veteran trees. Species planted are predominantly beech, ash, lime, oak, wild cherry; occasional groups of field maple are also evident. In places tree guards or rabbit netting can still be seen, in others the trees are now well integrated into the surrounding tree cover. At times it can be difficult to tell the new planting from adjacent natural regeneration. The diameter of these trees is typically in the range of 10 – 20cm. Examples of this planting include the southern banks overlooking the Evenlode, around the old quarries in the east of the site and a group of lime in the north of the site adjacent to the western arm of The Lake. These groups of planting provide an opportunity to maintain the character of the site and particularly the edges as the older veteran trees decline.

4.4 In a few areas there are nursery style plantings of a wide range of species including ornamental maples, robinia, red oak and sorbus as well as beech, ash and cherry. It is understood these groups were established to provide semi-mature trees to transplant elsewhere in the estate, and some have indeed been removed. Examples of these plantings can be found to the immediate north and south of High Lodge and tucked away in the main body of the site. These plantings tend to have been unsuccessful both in terms of their contribution to the character of High Park and as a result of high levels of squirrel damage particularly to the maples which have rendered the trees unfit to use elsewhere. These plantings are regarded as key areas in which new planting of what is now considered more appropriate character can be established.

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4.5 The third element is regeneration of individual oak trees dotted within gaps in the veteran tree matrix. These have largely been recruited by protecting self-sown trees with tree shelters. These trees are most noticeable on the western side of the High Lodge drive. They of varying sizes, again, typically 10 – 20cm diameter. These trees will make a useful contribution to maintaining the oak component of High Park, though future selective removal may be required to maintain the crown development of specimens to be retained.

VETERAN TREE SURVEYS AND MANAGEMENT

4.6 The importance of the old trees in Blenheim from a cultural and landscape perspective has been appreciated for centuries. During the latter part of the 20th Century the importance of veteran trees as a habitat for some of our rarest insects came to be increasingly understood. Technological developments, particularly the introduction of geographical positioning systems allowed the estate to begin a process of mapping the veteran trees. A trial survey in 1998 was followed by a more comprehensive survey in 2001 with periodic additions and updates to both locations and data, the latest being in 2012. These surveys have collected information that was intended to provide a baseline of tree condition and also to act as an operational tool.

4.7 As national expertise and understanding of veteran tree management has developed the estate has been actively seeking to manage the veteran trees according to best practice. This has focused on adopting a minimum intervention policy on trees away from public rights of way and thinning-out naturally regenerating trees that were shading the veteran trees - a process known as haloing – lest the shade lead to the premature death of the older trees. The haloing process has to be managed carefully as removing too many surrounding trees can change conditions around the veteran tree too quickly, itself causing harm to the tree. A work programme for haloing is maintained by the estate office. Whilst individual tree assessments were not part of this study, the evidence on the ground indicates the process is being implemented as planned.

THINNING OF PLANTATIONS

4.8 In addition to the haloing around veteran trees the estate has also undertaken thinning of some of the later 20th Century plantations. The most recent area to receive treatment was the long mixed plantation running south from High Lodge. This was thinned in 2007, following advice on how the thinning regime might be adjusted to best maintain the ground flora in the north of the compartment (Wychwood Project, 2007).

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

4.9 The management of grasslands in High Park has been a focus of activity particularly in the last 10 years. Aerial photographs from 1961 clearly show High Park at that time as being more open than it is at present. The estate has been proactive in cutting areas of grassland with a tractor mounted flail. Key areas that have been cut include the vista east of High Lodge towards the palace, a band of ground of varying width either side of the main north-south drive and a large area of ground in the western section of the park. The grass is cut annually by flail in August / September. Particular efforts have been made to control bracken which is potentially dominant in some parts of the understorey in the central sections of the site on the more acidic soils. Recent experience has found that mowing in both June and August provides the best results.

4.10 This previous, more open character was picked up in the 1982 Landscape Restoration Plan and was subsequently the focus of considerable discussion with Natural England and its predecessors. In 1995 a proposal was made by English Nature to reintroduce grazing by livestock into High Park. At the present time the estate has a clear policy not to reintroduce managed grazing by livestock in High Park.

4.11 More details on the ecological character of the grasslands can be found in Chapter 5.

SPORTING USE

PHEASANTS

4.12 The Estate runs an active, keepered pheasant shoot that includes High Park. There are pheasant release pens in Compartments 26H and 26N. Pheasants are brought in as poults around June and placed in the release pens until they are able to fly. There is one supplementary feeding area in the south of the site in Compartment 26F but most feeding is done outside High Park. At the feeding station in Compartment 26F there is evidence of ground compaction. This is confined to a relatively small area. During the winter shooting season birds are driven from copses and game strips outside High Park, over the valleys where the guns are stationed and back towards the release pens. These drives, being within the historic parkland, play an important role in the overall sporting strategy for the estate. During several days of field survey for this study, mostly outside the shooting season a large, though unquantified, number of pheasants were seen throughout High Park. The impact of these birds on the overall ecology of High Park is not known but it seems likely that there will be an impact as they forage on the woodland floor.

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DEER

4.13 The three main species of deer in England - fallow, roe and muntjac – are all present in High Park. Deer populations have fluctuated over the years. Discussion with the current estate manager suggests that fallow became a particular feature about 20 years ago. A herd of 20 fallow were seen in High Park during this study, plus three roe and occasional muntjac. Deer management on the estate has fluctuated over the years. Recently stalking has been let to a syndicate supplemented by occasional animals taken by the keepers. There is currently no specific target number of animals to be taken during the season.

4.14 What is evident from the site survey is that the intensity of browsing is currently high. Most specimens of bramble showed signs of browsing, clumps and tussocks of grass were frequently eaten and natural regeneration was confined to a small number of places. Whilst hares and rabbits are also browsing the vegetation, it seems likely that deer are having a significant impact on the overall character of the vegetation in High Park.

PEST CONTROL

4.15 Grey squirrel is a notable problem in High Park stripping bark from certain species of broadleaved trees, particularly beech and maples and occasionally oak, from establishment through to pole stage – c. 20cm diameter, and from the smaller limbs of larger trees. To all intents some of the 1980s plantations of maple have been destroyed by bark stripping. Bark stripping by grey squirrel has the potential to seriously compromise the ability to establish future plantations the beech component in particular. Some species such as lime are not attacked by squirrel. As with deer the control of squirrel in High Park has fluctuated over the years. The estate currently has a dedicated vermin keeper who uses a combination of trapping, shooting and poisoning.

TREE DISEASES

4.16 As with any large woodland there are occasional instances of tree diseases for example ash canker (Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. Fraxini). At the time of the study there were however two ‘new’ tree diseases with the potential for a significant impact on High Park.

ASH DIEBACK

4.17 Dieback of ash caused by a fungus Chalara fraxinea came to public notice in late 2012, though there are signs that it had been present at a low level in eastern parts of the UK for a number of years prior to that. At the time of writing there are no known cases of Chalara in High Park. The rate at which the disease will spread and the severity of its impact in established woodlands is not known. One scenario is that there may be a

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gradual spread of infection throughout the country with a proportion, possibly high, of ash trees succumbing before a population of resistant ash trees are established. There are many ash trees in High Park with ages ranging from veteran trees to recent planting. The progress of the disease will have to be monitored closely. C. fraxinea is now being treated as a quarantine pest under national emergency measures and any suspected sighting should be reported to DEFRA.

ACUTE OAK DECLINE

4.18 Of further concern for High Park specifically is acute oak decline. AOD is a relatively new condition of oak trees in Britain, thought to have started 20 - 30 years ago but seemingly now on the increase. The decline exhibits a range of symptoms including black weeping patches on stems (called stem bleeds); lesions and necrotic tissue underlying the bleed points, and larval galleries are usually present weaving a sinuous path along the cambial zone. The cause of the problem is likely to be complex involving multiple agents. The decline tends to affect mature oak trees of more than 50 years old.

4.19 At the time of the survey for this plan there was known to be one oak tree showing signs of Acute Oak Decline. By winter 2013-14, one year later, there were 8 confirmed cases within High Park and 27 suspected cases. This is a particularly worrying development for High Park and the estate more generally. There remain many unknowns about AOD at Blenheim: how lethal it will prove to be; how quickly it spreads, the mechanisms of spread and what measures if any can be taken to address any or all of these issues.

Figure 10. Oak showing signs of Acute Oak Decline, north of High Lodge, March 2013

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4.20 It is too early to give a meaningful assessment of what the impact of these diseases may be. The estate should continue to liaise with the Forestry Commission to determine the appropriate treatment for both individual trees and infected trees more generally. As part of the process of responding to the ‘disease’ the systematic collection and updating of records on affected trees will be an important management tool so that a picture of what is happening over time develops. Rigorous attention to minimising the spread of pathogens on tools, boots and vehicles within High Park and to other parts of the estate is also recommended as a precautionary measure.

4.21 In a worst case scenario if AOD continues to spread and proves lethal to affected trees it will be necessary to review the decisions on the provenance / species that should form the base of the wood-pasture areas. These decisions are complex and will need to consider amongst other things the wood decay characteristics, associated flora and fauna, growth characteristics and landscape qualities of alternative species. The views of a range of ecological specialists would be beneficial in this process.

5. ECOLOGICAL OVERVIEW

SSSI

5.1 High Park forms part of the Blenheim Park Site of Special Scientific Interest first notified in 1956 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1949 and subsequently renotified in 1986 under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The SSSI boundary also includes The Lake and Queen Pool, and the River Glyme and valley sides between the upper and lower cascades. The lakes are of regional importance for breeding waterfowl and county importance for wintering waterfowl. High Park itself “contains one of the finest areas of ancient oak-dominated pasture woodland in the country”. The modern steel water tanks, High Lodge, Springlock Lodge and their immediate curtilages are excluded from the SSSI. As with other SSSI there are a list of operations likely to damage the special interest – 28 in all. A number of areas of High Park – the main conifer blocks, the plantation in the long vista, the new broadleaved nursery plantings and the western and southern banks of High Park are exempt from the restrictions imposed under specified Operation 12 – “the introduction of or changes in tree or woodland management including afforestation, planting, clear and selective felling, thinning, coppicing, modification of the stand or underwood, changes in species composition, cessation of management”. For all other areas permission is required from Natural England before undertaking any of the specified operations.

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UK BAP HABITAT

5.2 High Park is a prime example of UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat type – Wood Pasture and Parkland. The formal habitat description is as follows (Maddock, 2008):

“Wood-pasture and parkland are mosaic habitats valued for their trees, especially veteran and ancient trees, and the plants and animals that they support. Grazing animals are fundamental to the existence of this habitat. Specialised and varied habitats within wood-pasture and parkland provide a home for a wide range of species, many of which occur only in these habitats, particularly insects, lichens and fungi which depend on dead and decaying wood. Individual trees, some of which may be of great size and age, are key elements of the habitat and many sites are also important historic landscapes.”

5.3 Other components of High Park are also specific or potential BAP habitats. These include

 Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland  Ponds  Lowland Meadows / Lowland Calcareous Grassland / Lowland Dry Acid Grassland – depending upon the outcome of future survey work.

REVIEW OF SPECIES RECORDS

5.4 The SSSI Schedule notes that there are at least 12 species of the vascular plant flora, including meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) that are largely confined to undisturbed ancient woodland in southern England. Additional species data on High Park was requested from Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC). These species records are presented in the supplementary data file. Due to the level at which many of the records are collected it is not possible to say in all cases whether specific records relate to High Park; some records such as for water fowl clearly relate to the wider SSSI and parkland than High Park alone.

5.5 Many species are specifically protected under various wildlife legislation. A subset of the TVERC data listing Protected and Notable Species records is included at Annex 3. Further details on this list are provided in the supplementary information file. As noted earlier some of these records, in particular the waterfowl will relate to the adjacent lakes rather than High Park itself. Some species groups are not represented. For example there are no data on bats in the TVERC data though clearly High Park provides an ideal potential habitat for several species of bat. Checks with the local bat group indicate that some limited survey work has been undertaken in the east of High Park in 2010. This recorded the presence of soprano pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii) and barbastelle bats (Barbastella barbastellus). Other sources of data include the survey work done in preparation for re-notification of the SSSI in 1986, held by Natural England. Overall, Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 23

notwithstanding the detailed insect surveys reviewed in the following paragraphs, and given the site’s importance the lack of specific species data for High Park was surprising. Lack of data is a constraint on the level of detail that can be provided in some management recommendations within this study.

2013 SITE SURVEY

5.6 To assist the preparation of this plan a walkover ecological survey was undertaken. The timing for the plan required the field survey work to take place in January and February 2013. The timing limited the quality of the assessment that could be made. A Phase 1 habitat survey was prepared on the basis of the walkover survey and the data collected previously and should be interpreted with the seasonal constraints in mind. A plan of the Phase 1 habitats is provided as Figure 11. Accompanying Ecological Target Notes are presented in Annex 5 to this report. In addition to the plan and Target Notes a list of species seen was also prepared. This is not intended to be comprehensive and again the seasonal constraints are to be noted. The list of species is provided as Annex 5.

ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF THE VETERAN TREES

5.7 The overall value of the veteran tree habitat is widely recognised, not least in the SSSI designation. Apart from the more generic veteran tree surveys noted previously there have been a range of other surveys of veteran tree habitat within High Park. Notable surveys of direct relevance include a record of epiphytic lichens, mosses and liverworts made in March 1978 (Rose) and a survey of saproxylic invertebrates made by Keith Alexander on behalf of English Nature in December 2002 (Alexander, 2002). Alexander’s work also draws together the findings of other surveys from the 1950s, 70s and 80s by a range of individuals. There have been many other ecological surveys more widely within Blenheim Park highlighting that High Park is but one component in a wider ecological landscape.

5.8 The 1978 survey of lichens, liverworts and mosses at High Park takes the form of a basic species list. This recorded 85 lichens, 18 mosses and 2 liverworts. An updated version of the original survey list corrected for recent species name changes is available in the supporting data to this plan. Sixteen species of lichens are noted in the SSSI schedule as largely confined to undisturbed ancient woodland in southern England.

5.9 Notable features from the 2002 survey by Alexander are:

 More than 70 species of saproxylic invertebrates were found, bringing the total number of wood decay beetles in Blenheim Park overall to 95.  Of these three, possibly four, were of British Red Data Book status and fourteen of Nationally Scarce status

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 66 of the wood decay species are beetles  The fungus Oak polypore (Piptoporus quercinus) was recorded – a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and legally protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).  Using the Index of Ecological Continuity4, Blenheim is regarded as of high national significance and sits 23rd in the national series. It is felt that further survey work would most likely increase the number of species and further highlights the ecological importance of High Park as a habitat of national importance and possibly also of European importance.

5.10 The following Red Data Book wood decay insect species have been recorded in Blenheim Park SSSI (source Blenheim estate).

 Dedrochernes cyrneus False Scorpion (mentioned in SSSI schedule)  Aeletes atomarius Carrion Beetle (mentioned in SSSI schedule)  Plectophloeus nitidus Rove Beetle (mentioned in SSSI schedule)  Ampedus cardinalis Cardinal Click Beetle  Procraerus tibialis Click Beetle  Globicornis rufitaris Cobweb Beetle  Lymexylon navale Ship timber Beetle  Rhizphagus oblongicollis – Beetle (mentioned in SSSI schedule)  Anaspis septentrionalis – Beetle

Other wood decay species noted in the SSSI statement are Anapsis schilskyana and Pediacus dermestoides.

5.11 Alexander’s 2002 report highlights that some wood decay insects rely on other plants at different stages of their life cycle. Flowering shrubs such as elder and hawthorn are noted as important sources of nectar during the summer period when adult insects are flying between trees in search of new habitat. Given the high diversity of wood decay species on the site it is likely that there are many other tree-insect-plant interactions that are important in sustaining the insect population.

5.12 There are many other species of insect that are poorly represented in the survey data. The 2002 survey notes for example that there has been limited recording of two-winged flies (Diptera) and that this group would merit further study.

4 The Index of Ecological Continuity is a system for assessing the conservation importance of ancient parklands and wood pastures, based on the presence of absence of suite of wood decay beetles most strongly associated with these habitats. See Alexander (2002) for further information. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 25

Figure 11. Blenheim High Park Phase 1 Habitat Assessment, 2013

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5.13 One characteristic feature of many saproxylic insects is their relatively poor powers of dispersal. It cannot be assumed that every veteran tree will provide habitat of equivalent quality. The 2002 survey notes the individual trees where particularly rare species were recorded – for example the false scorpion was found on tree 8577. This highlights the need to think of High Park not only in terms of a whole habitat but also to focus on individual trees and their immediate surroundings as important habitats in their own right, with their own assemblages of species with complex interactions between them most of which we cannot yet comprehend.

GRASSLANDS

5.14 The direct assessment of the grassland areas in High Park was restricted by the timing of the field survey. The Target Notes in Annex 4 include field notes on grassland composition. Overall the grasslands had the appearance of semi-improved neutral or calcareous swards. There is some acidic influence in the vegetation with bracken being a significant feature in some locations. In the southern section there are areas with large numbers of anthills of yellow meadow ant (Lasius flavus). These are often areas in which shells of Roman snail (Helix pomatia) can be found. Roman snail is itself a species of high conservation interest and protected under current wildlife legislation. In several areas that had previously been regarded as mixed veteran trees within grassland the character was now more close to woodland.

5.15 The best available data for grasslands comes from the Phase 1 habitat survey undertaken as part of the SSSI re-designation process in 1986. These records are not comprehensive. A copy of this assessment is included in the supplementary data file. Reviewing this 1986 survey gives an indication of which areas are likely to be species rich. However, the work has not been updated and the impact of subsequent management and browsing could not be assessed during this survey period.

PONDS

5.16 Several ponds were noted around High Park and are shown in Figure 10. In addition there were numerous, probably temporary, ponds and seepage points within a previously quarried area south-east of High Lodge. Water was also collecting in the bottom of the old reservoir. All the waterbodies would benefit from specific survey.

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6. VETERAN TREES

POPULATION ANALYSIS

6.1 As noted in paragraph 4.6 the veteran trees have in recent years been the subject of considerable individual study. An initial detailed survey of physical and ecological characteristics of each tree was completed in c.2001. This recorded data on 632 trees. Subsequent trees were added as and when survey resources became available. By 2006 there were detailed physical and ecological data on 898 trees. Later surveys focused on the management requirements for individual trees and from 2009 – 2013 additional records brought the total number of trees for which management data is held to 1057.

6.2 Analysis of these data allow a profile of the veteran trees to emerge. Based on the most recent 2013 data, 968 trees were recorded as oak (92%), 67 are beech (6%), 9 are horse chestnut, 7 are lime, the remainder being individuals of sycamore, ash and field maple. 857 trees (81%) were recorded as alive. Of the 200 dead trees 53 (26% of all dead) were fallen. Using guidance provided by the Forestry Commission (White, 1998) and taking White’s ‘open woodland’ category an analysis of ages of the oak population has been undertaken. The results are presented in Figure 12 below (noting that the age data for dead trees is perhaps less meaningful than for the live trees). Using these figures it is quite likely that the largest trees have been in existence since the time High Park became established as a royal deer park and over 60 trees date from the middle ages – a remarkable achievement of continuity5.

Veteran Oaks Age Analysis 300 275

250 225 200 175 150 125 100 All

No.of trees 75 50 Alive 25 0 Dead

Age range (years)

Figure 12. Indicative age classes of veteran oaks in High Park (based on 2012 data)

5 Tree 82, one of the largest in High Park – The King Oak – was measured in 2009 by UK veteran tree expert Ted Green with a circumference of 9.2m giving an estimated age of 920 years old, if it had followed the growth pattern of trees found at Windsor Great Park. Tree 8159 in the Blenheim data has a girth of 9.35 giving an age of 910 years using the above system. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 28

6.3 Whilst the age estimates are of interest it is recognised that the calculations are laden with assumptions. A more detailed breakdown of the oak population using trunk diameter is shown in Figure 13 below.

Diameter of All Veteran Oak trees( 2011 data) 100 90 80

70 60 50 40 All

No.of trees 30 Alive 20 Dead 10 0

DBH range (cm)

Figure 13. Diameter classes of veteran oaks in High Park

6.4 Of note within this:

 There does not appear to be a particular age at which the proportion of dead to live trees increases substantially. This suggests that trees die for a variety of reasons at all ages, furthermore there is not a particular point at which the oak population will collapse and the majority die in a short period of time. This statement must be caveated with the increased uncertainty around the impacts of more rapid prolonged climate change and new tree diseases.  The oak population is reasonably well supplied with what might be regarded as middle age veteran trees (200 – 400 years). Again this is encouraging.  There are very few trees shown in the lower age ranges. As these are records of trees which have the ecological characteristic of veterans this is not surprising.

6.5 The more detailed, ecologically focused veteran tree survey work from 2001 – 2006 provides opportunities for other analysis. One example is to examine how the hollowness of tree trunks – as a simplistic proxy for the amount of protected deadwood habitat - varies with trunk size, Figure 14.

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Variation in veteran oak trunk hollowness with trunk size (2006 data) 25

20

15

10

Cululative hollowness score hollowness Cululative 5

0 Trunk Girth (increasing size from left to right)

Figure 14. an assessment of trunk hollowness of veteran trees in High Park using a cumulative hollowness score

6.6 This indicates that, not surprisingly, there is a trend for larger trees to be more hollow. However, there is a great deal of variation within the population. This suggests that in the future even if there is a proportionally high loss of larger, typically older trees there will remain a majority of veterans with a range of hollow tree habitat.

VETERAN TREE SUCCCESSION

6.7 Since at least the time of the 9th Duke the Blenheim estate has been aware of the need to provide for successor oak trees as replacements for the oldest specimens. In the years following the 1982 landscape restoration plan there has been a programme of work to secure natural regeneration. This has been successful and young oak trees are now distributed around the site. The estate also has a batch of trees grown from seed collected in High Park that are being grown on at a local nursery for replanting at a future date.

6.8 An analysis of tree recruitment in High Park was undertaken by the Wychwood Project in 2008 (Wychwood Project, 2008). This 2008 survey was limited in scope, covering only c. 2% of the area of High Park but gives an indication of the sizes (and therefore ages) of tree across all species with a particular focus on the younger age classes. The study split High Park into an inner and an outer Park area – the outer area being approximately the boundary belts. The main plantations were excluded. The full report is included in the supplementary information file.

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Oak - Inner Park

14 12 10 8 Series1 6 4 Number Number of trees 2 0 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Size Class

Oak - Outer Park

16 14 12 10 8 Series1 6

4 Number Number of trees 2 0 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Size Class

Code A B – E F – K L – N O P Dbh (cm) < 5cm 6 – 25cm 26 – 80cm 81 – 150cm 151 – 200 cm 200+cm

Figure 15. Numbers of oak trees by size class - inner and outer survey areas (Wychwood Project, 2008)

6.9 It should be noted that the charts in Figure 15 are biased towards the lower sizes, as the focus of the study was on recruitment of trees into High Park. The study suggests a lack of recruitment of the youngest oak trees in the inner park and a shortfall in both areas of oaks in what might be called the early-mature category from 26cm dbh to 80cm dbh. This supports the field survey information gathered for this study in which there is a gap between the late 20th Century efforts to recruit new oak and the late 19th, early 20th Century planting of the 9th Duke. What this 2008 survey does not include are the oaks which are included in the mid 20th Century plantations, for example in the long-plantation to the south-east of High Lodge.

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6.10 During the recent field survey there was very little sign of any recent regeneration of any species other than in a small number of localised areas. This and the evidence of substantial browsing of bramble and grazing of grasses of all sorts suggests that deer browsing, together with rabbits and hares is currently exerting a significant pressure on recruitment of all tree species through natural regeneration. It is speculated that the younger trees that have appeared through natural regeneration were recruited before the recent increase in deer numbers. This would seem to be borne out by the dimensions of the trees which indicate an age of between 15 and 20 years.

7. LANDSCAPE OVERVIEW

7.1 A detailed landscape assessment has not been undertaken as part of this study. However the 1982 Landscape Restoration Plan included extensive assessment work of which High Park formed one small part.

7.2 The medieval deer park character of High Park is recognised as a landscape type in its own right distinct from other areas of the park. The mixed species plantings, more ornamental in character particularly those on the eastern bank adjacent to the lake, are considered an important part of the wider landscape setting for the lake first created by Lancelot Brown in the late 18th Century and the subject of additional planting by the 9th Duke and his successors in the late 19th / early 20th century. The woodland belts on the eastern slopes are significant features in long-distance views from elsewhere in the park.

Figure 16. The view from the palace gardens towards the eastern edge of High Park. March 2013

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7.3 The more recent coniferous planting at the northern end of High Park is now starting to become noticeable as the tops of the conifers become visible over the broadleaved trees on the shore of the lake. In the Phase 2 Review of the Landscape and Restoration Masterplan (Scott Wilson Resource Consultants, 1996) it is noted that these northern slopes were originally “open grazed hillside sloping down to the arm of the lake. This area is now almost completely shut in, with loss to the composition of outward views from the core area of the Park.”

7.4 From the west High Park is a prominent feature from the higher ground around Long Hanborough, though the opportunities to view it from publicly accessible places are limited, trees along the railway embankment often restricting views; and from the road to Combe. Notable in these views are the stag-headed veteran trees emerging from surrounding vegetation and the older beech dominated planting in the central western slopes.

Figure 17. View of the eastern edge of High Park from the Long Hanborough road, 2013

7.5 The mixed species planting on the steep southern banks of High Park is important in defining the setting of the river valley through which the Evenlode flows en-route to its confluence with the Glyme below the lower cascade. The planted woodland on this bank forms part of a longer woodland of similar character that continues along the valley side, though the more easterly planting acquires an almost continuous evergreen understorey. Similar planting on the southern side of the valley makes for a dramatic setting in an area that was once an important southern approach to the palace.

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8. ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

8.1 The track than runs between Springlock Gate to Combe Gate before turning north towards Park Farm is metalled and often used by estate vehicles and residents on the estate. The track around the western boundary of High Park is for the most part stoned and provides reasonably good access. The tracks in the eastern part of High Park are for the most part not surfaced and many appear to be rarely used. The lakeside track is difficult to pass in places due to the soft ground conditions.

8.2 A public right of way enters at Combe Gate and heads along the metalled track stopping at Springlock Gate, where a sign informs walkers that further public access is not permissible without paying the estate entrance fee. North of Combe Gate the right of way carries on into the main northern part of the park. Part of this extended route is informally designated as the Wychwood Way a local 37 mile track identified by the Wychwood Project, around the heart of the former historic royal hunting Forest of Wychwood and recognised on the Ordnance Survey maps. The section through High Park is a popular place for walkers and many people who hold an entry ticket to the park and gardens (and probably a few who do not) use it as part of a longer circular walk around the southern part of the park.

8.3 The remains of the 19th Century reservoir have been noted previously. As this no longer functions there are two steel water tanks immediately to the north of the reservoir. These receive water that is pumped up from machinery adjacent to the upper cascade and used to supply High Lodge and other buildings around the park. There are smaller supply pipes laid in places over the surface to supply water to the pheasant release pens.

8.4 High Lodge and the associated gardens and two small lakes are rented to private individuals as accommodation. They are outwith the SSSI and this study.

8.5 Power lines cross into High Park from East End – supplying High Lodge, and up the southern banks to supply Springlock Gate lodge. These need to be noted when undertaking tree felling work.

9. REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT ISSUES

9.1 High Park is a complex ecological landscape. What we see today is the result of one thousand years of land management: decisions taken by kings & queens, dukes and their stewards that have reflected the needs and fashions of their times. For many hundreds of those years the ancient trees have been recognised as an important part of the character of High Park. Today, the ancient trees and the conservation of their ecological value are the primary concern for the estate, whilst recognising the important Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 34

contribution that these trees and the other woodland of High Park make to a parkland landscape of international importance.

9.2 The principal management issues identified during the study are described below. Detailed comments on the tree cover within High Park are summarised in a series of Woodland Target Notes and accompanying map, provided in Annex 6. Many of the management issues overlap. Management objectives, policies and actions to address these issues are set out in the final section of this report. Issues are described under the following headings:

 Overall Management Objectives  The veteran trees  The boundary belts  The conifer plantations  Views and vistas  Maintaining the woodland / grassland mosaic  Other species and habitats  Sporting use

OVERALL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

9.3 The management objectives for High Park can be summarised as follows:

1. To maintain and where possible enhance the ecological value of the ancient wood pasture and associated habitats

2. To maintain the landscape contribution that High Park makes to the internationally important historic landscape of Blenheim Park

3. To retain a role in the sporting interests of the Blenheim estate.

9.4 The primary objective is to maintain the ecological value of the site. This recognises the national, indeed possibly international importance of the collection of veteran trees and accompanying habitat and especially the vulnerability to disturbance of the complex ecosystem interactions it supports. High Park also makes a significant contribution to the renowned landscape of Blenheim that is appreciated by many thousands of people each year. This landscape function is of more recent origin and, in relation to the veteran trees, both more easily understood and maintained through relatively well tried silvicultural management techniques. The sporting interest of High Park is significant for the estate and needs to be considered in many management operations; it is however more easily adjusted over relatively short timescales than the ecological and landscape objectives.

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THE VETERAN TREES

MANAGING EXISTING VETERAN TREES

9.5 The estate has an on-going programme of halo thinning around existing veteran trees. This is in accordance with current best practice. At the time of this plan there were 280 trees recorded as awaiting haloing. The haloing process around each tree cannot be compressed into a shortened period of time, as sudden changes in light / heat levels are considered detrimental to the stability of the deadwood habitat. Maintaining the continuity of this effort in a timely manner is an important part of the overall management programme. A periodic review of the haloing programme priorities should be undertaken to take into account changes that develop over time. It would seem appropriate to review the programme in the near future following adoption of this plan. Thereafter a review every ten years is suggested as an appropriate timescale.

MANAGING HABITAT COMPLEXITY

9.6 The general value of the habitat provided by veteran trees for a wide range of species across many taxa is now well known. What is less understood is the complexity of interactions that sustain so many species, not least because the majority of species even when they are known are little studied. The 2002 report by Alexander reminds us that the micro-habitats within individual trees are as complex as the macro-habitat of High Park itself. The wood decay insects that are unique to ancient wood pasture often rely not only on the decaying trees but also the nearby thorns, elders and other flowering plants. Conserving the ecological value of the veteran trees requires as much attention to maintaining a diverse surrounding habitat as to the trees themselves. There are also interactions with soil flora and fauna, not least the mycorrhizae associated with the old trees, that play a role we can only guess at. Conservation of the soil environment, for example by minimising compaction, should be regarded as of equal importance to conserving the more obvious flora and fauna.

DATA MANAGEMENT

9.7 The recent veteran tree survey work undertaken by the estate is of particular value. These data provide a baseline from which to manage and monitor individual trees and are instrumental in the haloing work now being undertaken. There are opportunities to make greater use of the tree data to manage and monitor habitats at the individual tree level. However, with nearly 1000 trees maintaining these data current is a significant undertaking and will require ongoing financial investment. The estate has computer mapping and data recording software. In due course the development of a Geographic Information System that can more easily link the two would be an advantage. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 36

DEADWOOD

9.8 The estate now follows a process of minimal intervention on deadwood, retaining deadwood in the crown and where it falls in all areas other than where this could pose a significant hazard. This approach should continue. There are two ‘deadwood graveyards’ where fallen and felled dangerous trees are brought. Ideally this deadwood should be retained closer to where it originated, however it is recognised that in the most public areas of the parkland an accumulation of slowly rotting trunks would have an unacceptable visual impact.

9.9 The continuity of deadwood habitat is a key issue. Data presented in Chapter 6 indicate that there is a reasonable body of veteran trees over a good spread of sizes and ages and that these all provide deadwood habitat. We conclude from this that, providing the minimum intervention approach is retained, there is no general imminent need to supplement the existing deadwood resource. With additional GIS capability it would however be possible to review how deadwood provision varies spatially across High Park. This may identify areas where smaller supplementary piles of deadwood might usefully be located. Such deadwood should not be at the expense of moving material generated within High Park. Deadwood piles should not be bigger than might be generated normally when an existing tree begins to collapse.

9.10 Consideration has been given to the possibility of artificially damaging younger trees to replicate the habitat conditions of the older declining veteran trees. Techniques such as coronet cuts and even the use of explosives to create stem fractures similar to a naturally failed tree have been trialled on other sites around the UK. Whilst such damage will provide a proportion of deadwood and, cracks and crevices that provide roosts for birds and bats it is unclear whether they provide the same conditions that arise from the natural internal decay processes within an ageing tree. As a result their value in providing habitat for the very specialist wood decay insects that are so important at High Park is questioned. Given the reasonable spread of ages of the veterans at High Park and the uncertainty surrounding future pressures from climate change and tree diseases we do not feel that this approach is appropriate for use on a wide scale at the current time. In some areas – for example the c. p1900 plantings of oak in the north-east, there is considered scope to create additional standing deadwood by girdling the trunk of a small number of trees rather than felling during thinning operations. This could be focused on trees of lower timber quality.

9.11 The 2002 report by Alexander notes the importance of warmth and light to wood decay communities. The estate has been following a programme of halo thinning around the veteran trees, a relatively new technique pioneered at Burnham Beeches and Windsor Great Park amongst others. The practice is being applied diligently in High Park. What cannot be assessed at present is the longer-term success. In general, smaller and more Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 37

frequent interventions are to be preferred to larger less frequent ones. This links again into the issue of ongoing ecological monitoring of the veteran tree population and the associated management time and expense. The issue of shading also needs to be borne in mind for the fallen deadwood. This can easily be enveloped in bracken where the cutting machinery cannot reach it, shading and cooling the wood and producing poorer quality habitat.

VETERAN TREE SUCCESSION

9.12 Natural veteran trees are the product of time. The next cadre of veteran trees will be the oaks planted by the 9th Duke around the turn of the 19th Century. These trees typically have a diameter of 75 – 100cm. From the evidence of the field work for this study most appear in good condition with few veteran characteristics. They are scattered around High Park but are concentrated in a number of clumps and in a block of planting in the north-eastern quarter. Whilst attention has rightly been given to reducing crown competition on the oldest trees, these successor veterans should not be overlooked if they too are to develop the large open grown crowns that characterise the oldest trees. It would be helpful to bring these trees into the veteran tree database and to integrate them into the crown haloing process. In places such as the north-eastern corner it is likely that some limited respacing will be required to ensure that crown development can continue. There may be a case to consider more drastic crown reduction techniques or girdling (cutting through the cambium all the way around the trunk) of standing trees to generate an early-stage deadwood habitat in an area that has little deadwood at present. This north-eastern area would be a candidate for supplementing with scattered late-stage deadwood as noted in paragraph 9.6.

NEW TREE RECRUITMENT

9.13 Natural regeneration of oak has been noted in previous studies as the preferred way to recruit new trees. This has benefits in maintaining the genetic continuity and creates a natural character to the tree distribution. There are however disadvantages. In particular the self-sown trees tend to grow around the crowns of the younger (actively fruiting) trees. This will tend to perpetuate trees which are more likely to have been planted, rather than trees of medieval origin. As the regeneration grows up around the crown of the successor veterans it will tend to limit the development of the large open grown crowns that will sustain these trees in the longer-term [Fig. 18]. In future such regeneration may have to be felled if the successor veterans are to develop as desired. At present, with the exception of a handful of trees, these concerns are not significant as the level of browsing is such that there is currently no effective natural regeneration. If browsing levels are reduced natural regeneration may once again become viable but should be chosen with care with a view to getting the ‘right tree in the right place’. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 38

Figure 18. Young oaks recruited close to the canopy of an established successor veteran oak

9.14 Planting with appropriate protection is regarded as a more viable way of introducing new trees in the foreseeable future. The estate is growing on some 1600 oak transplants collected as seed from High Park. This is to be welcomed. However, the number of trees that are planted must be managed carefully. On the one hand too many trees and the majority will need to be felled if open grown form of the remainder is to be produced. Two few and there may be insufficient genetic diversity to respond to the challenges that climate change and disease may bring in the future. Ideally there would be a relatively small number of trees planted on a regular but intermittent basis throughout the ancient wood-pasture area – say every ten years – with the intention being to grow these on to maturity6. It is recognised that this requires a greater investment in management time and in individual tree protection if establishment is to reach the desired levels. It is noted that the 9th Dukes planting in the north-eastern corner provides oaks at approximately 18m centres. This has allowed large trees to develop and only now are the crowns starting to touch and limit their growth.

9.15 There are short-term opportunities to plant a greater number of new trees. The nursery style planting which has taken place in scattered blocks is not appropriate in the current context and the trees are mostly of very poor condition. Following clearance of these areas scattered oaks could be planted.

9.16 It should not be forgotten that other species are of importance in maintaining the saproxylic interest of High Park. The thorns and elders too are being browsed and not regenerating. A high proportion of thorns are now mature. Measures need to be taken to ensure that these shorter-lived trees remain viable. Cyclical coppicing of selected

6 A simple calculation gives an idea of the numbers. There are approximately 1000 known veteran trees. Whilst they have not been counted assume that there are another 1000 existing successor veterans. Take a life expectancy of 400 years and a steady-state replacement of rate 50 trees every ten years can be derived. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 39

specimens would help to maintain a population across the age range. However, this will only be effective if the browsing pressured can be reduced.

CLIMATE CHANGE

9.17 There is currently much attention being given to the impact of climate change on the choice of species for forestry planting in the UK. The predicted impacts in the Oxfordshire area are, very broadly, for warmer drier summers and warmer wetter winters with an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The uncertainty surrounding what actual changes may occur at this very local level, even more so in terms of the very specialised habitats under consideration, is such that we do not consider that a radical shift in policy, whether in species choice or management, is appropriate at the present time. It is noted that the oldest trees in High Park have already withstood periods of climate change: including the Medieval Warm Period (c. 950AD – 1250AD) and the subsequent Little Ice Age (c. 1350AD – 1850AD)7.

THE BOUNDARY BELTS

9.18 The boundary belts in the south, west and east are quite different in character to the heartland of the ancient wood pasture. They are planted and ornamental in character. The tall elegant beech, horse chestnut, lime, ash and sycamore provide a sharp contrast to the sturdy twisted oaks. Elm would have once been a component in some places, though does not figure to a large extent in the understorey. The oldest trees, typically the beech are themselves magnificent veterans with diameters of more than 1.5m. These are likely remnants of planting from the late 18th and early 19th Century and have done well to survive the ravages of the 1976 droughts, beech bark disease and the severe storms of the 1990s that took such a toll throughout the rest of the parkland. Many other trees are specimens planted by the 9th Duke and his successors. The boundary belts to the east and south have a definite landscape role. The eastern belt adjoining The Lake is particularly important in the wider setting of the palace.

EASTERN BOUNDARY BELT

9.19 The retention and regeneration of these belts is the key issue to consider. In this respect it is fortunate that these areas have received considerable attention in recent decades, most likely following losses that occurred around the end of the 20th Century. There is a good range of well established younger trees of various species. In the east the planting is now at pole stage having reached a diameter of typically 20cm. Attention is required to

7 These dates are given as general guides only and remain surrounded by scientific dispute. What is generally agreed is that there was a relatively warm period followed by a colder period. We are currently in a, perhaps prolonged , warming period. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 40

the spacing of these trees to make sure that the better specimens have space to grow whilst maintaining a definite woodland-grown crown form.

9.20 There are sections which still are dominated by mature trees, for example around Woodland Target Notes 12 and 38. Many of these trees are in good condition for their age. Careful consideration was given to whether pre-emptive felling of some of these trees should take place to allow additional planting. Our conclusion is that this is not appropriate. Rather we expect natural wear-and-tear to lead to the effective loss (i.e. loss of crown cover) of individual mature trees over an extended period of time – decades rather than years. There are generally sufficient younger trees around to take advantage of the reduced shading that these failures will provide. Where an individual tree fails the opportunity should be taken for additional planting, with subsequent respacing. On the eastern slopes there are additional woodland trees to the west of what is thought to have been the original planted belt. These trees can serve the same landscape function of providing a backdrop to The Lake as the older trees in front of them are replaced.

9.21 The issue of species choice in a changing climate is more relevant here than in the ancient wood pasture. The soils on the slopes are relatively thin and beech is one species that is expected to suffer from increased levels of summer drought stress. There is the additional uncertainty of ash dieback disease as well as the various diseases and pests affecting horse chestnut and the ever present threat of damage by grey squirrel. The plantings already include a range of species and the selection of species from a wider palette would not seem inappropriate. Guidance is starting to become available from the UK forestry Commission on what species may do well under different climate scenarios (Forest Research, GB Forestry Decision Support Systems, March 2013). Additional species that might be considered include Roble beech (Nothofagus obliqua), common walnut (Juglans regia), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).

SOUTHERN BOUNDARY BELT

9.22 In the south much of this planting is relatively recent and will provide an effective replacement feature in the longer-term. Where there are existing gaps, for example on the slope tops of the southern bank additional planting can take place. The far southern corner was in recent history a formally laid out tree nursery. Much of this is now well stocked with semi-mature planting that only requires routine silvicultural thinning. A block of self-sown thorn could make a useful contribution to the level of scrub habitat in High Park if managed appropriately, whilst the existing oak and poplars will provide a long-term upper canopy.

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WESTERN BOUNDARY BELT

9.23 The boundary belt to the west is a different issue. The mature woodland trees at the northern end are quite different in character from elsewhere in High Park. The historic data indicates boundary changes in this vicinity of East End in the 17th and 18th Century though it has not yet been possible to confirm how these appear on the ground. The 1st Edition OS clearly indicates a separate plantation near East End within the High Park boundary and this can still be separated from the surrounding woodland. South of here there is an area dominated by mature beech that has a clear though limited presence on the High Park boundary. This may be yet more planting by the 9th Duke together with mature oak on the flatter ground closer to High Lodge. Further south there are many veteran oaks on the steep slope often surrounded by planting and regeneration of various ages and species.

9.24 The landscape role of the early beech and mixed species plantings on the north-west bank is not as critical as on the eastern and southern banks and can be managed on a more piecemeal replacement basis, clearing and replanting sections as trees fail.

9.25 Further down High Park where the veteran oaks predominate these areas should be brought within the management regime for the ancient wood pasture, taking particular advantage of the opportunities to diversify the ground flora on the sunny south-west facing limestone grass banks. Early removal of planted trees may be required.

THE CONIFER PLANTATIONS

9.26 The presence of conifers within the SSSI is not regarded as desirable from a wildlife conservation viewpoint. The conifer plantations do have a function within the sporting use of High Park and reflect a time of different land use priorities. The previous landscape restoration plan indicated that after felling the plantations should be replanted with a view to creating closed canopy oak dominated woodland. Within the current context the closed canopy oak woodland is considered appropriate in the northern most plantings and the long plantation (discussed in more detail below). Elsewhere a conversion to more open grown trees in a wood-pasture setting is considered more appropriate.

VIEWS AND VISTAS

9.27 Views within and out of the parkland are a key component of the 18th Century landscape for which Blenheim is justly renowned. There are three areas where a clarity of approach is required: around High Lodge, the view to the palace and the view south of High Lodge.

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AROUND HIGH LODGE

9.28 This was historically an area of open ground even into the 20th Century. Planting of conifer and ornamental nursery trees in the 1980s has combined with earlier late 19th Century planting to enclose the Lodge. Replacement of the more recent planting is not proposed when it is due for felling, though occasional wood-pasture replacements would be appropriate. The mature oaks are not proposed for felling as they will make a valuable contribution as successor veterans, however the general character of the area should be kept more open, controlling any natural regeneration that should occur. The 1847 lithograph by Radclyffe (Figure 6) gives an indication of the desired effect. In time the distant views to the west can once again be established.

9.29 High Lodge is rented out and there are high levels of public access past the Lodge, so there is an increased need for screening and privacy. There is a need for a compromise today that would not historically have been so important. There are also features such as swimming pools and tennis courts that do not sit comfortably with the character of a medieval deer park. This area would benefit from closer study by a landscape specialist to determine how best to resolve these tensions.

THE VIEW TO BLENHEIM

9.30 This is noted elsewhere as being a feature created by Brown. The engraving by Radclyffe in 1847 shows a fine view of the palace from High Park framed by trees. It is interesting that the map evidence does not indicate the current clear vista appearing until around the early 20th Century; initially with a clearing through the boundary belt and then the gradual loss of trees along the line of the view. It may be that the broad clearing we see today is a somewhat cruder interpretation of an earlier, more fleeting glimpse of the palace intended to be seen from a now rarely used track part way down the current view.

9.31 Today there are fine views of the palace down the clearing, but only for the handful of estate staff who work in High Park. The view from the palace is of a broad clearing terminated by trees to the east of High Lodge (Figure 19). The clearing itself provides some grassland habitat, though of uncertain quality. The estate has indicated that they do not wish to encourage public access further into High Park. The earlier views are therefore likely to remain largely hidden. There are alterations that might make more of this feature. The non-replacement of the poplars and selective clearance of taller vegetation around the top of the view would afford a glimpse of the upper floors of High Lodge from the palace. Very careful, targeted thinning of the vegetation in the 20m strip between the High Lodge track and the pond and a review of the informal track entrance would allow the more observant visitor to glimpse the palace in the distance when the leaves have fallen, without giving encouragement to wander further off road.

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Figure 19. The view from the palace of the vista towards High Lodge

THE VISTA SOUTH OF HIGH LODGE

9.32 In contrast to the view to the palace, the view south of High Lodge has been a documented feature of High Park since the earliest maps. The vista began to be constrained when two clumps of oak were planted by the 9th Duke and wholly enclosed by mixed species planting in 1963. It is worth noting that this planting takes the form of a wider oak / conifer belt and a narrower beech / conifer belt – the latter more closely aligned with the view south from High Lodge. The vista is known historically to have afforded views to Oxford and beyond. Examination of current maps suggests that the views were most likely to be of church spires in the north and east of Oxford rather than the ‘dreaming spires’ of the city centre. Whether today these views would be available or obscured by the now afforested Bladon Heath and the planting at the southern end of High Park is not known. Mapping of the alignment of the vista suggests that the most prominent feature today might be the John Radcliffe hospital (Annex 2).

9.33 That there was a vista is important in historic terms. However in current landscape terms it is to all intents non-functional. The oaks planted in the vista are well established and will contribute in the longer-term as part of the successor veteran tree resource. The 9th Dukes two clump plantings are both mature and in good condition and also serve to block any view south. Removal of all the trees to re-establish the vista does not seem appropriate at this time. Rather it is proposed that the planting be managed in the long- term towards an oak dominated high-forest structure. In this way it will still retain a distinct character from the surrounding less regular ancient wood pasture. The beech / fir component is out of keeping with this long-term aim and over time it is proposed to convert it to closed canopy oak dominated plantation. This will continue to distinguish this area of High Park from the surrounding wood pasture.

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OTHER RIDES AND VIEWS

9.34 The maps from the early 18th Century clearly show a more formal structure to the western half of High Park with a series of interlinking rides or avenues . What form these took, of even if they existed at all, is not known; though they would appear to fit with the style of the time for more formal landscape compositions. No evidence, other than the obvious western perimeter track can be seen on the aerial photographs nor on the ground. Geographical analysis of tree ages could be undertaken to see if this reveals a pattern. In the absence of reliable data it is not proposed to vary management at the present time to re-establish these features.

9.35 There are other views available from High Park. One of these looks south-east across a glade (Woodland Target Note 16) towards the distant hills of Beckly south-east of Oxford and gives a hint at what might have been visible from High Lodge. This view should be retained. A large cedar in the grounds of the palace gardens is largely obscuring the view. When this tree dies it may be appropriate to replace it in another location.

MAINTAINING THE WOODLAND / GRASSLAND MOSAIC

9.36 Recent years have seen an ongoing debate over the balance between woodland and grassland in High Park and the best ways in which to manage the grassland areas. In the mid 1990s there was a proposal by Natural England to distinguish two canopy zones – an ‘open canopy’ zone and a ‘closed canopy’ zone, in approximately the proportions of 60%:40%. With the renewed focus on the veteran trees and the greater understanding of the development of High Park that this study has allowed, this simple distinction does not seem so appropriate. There is also the issue of how best to maintain and enhance the grassland element if not, in the foreseeable future, through grazing.

9.37 At this stage there is not a clear enough picture of the relative ecological value of different areas of grassland or how best to maintain and enhance them. A more comprehensive survey of the grassland flora at appropriate times of year is a priority. Some areas such as the anthill grasslands in the south are clearly of interest. Others appear less so.

9.38 From the information gathered during this study and subject to the further survey work noted above a number of long-term management character areas are proposed. These are shown in Figure 20:

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Figure 20: Long Term Management Character Areas Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 46

 The boundary belts – managed as mixed broadleaved closed canopy woodland, with the exception of the northern most part of the SSSI where an ornamental conifer component may remain appropriate (~18.4% of total area).  The ancient wood pasture – managed as a relatively widely spaced open grown trees in a mosaic of grassland and woody shrubs and occupying a large part of High Park (~66.6% of total area)  Oak dominated closed canopy woodland – following conversion by management and planting of existing conifer and mixed broadleaf / conifer plantation (~6.8% of total area)  Open grasslands –areas of grassland in which there may be veteran trees which are managed to retain their open relatively un-treed character - in key views, around High Lodge and alongside the lake edge (~8.1% of total area).  The Lodge – the curtilage of the Lodge outwith the scope of this plan.

9.39 Management of the development of secondary woodland is an ongoing issue at High Park. The Phase 1 ecological survey highlights that a considerable proportion of the site is now more woodland in character than wood pasture. This is a consequence of both planting and earlier natural regeneration that became established before the current levels of deer browsing. The process of haloing around the veterans is a specific response to the maintenance of these old trees. This does not on its own address the wider issue of maintaining a more open character to the wood pasture areas. A programme of selective felling of pole-stage trees is required. The long-term aim is to create a mosaic of spaces in which trees of open grown form can develop in association with a diverse shrub and grassland understorey.

9.40 Maintaining the grassland elements will be a particular challenge. Continued mechanical bracken control will be required to prevent this species becoming dominant, whilst undertaking this in a way that does not lead to long-term soil compaction. Cut and collect may be appropriate in some areas which can be accessed by suitable machinery – subject to being informed by the grassland ecological survey. In other areas mechanical cutting only may be sufficient to prevent the development of less desirable species. Whether annual cutting is appropriate or less frequent should be considered specifically. Again further thought needs to be given to the long-term impact on soils of regular passes by heavy machinery. In the areas with anthills or steep slopes periodic mechanical cutting using powered hand tools may be the only option.

9.41 One of the most significant current issues is the level of deer browsing. The impact of browsing on the floristic diversity could not be ascertained but may well be an issue as most areas of grassland are being covered either by deer or rabbits. The impact of browsing on natural regeneration of woody shrubs and trees and useful counterpart

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species such as bramble can be seen easily. Greater attention to deer management is regarded as a priority. The impact of future deer management efforts could be monitored relatively easily by observing the regrowth of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) suckers around the few patches of blackthorn scattered throughout High Park, for example Woodland Target Note 59.

OTHER SPECIES AND HABITATS

9.42 Other habitats have been noted during the survey not least the ponds and quarries. There is insufficient ecological information on these habitats to make further recommendations. Further survey work should be undertaken.

9.43 There are also noticeable gaps in the species records. Bats are one sub-group that are under-recorded and would benefit from specialist survey to improve understanding. The whole issue of monitoring the flora and fauna of High Park is an area that requires attention. In addition to the immediate and specific needs identified in this report there may also be opportunities to draw upon and target the expertise of local amateur recorders to build-up a more comprehensive picture of the natural history of High Park.

SPORTING USE

9.44 As described previously High Park plays a significant role in the sporting interest of the estate. The rearing of pheasants is not a new feature and there are historic references to large numbers being present on the estate. Where the opportunity arises measures to reduce the out of season pheasant population in High Park would be of benefit. Further discussions with the game department may identify changes to the operation of the shoot that might allow either a reduction in numbers of birds put down, or an increase in the number of birds taken from High Park. The location of a feeding area in the south of the High Park and release pens in the north may contribute to encouraging the distribution of birds more widely throughout the SSSI. Further specialist advice such as from the Game Conservancy may be able to identify alternative arrangements for managing pheasant rearing that do not adversely affect the shooting interest.

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SUMMARY REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND POLICIES

9.45 In summary the following issues and proposals are identified.

1. Management decisions must continue to consider the micro-habitats provided by individual veteran trees in addition to the wider wood pasture habitat.

2. Shrub species such as hawthorn and elder and species within the ground flora play an important part in the life-cycle of certain wood decay insect species. Conserving this counterpart flora an important part of conserving the habitat of the old trees.

3. The soil ecology plays an important though poorly understood role in maintaining the overall habitat quality. Damage to soils for example through compaction from harvesting and grassland management machinery should be kept to a minimum and where possible measures introduced to reduce this.

4. The veteran tree surveys are an important tool. Their use to monitor the effectiveness of veteran tree management including the current haloing work should be extended. An interactive link between tree location and condition data would be of benefit.

5. A survey of the grasslands within High Park at an appropriate time of year is a priority to inform future management.

6. The long-term proposal is to develop four types of management unit (subject to further grassland survey) in the following approximate proportions: wood-pasture (68%), closed canopy oak woodland (7%), boundary belts (17%), open grassland (8%).

7. Maintain the current minimum intervention approach to deadwood management.

8. Where possible retain deadwood from elsewhere on the estate close to where it originates.

9. There is not considered to be an imminent need to provide additional large amounts of deadwood.

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10. Where additional deadwood is available this should be dispersed more widely taking advantage of the veteran tree data to identify areas of relative shortage.

11. The conditions surrounding fallen deadwood should be monitored and managed to ensure that these conditions remain suitable for the wood decaying processes.

12. Creating veteran tree characteristics through artificial means is not considered suitable for use on a wide scale. Creation of standing deadwood by girdling of occasional poor quality trees in areas to be thinned, where there is little of this habitat, would be appropriate.

13. The existing programme of haloing around veteran trees should be maintained and the results monitored. It is proposed that the existing haloing programme be planned for completion in the next 5 years (c. 56 trees per year). The overall haloing programme should be reviewed every ten years incorporating the results of ecological monitoring work undertaken in the intervening years.

14. The location and crown conditions of successor veterans (the generation below true veteran trees) should be recorded in addition to the principal veteran trees.

15. The crowns of successor veterans too need to be kept clear of secondary tree growth to ensure they develop full open-grown crowns.

16. Limited respacing of c. 100+ year old oaks will be required in the near future. This may provide opportunities to create new standing deadwood.

17. Natural regeneration as a tool to recruit new oaks needs to be carefully managed to ensure the right tree in the right place. Natural regeneration is currently severely limited by deer browsing.

18. Planting of seed collected from ancient oaks in High Park with suitable tree protection is a good way to get the right tree in the right place and is considered preferable to natural regeneration.

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19. Areas of unsuccessful 1980s broadleaves should be replaced with site sourced oaks to be integrated into the wood pasture management area.

20. At present there are not considered sufficient grounds to suggest alternative species to oak in the ancient wood pasture areas as a response to predictions of climate change. The impact of Acute Oak Decline may bring forward consideration of alternative genotypes of oak or even alternative species.

21. The amount of new planting of oak should be limited to ensure the balance between trees and open space is maintained over time.

22. The replacement / regeneration of hawthorn and elder should not be overlooked.

23. The lakeside woodland and woodland on the southern slopes should be regenerated by exploiting naturally occurring gaps as they arise, rather than pre-emptive felling.

24. A wider range of species should be considered for inclusion in the boundary belts as a response to predicted climate change.

25. The veteran oaks on the western slopes should be protected from competition from new planting and brought into the wood pasture management regime, with an increase in the area of open limestone grassland and woody shrubs.

26. The more recently planted areas around High Lodge should not be replanted when felling is due, to help restore the open character around this high ground.

27. The poplars within the view between the palace and High Lodge should be cleared. Filtered views of the palace from the main track should be created.

28. The beech / fir component in the long plantation to the south of High Lodge should be converted to irregularly closed canopy oak plantation woodland.

29. The oak / conifer component in the long plantation south of High Lodge should be managed towards irregularly closed-canopy oak dominated woodland.

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30. A view from a clearing south east of the plateau to distant hills in the south-east should be kept open.

31. It is not proposed to recreate other historic rides within High Park.

32. With the lack of reliable information on the diversity of the grassland habitats it is not possible at this point to give firm grassland management recommendations.

33. Informed by the grassland survey there needs to be a review of the specific management techniques for maintaining and where possible enhancing different grassland habitats.

34. Deer browsing levels need to be reduced and controlled through long-term management and monitoring of the deer populations in High Park.

35. Additional survey of selected habitats and species is required to provide a baseline and for long-term ecological monitoring purposes.

36. The support of the game department, with outside specialist advice if required, is required to identify ways in which out of season pheasant numbers in High Park can be controlled.

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ANNEX 1: SOILS

Soil information copies from Natural England files with the permission of Natural England.

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ANNEX 2: EXTRACTS FROM HISTORIC MAPS

Source: “Henry Wise’s Plan of Park and Gardens (at Blenheim)”. From “Henry Wise, Gardener to Queen Anne”, David Green O.U.P 1956. Long Library, Blenheim Palace. (c.1709)

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Source: “The Original Layout for Blenheim Gardens and Park”. Attrib. C Bridgeman 1709. Great Hall, Blenheim Palace

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Source: “A Plan of Blenheim House and Gardens”, 1719. Muniment Room, Blenheim Palace. Shelf C/3 Roll B No 4

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Source: “An old map of Blenheim with the Park, Pleasure and Kitchen Gardens”. Possibly pre 1723. Muniment Room, Blenheim Palace. Shelf C/3 No 4

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Source: “A plan of Woodstock Park” “Vitruvius Britannicus”, Vol 3 Plate 26 c. 1719. Long Library, Blenheim Palace

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Source: “A Map of the Manor of Woodstock and the Seven Desmene Towns”, Thoma Pride 1772. Muniment Room, Blenheim Palace. Shelf E6

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Source: “A plan for the intended alteration to the water at Blenheim Palace” Attrib. Capability Brown, c. 1763. Muniment Room, Blenheim Palace. Shelf C/3 No. 3

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Source: “Plan of Blenheim Palace, Gardens, Park and Plantations”. From Guide to Blenheim” (W.F.Mavor) 1806. Probably drawn by Thomas Pride, 1789. Long Library, Blenheim Palace

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Source: The Parish of Blenheim”, c. 1861. Muniment Room, Blenheim Palace. Shelf C/3 Roll B No. 4

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Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright, and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Oxfordshire County Council Licence No LA076805 (2013) Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 66

ANNEX 3: LIST OF PROTECTED AND NOTABLE SPECIES BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013.

Protected and Notable Species List: Extracted from TVERC Data 28.11.2012 Unique species records only. Refer to listing in supplementary information file for full details.

Common_Name Scientific_name Oak Polypore Piptoporus quercinus Slender Smoothcap Atrichum tenellum Smooth-stalk Feather-moss Brachythecium salebrosum Flat-brocade Moss Platygyrium repens Lesser Screw-moss Syntrichia virescens Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta Roman Snail Helix (Helix) pomatia Large Tree-chernes Dendrochernes cyrneus true bug (Hemiptera) Anoscopus albifrons beetle (Coleoptera) Abraeus granulum beetle (Coleoptera) Plegaderus dissectus beetle (Coleoptera) Aeletes atomarius beetle (Coleoptera) Ptinella denticollis beetle (Coleoptera) Plectophloeus nitidus beetle (Coleoptera) Quedius (Microsaurus) invreae beetle (Coleoptera) Quedius (Microsaurus) scitus Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus beetle (Coleoptera) Agrilus (Agrilus) viridis Oak Jewel Beetle Agrilus (Anambus) biguttatus beetle (Coleoptera) Agrilus (Anambus) laticornis Hawthorn Jewel Beetle Agrilus (Anambus) sinuatus Ground-Ivy Jewel Beetle Trachys scrobiculatus beetle (Coleoptera) Calambus bipustulatus Cardinal Click Beetle Ampedus cardinalis beetle (Coleoptera) Ampedus cinnabarinus beetle (Coleoptera) Procraerus tibialis beetle (Coleoptera) Rhagonycha lutea beetle (Coleoptera) Malthinus balteatus beetle (Coleoptera) Malthinus frontalis beetle (Coleoptera) Globicornis nigripes Cobweb Beetle Ctesias serra beetle (Coleoptera) Dorcatoma flavicornis beetle (Coleoptera) Lymexylon navale beetle (Coleoptera) Phloiophilus edwardsii beetle (Coleoptera) Rhizophagus (Rhizophagus) oblongicollis beetle (Coleoptera) Orthoperus nigrescens beetle (Coleoptera) Orchesia micans beetle (Coleoptera) Abdera biflexuosa beetle (Coleoptera) Phloiotrya vaudoueri beetle (Coleoptera) Eledona agricola beetle (Coleoptera) Prionychus ater beetle (Coleoptera) Ischnomera caerulea beetle (Coleoptera) Ischnomera cyanea beetle (Coleoptera) Ischnomera sanguinicollis beetle (Coleoptera) Euglenes oculatus beetle (Coleoptera) Grammoptera abdominalis beetle (Coleoptera) Anaglyptus mysticus Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 67

Flax Flea Beetle Longitarsus parvulus Belladonna Flea Beetle Epitrix atropae beetle (Coleoptera) Psylliodes luteola beetle (Coleoptera) Anthribus nebulosus beetle (Coleoptera) Archarius villosus beetle (Coleoptera) Polydrusus (Eustolus) flavipes beetle (Coleoptera) Magdalis (Porrothus) cerasi beetle (Coleoptera) Taphrorhychus bicolor Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Wall Lasiommata megera Scarce Brown Streak Aplota palpella Lackey Malacosoma neustria Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata Shaded Broad-bar Scotopteryx chenopodiata Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi Centre-barred Sallow Atethmia centrago Rustic Hoplodrina blanda true fly (Diptera) Brachyopa insensilis true fly (Diptera) Brachypalpus laphriformis true fly (Diptera) Pocota personata Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus Common Toad Bufo bufo Common Frog Rana temporaria Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara Grass Snake Natrix natrix Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Gadwall Anas strepera Eurasian Teal Anas crecca Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Common Pochard Aythya ferina Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Leach's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Red Kite Milvus milvus Osprey Pandion haliaetus Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Black Tern Chlidonias niger Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Common Tern Sterna hirundo Common Swift Apus apus Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

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Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Redwing Turdus iliacus Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Willow Tit Poecile montanus Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Common Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes European Water Vole Arvicola amphibius Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus A Long-eared Bat Plecotus Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus European Otter Lutra lutra Eurasian Badger Meles meles

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ANNEX 4 – 2013 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY TARGET NOTES

Note: these target notes and accompanying photographs were prepared following a rapid overview field survey in January / February 2013

Target Note 1. Broadleaved plantation on a steeply sloping south facing bank. The canopy includes horse chestnut, beech, sycamore and common lime. The shrub layer is open with some patches of Wilson’s honeysuckle. The field layer has large areas of bare ground and leaf litter but there is locally frequent bramble, ground ivy and false brome with tufted hair-grass, wood sedge and bugle. At the bottom of the bank, there is a wet ditch that includes some vegetated sections. These areas are locally dominated by greater pond- sedge with reed canary grass, water mint, creeping Jenny, creeping bent and Yorkshire fog.

Target Note 2. Broadleaved plantation. The canopy includes lime species, sweet chestnut, oak, wild cherry and beech. The shrub layer is open with some denser patches including hazel and hawthorn. The field layer has locally abundant nettle with wood avens, ground ivy, wood dock and violet species. To the south, there are a series of small ponds that were un-vegetated at the time of the survey.

Target Note 3. Mixed plantation. This is a small square block of plantation locally dominated by broadleaved species and conifers. It includes Scot’s pine, horse chestnut and field maple. The shrub layer is open and the field layer is largely bare ground and leaf litter but there is locally abundant nettle and some ground ivy.

Target Note 4. Parkland. The canopy is dominated by oak and includes some large veterans. The field layer is grassland with some calcareous character. The grassland could not be fully assessed due to the timing of the survey. It appears to be species-poor and strongly grass- dominated with a low abundance of broadleaved species. Some areas of grassland are mown and there are some small areas that appear to be being kept to a short fine sward by rabbit/deer grazing. Other areas of grassland are rank with a long, dense closed sward. Rougher areas of grassland are dominated by false brome or tor-grass with cock’s-foot and meadow fescue. Mown and grazed areas have a finer sward of common and creeping bent with red fescue and Yorkshire fog. There are broadleaved herbs including barren strawberry, germander speedwell, bugle and creeping cinquefoil. There are also some patches of nettle to the south east. There are small amounts of crossword and lady’s- bedstraw.

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Target Note 5. Parkland. As for Target note 4 but the field layer is predominantly bracken with mown areas of grassland. There are also some denser patches of scrub. In some areas, piles of fallen deadwood have been retained around veteran trees. The grassland could not be fully assessed due to the timing of the survey but it appears to be species-poor and strongly grass dominated with a low abundance of broadleaved species. The grassland includes areas dominated by common and creeping bent with red fescue and Yorkshire fog. Veteran oaks are frequent and piles of fallen deadwood have been retained.

Target Note 6. Broadleaved plantation. The canopy is locally dominated by beech with sycamore, horse chestnut, Norway maple and non-native oak species. The shrub layer includes some hazel and hawthorn. The field layer is locally dominated by bracken or nettle.

Target Note 7. Mixed plantation. Beech, oak and larch plantation. Some of the conifer has been thinned out. The shrub layer is sparse but includes some hawthorn and elder. The field layer includes locally abundant bracken, bramble, nettle and dog’s mercury with smaller amounts of bugle, ground ivy, bluebell and false brome. A separate survey report that relates to this block was completed in 2007.

Target Note 8. Parkland. Trees include oak, ash and wild cherry. The field layer is mown grassland dominated by Yorkshire fog and Agrostis species (including creeping bent) with rough meadow-grass. There are smaller amounts of false brome and cock’s-foot. Broadleaved species include barren strawberry, dog’s mercury, ground ivy, bugle and nettle. There is also some bluebell.

This area was mapped as acid grassland in a previous survey but no acidic grassland indicator species were recorded at the time of the survey.

Target Note 9. Broadleaved semi-natural woodland. There are two water tanks on this area and surrounding areas are wooded. To the south east, there is a small pond with marginal and emergent soft and hard rush. The banks have soft rush with bracken and trees including goat willow and poplar species. To the east of High Lodge, there is a small area of wet grassland with soft rush.

This area was previously described as wet acid grassland but typical species of acidic grassland were not seen.

Target Note 10. Parkland grading into broadleaved semi-natural woodland to the north. The field layer has locally frequent bracken with mown areas of grassland. The grassland is as described for Target note 8.

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Target Note 11. Semi-improved neutral grassland ride. Mown grassland with marshy areas that have locally abundant soft and jointed rush. The grassland is tussocky and is locally dominated by creeping bent with cock’s-foot, tufted hair-grass, red fescue, Yorkshire fog, tor-grass and rough meadow-grass. There are occasional broadleaved herbs including creeping buttercup, germander speedwell, hop trefoil, bugle, common mouse-ear and common chickweed. There is also locally frequent soft rust with jointed rush and lesser pond-sedge on wetter ground. There is occasional bracken and bluebell towards the ride edges. There are some small ponds to the east.

The ride had been recorded as calcareous grassland in a previous survey but other than some tor-grass, typical species of calcareous grassland were not found here during this survey.

Target Note 12. Parkland. The canopy is dominated by oak with ash and silver birch. It includes veteran oaks. The shrub layer includes occasional hawthorn, elder and hazel with some young ash, oak and silver birch. There are also small amounts of blackthorn. There is a very large hazel coppice stool. The field layer is dominated by bracken with mown areas of grassland. Around the base of the trees, and in more wooded areas, the field layer is dominated by bracken with some bramble, tufted hair-grass and some nettle. More open areas have been mown and are grass-dominated. The grassland areas are dominated by rough meadow-grass, creeping bent and Yorkshire fog with red fescue, cock’s-foot, false brome and tufted hair-grass. Bluebells are locally abundant and there are small amounts of soft rush, wood dock, dog’s mercury, ground ivy and bugle. There is an area of depressed, waterlogged ground with a series of small ponds. This area is locally dominated by willows including goat willow. To the north and east, the parkland grades into broadleaved deciduous woodland. The shrub layer is largely open and the field layer has areas of bare ground but also includes locally frequent false brome and some bramble.

Target Note 13. Broadleaved plantation. The south end of this wooded strip is a mixture of English oak, beech and ash with some conifer, silver birch and lime species. The shrub layer varies from open to dense (in patches) and includes ash and locally frequent hazel. There are small amounts of hawthorn and dog rose. The field layer has locally abundant bramble with tufted hair-grass and small amounts of wood sedge, primrose, selfheal, violet species and hairy St. John’s-wort. There are areas of clear plantation but this grades into more semi-natural areas of natural regeneration. In denser areas of tree growth, there is much bare ground but the field layer includes false brome and bramble.

Target note 14. Broadleaved plantation woodland. The canopy includes some mature horse chestnut, sycamore, beech, lime, oak and ash. The shrub layer is open but includes some hawthorn and ash. The field layer includes areas of bare ground with tufted hair-grass, false brome and some bramble. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 72

Target note 15. Broadleaved semi-natural woodland. This area is parkland that has become more wooded. It includes large open-grown oaks with some sweet chestnut and occasional silver birch, lime species and wild cherry. Towards the west end of ride at Target Note 11, there is locally frequent poplar species. The shrub layer has locally frequent silver birch and ash with hawthorn, oak, Midland hawthorn, goat willow, crack willow, alder, hazel and elder. There are small amounts of the climbers honeysuckle and ivy. The field layer is locally dominated by bracken with locally frequent bluebell, dog’s mercury, nettle and false brome. There are small amounts of soft rush, wood sedge and pendulous sedge. There are also mown grassland paths and glades. These are grassland dominated by rough meadow-grass and creeping bent with Yorkshire fog, red fescue and tufted hair-grass. Broadleaved herbs include germander speedwell, wood dock and bugle. On waterlogged ground, there are also small amounts of brooklime.

Target note 16. Broadleaved plantation. Young plantation dominated by oak on grassland with some areas of nettle. It includes areas dominated by tor-grass with cock’s-foot, red fescue, creeping bent and tufted hair-grass.

Target note 17. Conifer plantation. The canopy is dominated by larch and Scot’s pine with some Douglas fir. The shrub layer is open but includes some elder. The field layer includes some dog’s mercury and nettle with small amounts of false brome.

Target note 18. Broadleaved semi-natural woodland. The canopy is open and includes large open grown parkland oaks. There is frequent silver birch with ash and goat willow. The shrub layer includes elder and crack willow. The field layer has tufted hair-grass, dog’s mercury and false brome with locally frequent bramble and bracken. There is also locally frequent bluebell and the grasses rough meadow-grass, Yorkshire fog and false brome. There are small amounts of pendulous sedge and soft rush.

Target note 19. Semi-improved calcareous grassland on a steep sloping north-facing bank. It is locally dominated by tor-grass and creeping/common bent with small amounts of cock’s- foot. There are small amounts of barren strawberry, ground ivy, meadow buttercup, creeping buttercup, common sorrel and lesser celandine.

Target note 20. Broadleaved plantation woodland on a steep slope. The canopy is dominated by beech and lime species with a small amount of oak. The shrub layer is open with a small amount of elder. The field layer is dominated by dog’s mercury with some nettle. Where the canopy is open toward the bottom of the slope to the east, there is locally abundant bramble.

Target note 21. Semi-improved neutral grassland with some planted trees at the edge of the lake. There is a large beech standard and some willows. There is also younger plantation including wild cherry and beech, and some patches of low, open blackthorn scrub. The

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grassland is locally dominated by tor-grass with creeping bent, cock’s-foot and false brome. Broadleaved herbs include germander speedwell, lord’s-and-ladies, creeping buttercup, ground ivy and comfrey. Nettle and cleavers are locally frequent. At the lake edge, the marginal and emergent vegetation includes locally abundant reed sweet-grass and some flag iris.

Target note 22. Broadleaved semi-natural woodland. The canopy trees are dominated by large oaks and there is some moderate-sized ash, oak and silver birch. There are also small amounts of crack willow and goat willow. Shrubs include locally abundant elder with hawthorn, goat willow, young ash and oak. There are also small amounts of field maple and blackthorn. There is a small amount of the climber traveller’s-joy. This area includes a large earth bank. The field layer is locally dominated by bracken areas of mown grassland. The grassland is dominated by creeping bent with rough meadow-grass and tufted hair- grass. Bluebell is locally abundant and there are smaller amounts of dog’s mercury, wood sedge, selfheal, bugle and lesser celandine. On areas of wetter ground, there is also locally frequent soft rush.

Target note 23. Semi-improved neutral grassland. Mown grassland dominated by creeping bent with locally abundant rough meadow-grass and some tor-grass. There are smaller amounts of red fescue and false brome. There is locally frequent bracken and barren strawberry and small amounts of creeping cinquefoil and lord’s-and-ladies. At the lake edge there is also some great willowherb.

Target note 24. Broadleaved plantation with some areas becoming more semi-natural. The canopy is dominated by beech and ash with silver birch, oak, goat willow, sycamore and lime species. There are also small amounts of horse chestnut, rowan and poplar species. The shrub layer is largely open but does include denser areas including hawthorn and some dog rose. The field layer is dominated by bracken and false brome with wood sedge, tufted hair-grass, dog’s mercury, bramble and bluebell.

Target note 25. Broadleaved semi-natural woodland. This is an area of parkland that has become more wooded. The canopy is dominated by oak and includes large open grown veterans. To the south, the field layer is locally dominated by false brome and to the north bracken.

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Blenheim, High Park site visits (14/12/13 and 14/03/13)

Photographs from site visit on 14/12/12

Rough tussocky grassland with tor-grass and anthills at Eco Target Note 4.

Parkland including denser areas of trees and scrub with pockets of unimproved grassland near Eco Target Note 4. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 75

Veteran tree close to Eco Target Note 5.

Parkland dominated by bracken around Eco Target Note 5. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 76

Parkland dominated by oak and bracken with short-mown grassland around Eco Target Note 5.

Photographs from site visit on 14/03/13

Parkland south of Eco Target Note 12. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 77

Parkland at Eco Target Note 12.

Parkland at Eco Target Note 12.

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Broadleaved woodland near Eco Target Note 13.

Broadleaved woodland north east of Eco Target Note 12.

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Grassland ride at Eco Target Note 11.

Small water-filled depression on ride at Eco Target Note 11. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 80

Small pond in parkland at Eco Target Note 12.

Another small pond in parkland at Eco Target Note 12.

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Large hazel coppice stool north west of Eco Target Note 12.

Pond at Eco Target Note 9.

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Pond west of Eco Target Note 8.

Grassland at the lake edge – Eco Target Note 21.

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Parkland at Eco Target Note 15.

Towards northern end of parkland at Eco Target Note 5.

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ANNEX 5: LIST OF SPECIES SEEN DURING 2013 SITE SURVEYS

Summary of the species recorded during site visits on 14/12/12 and 14/03/13

Common name Scientific name Abundance*

Bracken Pteridium aquilinum LD

Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas agg. P

Western Red-cedar Thuja plicata P

European Larch Larix decidua LD

Norway Spruce Picea abies P

Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris P

Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii P

Hemlock Tsuga species P

Yew Taxus baccata R

Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum LF

Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiformis R

Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula O

Remote Sedge Carex remota R

Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia R

Wood-sedge Carex sylvatica LF

Stinking Iris Iris foetidissima P

Jointed Rush Juncus articulatus LF

Soft-rush Juncus effusus LF

Hard Rush Juncus inflexus O

Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta LA

Common Bent Agrostis capillaris LF

Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera LD

Lombardy-Poplar Populus nigra 'Italica' P

Heath False-brome Brachypodium pinnatum LA

False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum LA

Hairy-brome Bromopsis ramosa P

Wood Small-reed Calamagrostis epigejos R

Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata O

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Tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa LF

Meadow Fescue Festuca pratensis O

Red Fescue Festuca rubra LF

Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus LD

Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea P

Smooth Meadow-grass Poa pratensis P

Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis LA

Field Maple Acer campestre R

Norway Maple Acer platanoides R

Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus LF

Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris R

Ivy Hedera helix R

Yarrow Achillea millefolium P

Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense R

Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare R

Nipplewort Lapsana communis P

Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea P

Dandelion agg. Taraxacum officinale agg. R

Alder Alnus glutinosa R

Silver Birch Betula pendula LF

Hazel Corylus avellana LF

Field Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis R

Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale R

Butterfly-bush Buddleja davidii R

Wilson's Honeysuckle Lonicera nitida R

Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum O

Elder Sambucus nigra LF

Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum R

Three-nerved Sandwort Moehringia trinervia P

Common Chickweed Stellaria media R

Common Rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium P

St. John’s-wort species Hypericum species P

Hairy St John's-wort Hypericum hirsutum R

Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum P Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 86

Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis LA

Hop Trefoil Trifolium campestre R

Lesser Trefoil Trifolium dubium R

Red Clover Trifolium pratense P

White Clover Trifolium repens P

Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa O

Beech Fagus sylvatica LD

Non-native oak species Quercus species R

Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur D

Herb-Robert Geranium robertianum P

Horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum R

Bugle Ajuga reptans O

Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea LF

Water Mint Mentha aquatica P

Selfheal Prunella vulgaris O

Ash Fraxinus excelsior LF

Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum R

Hoary Willowherb Epilobium parviflorum R

Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata R

Greater Plantain Plantago major R

Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa R

Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella R

Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius R

Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus R

Creeping-Jenny Lysimachia nummularia R

Primrose Primula vulgaris O

Traveller's-joy Clematis vitalba R

Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria LF

Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens O

Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria P

Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata R

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna LF

Wood Avens Geum urbanum O

Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans R Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 87

Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis LF

Wild Cherry Prunus avium R

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa R

Rosa canina agg. Rosa canina agg. R

Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. LA

Rowan Sorbus aucuparia R

Crosswort Cruciata laevipes P

Cleavers Galium aparine R

Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum P

Poplar species Populus species R

Goat Willow Salix caprea O

Grey Willow Salix cinerea R

Crack-willow Salix fragilis R

Red Bartsia Odontites vernus P

Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa P

Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys LF

Lime species Tilia species O

Common Lime Tilia platyphyllos x cordata = T. x europaea O

Common Nettle Urtica dioica LF

Violet species Viola species R

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus P

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 1

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1

Carrion Crow Corvus corone 2

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus 2

Chinese Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi 1

Fallow Deer Dama dama P

Eastern Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 3

European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus P

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola P

* For plant species, the abundance was recorded using the DAFOR scale. The DAFOR scale has the following abundance ratings; dominant (D), abundant (A), frequent (F), occasional (O) and rare (R). These values relate to the abundance of the species on the site, and not to how common the species is in the wider countryside. Where the abundance or occurrence of a species varies the pre-fix local (L) has been used. Where the abundance of a species was unclear it was recorded as present (P) Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 88

ANNEX 6 – WOODLAND SURVEY TARGET NOTES

Accompanying photographs , target note location map and veteran tree location map are provided at the end of the notes.

Blenheim High Park Management Plan 2013: Woodland Target Notes (WTN)

WTN Comments Photo ? No. 1 Lime, sycamore, birch dbh c.45; over regeneration sycamore, willow, hazel and birch; supplemented with planted beech, field maple, spindle, Norway Y maple c. 5 years old, still with guards. Ditch to east defines boundary of the Rockery which is more ornamental in character. 2 Ancient oaks. Dense regeneration of coppiced and single stem sycamore and ash dbh c10cm. Planted with beech, horse chestnut and wild cherry dbh Y c.20cm some still with guards on. Some more recent planting of oak and horse chestnut now overtopped and shaded. Occasional older ash natural regeneration of various sizes to dbh c. 30cm. Fallen hulks within the regeneration. 3 Small area of naturally regenerating maiden ash dbh 25 – 30cm. A few oak veterans. Y 4 Dense pole stage ash dbh10 – 15cm and smaller sycamore regeneration. Occasional planted beech still in guards. Veteran Ref location 8655. Further north the ash become bigger to dbh 20m and veteran oaks more numerous. 5 Was Cpt 26t. Remnants of fence visible. Maples and sycamore. Very poor quality. Dbh 15 – 25cm. No veterans. The small disused quarry west of this Y area supports a good group of thorns. 6 West of TN5 – dead wood collection and stacking area. 7 A good stand of hawthorn, located north of Veteran Tree No. 8615. Y 8 Large quarry. Rubbish in bottom. Supports dense self-sown ash of various sizes to dbh c. 40cm. Some thorn. Y 9 Area starts c. 10m south of Veteran Tree No. 8619. Early mature ash over replanted beech, oak and wild cherry which is well established with dbh c. 10- Y(2) 20cm. Still with guards on. Merges into the lakeside planting. Planting continues into the western and southern end of the big quarry (TN8). Several small quarry pits in vicinity of the main quarry. A wet flush rises nearby to the south and runs down a small valley towards the lake. 10 North of quarry and TN8 and west of TN9; more mixed in character with ash, thorn, sycamore coppice; occasional semi-mature oak of early veteran form. 11 Good example of successional wood pasture: early mature oak, young oak and thorn, occasional ash, early mature sweet chestnut. Little sign of natural regeneration 12 Mature ornamental planting on high ground visible from palace. Horse chestnut, oak, ash, beech dbh c. 90cm and c. 20m + tall. In reasonable Y condition. Adjacent planting to east (part of TN9) could take over visual role in the longer-term when the mature trees start to decline. Merges into TN9 where includes sycamore with some squirrel damage

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13 Horse chestnut, ash, oak, beech, sycamore 60 – 90cm dbh. Over ash and sycamore regeneration c. 5-10cm dbh, some of which are coppiced. Y(2) 14 Typical wood pasture, veteran oak and ash, plus willow thorn, and birch. Grass appears to be mown(?) Reasonable number of successor veteran oak Y 60 – 70cm dbh. 15 Wet flushes with willow on old quarried ground. Springs and suspended ponds and numerous temporary micro ponds. Just east of Veteran Tree No. Y(5) 8596, and south of Veteran Tree No. 8614. 16 Grassland: clearing with view to distant hills. Likely one of the early historic views from a now disappeared track. Y 17 Spring point and wet ground. Mature (veteran) willow. West of Veteran Tree No. 8579. Woodcock. 18 Was Cpt 26r. Sycamore, oak, horse chestnut 70 – 80cm dbh (late C19th?). Ground wet underfoot, heavily shaded, mature trees in fair condition. No obvious reason why here: a relatively high point visible from a distance? 19 Plateau top. Open, with veteran oaks in mown grass. Bracken where mowers can’t reach. Occasional mature birch and hawthorn, elder. North of open Y areas oaks have been planted, now with dbh c. 20cm. 20 Wet ground. Standing water in small temporary ponds. Willow scrub, occasional thorn, ash and planted oak. 21 Large pond at top of palace view. Mature poplars to east and around pond 20+m tall. View to palace now obscured by c. 20m wide strip of birch and Y willow scrub between road and pond. 22 Reservoir. Remants of synthetic liner visible at surface. Originally lined with dressed stone. Dense willow regeneration within and through the stone. Y Standing water in base, potential for amphibians. Willow damaging stonework. Adjacent steel storage tanks. Area around reservoir damp and good for elder, willow and ash regeneration – very variable. Some veteran oaks, though not under immediate threat from competition. 23 Typical wood pasture, veteran oak, hawthorn, willow. Not mown. A few successor oaks. A lot of oak and willow deadwood on the ground. Occasional wet flushes. 24 Tree nursery: plane, maples, red oak, birch, lime, Robinia. Substantial squirrel damage, guards and stakes still present. Veteran Tree No. 858 is at Y northern end of the area, Veteran Tree 201 at the southern end. Band of planting is approximately 15m wide. 25 Veteran and recent oak in mown grass. Reasonable condition. Young oaks recently part pruned on lower trunk in 2012. Y 26 East of Veteran Tree No. 137. Dense ash coppice regeneration - dbh c. 20cm and smaller. Occasional larger ash to dbh 30 – 35cm. Ground rutting from Y(2) timber extraction. West of here is another wet flush area. 27 Irregularly coppiced birch and willow and ash dbh c. 20cm. Good collection of veteran oaks now being halo thinned. 28 East of the C19th track line is the western boundary of what is taken to be the 9th Dukes planting. At western end still have some veterans near the Y(2) track. Good wood pasture character. Dbh on planted oaks c. 75cm, planted on approx. 18m x 18m grid. Understorey where present includes ash, thorn and elder. Crowns of oaks now touching each other. 29 Beech on sloping ground; lakeside ornamental clump. In fair condition. Dbh c. 100cm, approx. 40no. trees. Shedding branches and deadwood. Y Scattered younger oaks in grass at the northern end. 29A Continuation of beech area. 30 Planted lime dbh c. 15 -25cm at c. 5m centres. Some guards still on. A wedge of planting that will help to replace the visual impact of adjacent mature Y beech when those trees require felling. 31 Core area of planted mature oak. Girths 75-100cm. Natural regeneration of ash, elder and thorn – but not recent. Veteran Tree No. 8569 marks the Y southern end of the mature oak planting. Veteran Tree No. 82 (King Oak?) marks the southwest end of planted rows of now mature oak. Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 90

32 Cluster of good veteran oak, dbh 100 – 200cm. in mown grass. Wet flush to west – willow and thorn, remnants of unsuccessful earlier planting. 33 Mature European larch dbh 20 – 30cm (max 35-40cm) reasonable form, condition and spacing. Pheasant pen. Lakeside fringe of Norway spruce (for game shelter?) also be part of drive for guns by lakeside. 34 European larch and Corsican pine plantation dbh c20cm; appears younger than 33? Two veteran oaks in the heart of the planting. Originally inter- planted with oak and beech but these now suppressed and weak. Cluster of oak of twisted form in centre, no clear reason as to the origin of this growth form. 35 Patchy thorn, mature beech and early-mature oak. 36 Oak planting, scattered oak dbh very variable 40 – 60cm. Very unusual form – low spreading branches that then grow up into big crowns – frost Y damage, genetics, early growth browsing damage??. Lots of deadwood and squirrel damage. Very sparse understorey. 37 Low quality coppiced and possibly planted sycamore. Bad squirrel damage. Occasional early mature oak and ash. Remnants of some oak planting. 38 Lakeside fringe. Mature beech, lime and horse chestnut. Remnants of planted beech, oak and lime with squirrel damage; dbh to 20cm. Coppice Y sycamore regeneration dbh 5-7cm. Important group in views from Grand Bridge. Mature trees generally fair condition. Further north changes to coppice ash and sycamore with fewer big trees. Continues round to start of quarry area with birch and willow evident. Some oak and beech planting but needs maintenance. Further south ash and sycamore, early mature to dbh 25 – 30cm and coppice regeneration. Sycamore is badly squirrel damaged. 39 Veterans and planted oak dbh 20cm+. Grass and bramble. Well spaced. One of the very few areas where there is any meaningful natural regeneration – mostly ash. Grass towards the road is mown. Wall in base of ditch; towards boundary sycamore, thorn, birch and goat willow. Further south clumps of birch regeneration, sycamore and ash dbh 20-30cm. Further south still (but still north of Lodge) mature oak planting dbh 70 – 80cm. Notable group of veteran horse chestnut. Telephone cables pass through from East End to High Lodge. 40 Mixed broadleaf nursery planting. Norway maple, robinia, sycamore, alder, sorbus, beech, red oak, poplars. Most are badly damaged by squirrel. Y Ground was cultivated prior to planting. The planting extends virtually to edge of pond by High Lodge.

41 Mixed conifer – Douglas fir, cypress and Corsican pine dbh to 30cm. Has been thinned. Inter-planted with beech 1 row in 3 – most now suppressed and dead. Telephone cables. 42 High Lodge garden. Wild cherry, oak, maples, horse chestnut dbh 20 – 40cm. Trees in grass. 43 Mature oak planting (continuation of TN39), dbh 60 – 70cm. No obvious layout. Elm occasional in understorey. Ash pole stage with good height. West Y of track includes beech and lime, oak and elm. Some regeneration but being heavily browsed. Different in character to area east of track. Rubbish dumped by wall. Elm present in area that was once separately marked on 1st ed OS. 44 Area of new planting in guards c. 50m x 10m, oak, hazel, field maple.

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 91

45 Mixed age sycamore, ash, beech, dbh 15 – 30cm occasionally much larger. Probably planted. Over young planted beech with occasional guards still Y present, and sycamore coppice. On steeper ground to south are remnants of larger beech dbh 70cm+ some snapped out. Surprisingly much of the sycamore seems to have escaped squirrel damage. Further south, mature beech under-planted with beech to dbh 20cm, still many with guards. Smaller sized sycamore regeneration. Beech on lower slope to dbh 100cm, sycamore on upper slope to dbh 40-50cm – doing quite well, again few signs of squirrel damage – though is relatively large for High Park. Oak Veteran Tree No. 284 in this area. 46 South of Veteran Tree No. 284, sycamore planting, coppice and elm regeneration. Sycamore of very poor quality. Y(2)

SW of Veteran Tree No. 8066 is dense field maple on slope. Signs of rabbit net. Dbh 10 -15cm. Very shrubby. Good hawthorn presence. Includes planted beech and oak to dbh 25cm. 47 South of TN46 very mixed, planting oak and naturally regenerating thorn; grassy glades, blackthorn. Sunny bank good for insects, anthills. Diverse small Y(2) scale habitat. Oaks seem rather stunted, possibly due to thin soils on bank. Old western entrance to High Park still visible with gate in wall and trackway leading into site (photos) 48 South of historic and gate entrance: scrubby oak, field maple and hawthorn. Occasional veteran oaks eg. No. 8061. Character in this area is more wood Y pasture than boundary belt further north. Veteran Tree No. ref 8056 and area to the south: ash becomes more evident dbh to 15 – 25cm, plus elm and hawthorn. Has been haloed. Photo taken south of Veteran Tree No. 8053: 49 South of veteran 8036. Proportion of mature oak (~p1900?) starting to increase. Quite open and grassy, anthills, tussocky. Y(2) 50 Nursery. Occasional veteran trees, some oaks dbh 40cm, remnant of nursery plantings. Boundary bank and old gate. Remnant brick structure. Mostly Y mature thorn, some poplar (possibly P.canescens), dense canopy. 51 Canopy of TN 50 changes around line of middle pond – thorn reduces, canopy opens out, mature beech, lime. Very mixed broadleaves with dbh 10- 40cm - lime beech, oak, occasional douglas fir, hybrid poplar. Lime is predominant – doing very well. 52 Around big pond and boundary and extends north of nursery boundary: younger planting of cherry, oak, beech, lime. Variable age and condition. Some guards still on. Dbh 10 – 20cm. 53 Timber stacking area 54 Young plantation: oak, beech, ash at c. 2m centres, pruned to c. 2m. dbh 5 – 10cm. Sycamore coppice regeneration at base heavily browsed but some starting to get away. Lone mature beech. On upper slope older planted trees: cherry, beech, oak dbh 15 – 20cm. Towards the east more mature trees and more older planting dbh 20 – 25cm , plus younger planting as well. 55 Mature trees and veterans beech (dbh ~200cm), horse chestnut, lime. Early mature lime, elm, ash, beech dbh variable 30 – 40cm and pole stage 10 – 15cm. Younger planted beech, ash, oak by ditch. Veteran trees are fine specimens. Clumps of box on upper slopes. Little other understorey. Note this forms part of longer bank side feature along the Lince which is more visually dominant further to east – towards lower cascade. 56 West of Springlock Gate. Oak and thorns in grass, one veteran beech. Oak are planted, dbh 30cm, crowns touching. Some semi-mature sycamore coppice. Oaks with wider spacing near main track. Pheasant feeding area. Has been thinned at northern end.

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57 New planting around semi-mature oak as per FN54. Lots of Roman snail shells. 58 Plantation Corsican pine and European larch dbh 20 – 25cm. Larch doing ok. Central block of Norway maple dbh 20 – 25cm and occasional larch. Maple of very poor form and badly squirrel damaged. 59 Clump of blackthorn heavily browsed around edge. By Veteran Tree No. 8191 Y 60 Wood pasture: veterans and younger oaks of varying ages. Enough younger trees to provide reasonable continuity. Tussocky grass with anthills which would be difficult to cut. Not all tussocks are anthills. Two main size ranges c dbh 75cm and 15 – 20cm dbh. Smaller oaks often of very bushy form (previous browse damage) and getting squirrel damaged. Individual coppice origin thorn and occasional elder. Occasional clumps of blackthorn. Quite a big gap between the veterans and ~p1900 oaks and the ~p1980s. 61 Soil becomes wetter, wet flushes. E.g. Veteran Tree No. 8287 is in middle of wetter ground. More thorn than surrounding areas. Stand of planted oak Y (61a) small are of perched standing water. Sparse understorey. Wetter central area has a higher proportion of ash dbh 20 – 30cm. Middle of TN61 is near Veteran Tree No. 8283. Veteran Tree No. 8286 in middle of big patch of wetter ground – lots of thorn, willow and elder now becoming derelict. Heading further north ground still clay but not quite so wet. More open and bracken starts to make a presence. 62 Drier clay, bracken dominated; grass where has been flailed. Widely spaced veteran oaks. Patchy elder and hawthorn. Occasional coppiced sycamore Y and field maple. Clumps of blackthorn – isolated. Planted oak dbh 20 – 30cm. Guards still present. Towards the western edge is quarried ground e.g. around Veteran Tree No. 8098: this area quite thorny thicket. Veteran Tree No. 8085 on edge of quarry showing exposed stone face. No sign of structure shown on C19th map. Remnant track – now a shallow ditch, appears to be linked to quarry in south but would need further work to confirm. Might this be a remnant of the historic Bladon / Heynes Woods that were merged into the Straights in the early days of High Park. Clump of aspen SE of oak clump. Suckers being heavily browsed. Oak clump has trees in 40 – 65cm dbh range – same age as oaks in long-view plantation clumps. 63 Veteran Trees No.s 8083 and 8082. Bigger pre-veteran trees (dbh c. 115cm) with a few older veterans. Sycamore coppice, elder and ash. Moving back into slightly wetter soils. Bramble and rush. Patchy hazel and elder. A pre wood-pasture area.

Section west of Veteran Tree No. 8082 dominated by sycamore c. 50m x 75m. 64 South of High Lodge. Plantation, ground cultivated prior to planting: lime, beech, sorbus, Norway maple, ash, sycamore dbh 10 – 25cm, bigger at northern end; some still with guards. Squirrel damage on maple and beech. Quite a high proportion of bramble and some bracken (a relic of previous fencing?). 3 woodcock disturbed.

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65 Long plantation. Y(2) North end: beech, European larch, douglas fir, oak. Dbh 20 – 30 (fir 30 – 40). Bramble, bracken, bluebells, local thorn. Deep ditch receiving water from the north (culvert from High Lodge?) which then drains into a very deep sink hole – also takes surrounding ground water. This section stops north of the northern clump of older oak planting.

South of northern oak clumps become mixed broadleaf oak, occasional Douglas fir.

South of lower oak clump canopy is much more open – oak dbh 15cm and scattered larch.

Bottom section predominantly oak, some thorn. Denser than middle section dbh 20 – 25cm. Few larch – more so towards southern end.

66 Beech and Douglas fir strip c. 25m wide. Beech variable to dbh 35cm, fir to dbh 60cm. 6 main rows at 5m centres, within rows was probably c. 1.5m centres. Squirrel damage present but not too bad. Patchy bramble. 67 Roadside oak. Veterans in mown grass (oak and horse chestnut) some new planting dbh 10 – 20cm. Relatively well stocked and not much space for additional planting. 68 ~ p1960 European larch, dbh c. 35cm. Reasonably well spaced and appears wind firm, looks in good condition. 69 Early mature oak in grass, well spaced. Dbh c 50 – 60cm. Parkland feel which sits well with similar style planting on other side of road. Transition area from formal park of palace to the rougher wood pasture. 70 Clear felled, replanted with oak in shelters. Establishing slowly, fair number of shelters blown over or knocked off. 71 Cedar, Corsican pine, Douglas fir, European larch dbh 100cm+. Important roadside landscape feature. Visual context the local valley and landscape planting on other side of the estate road. 72 Cedar, European larch, Scots pine, lime, oak. Widely spaced trees in grass. Complements other conifers nearby. Role in providing high birds for shoot in adjacent valley. 73 Norway spruce dbh 40 – 50cm. Long term role as part of the conifer fringe to the valley. Old quarry pits nearby. Role in providing high birds for shoot in adjacent valley. 74 Now predominantly Norway spruce dbh c. 20cm. Sheep-net wire around some trunks. Role in providing high birds for shoot in adjacent valley. 75 Similar in character to 26d. Old quarry pits. Douglas fir and European larch. Some big trees to dbh 70cm. Pheasant release pen. Ornamental belt on edge of valley. Remnants of guards suggest recent replanting may have failed. 76 ~p1900 lime. Dbh c. 60 – 70cm. Spacing at c. 10m centres. No understorey, fair condition at present. Stony limestone ground. 77 Dominant feature is mature beech dbh c. 100cm+, occasional lime and willow. Beech showing signs of structural weakness. Steep slope down to lake. Very sparse understorey. Some recent planting in lower slopes – beech and wild cherry and lime. Occasional thorn clumps. Beech often squirrel damaged. 78 Corsican pine and European larch dbh c 30 – 40cm. Pine showing some crown yellowing and thinning. Pheasant release pen. Limestone brash soil.

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 94

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 1

Target Note 3

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 2 95

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 5

Target Note 9

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 201Target4 Note 8 96

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 9

Target Note 13

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 97 Target Note 12

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 13

Target Note 15

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 14 98

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 15

Target Note 15

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 15 99

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 15 Target Note 16

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 19 Target Note 21 100

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 24

Target Note 22

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 101

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 25

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 102 Target Note 26 Target Note 26

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 28 Target Note 28

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 29 Target Note 30 103

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 31 Target Note 36

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 38 Target Note 40 104

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 45 Target Note 43

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 105

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 46 (view from west on old entrance route)

Target Note 46

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 106 Target Note 47 (old track)

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 47 Target Note 48

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 49 Target Note 49 107

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 50

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 Target Note 61 108 Target Note 59 (blackthorn clump)

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 62 (quarry) Target Note 65 (sink hole) Target Note 65

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 109

Woodland Target Notes Photographs (taken 2013)

Target Note 76

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 110

A MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HIGH PARK 2014 Veteran Tree Numbers and Positions (2013 data) Sub-compartment boundaries (red)

8448 8498 8499 8467 8468 8515 8478 8474 8511 8516 8475 108 8449 8503 8473 8497 8500 8513 171 8472 107 109 8496 8501 8450 8514 8469 106 8464 8502 8510 8517 168 8470 8505 105 8495 2012 8451 167 146 110 789 144 8506 8508 147 8509 148 8452 8494 149 8453 8463 8462 166 165 150 143 104 8466 152 8521 784 8692 8582520 8518 151 8691 8519 164 160 8491 8492 8523 8525 8440 783 162 103 8454 84418442 141 8465 8533 8524 873 102 8455 8493 8526 153 829 101 8534 8532 831 8456 140 134 8439 177 139 835 158 133 121930 8531 178 127 857/1 8545 8527 8438 159 857 8490 8546 8543 8535 786 157 138 131 8489 8548 8544 8542 8437 8443 128 111 8551 8549 8528 132 8488 8552 8541 8530 156 788 8536 8436 828 136 135 125 8529 181 137 126 8550 8537 217 182 858 8458 8538 8444 123 122 8460 8565 11979 8459 8566 8555 216 218 183 8446 116 98 787 8556 8636 785 85845039 209 8445 187 118 96 8557 210 184 8447 860 8563 8635 866 8482 121 8567 8558 8553 188 119 95 93 8486 215 219 841 8561 120 94 8483 8481 8487 85680559 824 8480 8634 869 92 8461 208 8484 8479 220 91 8485 8562 225 782 8757795 226 199 781 8572 207 90 76 780 79 66 205 874 192 197 198 8571 224 232 193 64 238239 200 62 8573 8569 849 75 80 8574 82 223 227 74 63 8570 229 201 61 86836031 240 89 71 81 221 72 73 8632 8637 822 202 68 70 900 59 206 58 48 84 8629 57 42 44 85 8638 293 8628 790 4345 855 233 821 47 556 41 49 241 194 67 46 53 8580 294 39 50 8579 242 38 40 54 52 243 37 51 8639 8640 8642 8693 8577 8627 8641 8694 8643 8695 36 8644 8696 8625 35 211 8626 8645 213 26 8647 250 8697 25 8623 8646 764 8682621 8624 768 8618 8615 8617 8620 292 8616 33 8619 32 11 765 8 8581 298 344 30 15 13 34054 347 31 28 7 9 6 86488649 8650 264 348 351 35329 777 349 12 350 352 16 18 8653 8614 8654 354 8582 8651 267 86558656 356 4 851 20 8606 8657 21 23 774 8610 8658 8609 22 8608 8661 8659 758 8662 270 8607 8660 1 86182611 330 8679 362 8596 8594 363 8613 8595 8583 334 8664 8604 8593 366 8602 8665 336 8603 8601 8666 8600 313 371 316 8667 8668 370 735037 372 8598 8584 8669 8599 8670 381582 312 8592 853 868 377 311 379 8597 8678 8671 8591 8590 322 321 8587 8672 424 8589 417416 8588 8586 8677 8673 420 418 423 425 766 422 8585 419 8674 749 84278428 421 445 746 86768675 8432 8430 387 388 8082 8429 427 8433 8431 747 745 428 748 8089 744 389 8083 8434 432 440 390 743 8088 742 439 86808681 8086 435 394 8084 8087 437 8090 436 395 8297 8435 8682 8081 8085 8298 8295 8092 8419 280 8401 8293 8091 8296 8294 8254 281 8093 8420 8299 8255 397 282 8421 8094 8300 8292 8290 8080 8422 8291 8095 8079 8096 8402 8078 8098 8418 8250 399 283 8253 284 8077 8256 400 8072 8249 807380870197 8100 8423 8417 8247 8070 8099 8289 8248 8424 8426 8416 8404 440032 8102 8425 8076 8288 8252 8246 88006698 8101 8075 8103 8257 8286 8245 8067 8106 8244 8232 8074 8104 8110 8285 8251 8684 8066 8238 8242 8243 8233 405 8107 8109 8117 8287 8231 8065 8283 8234 8687 8064 8284 8239 8685 8105 8258 8237 8240 8686 8688 8690 8116 8241 8689 8108 8230 8063 8118 8235 8111 8115 8259 8236 8114 8276 8113 8282 8275 8265 8260 8226 8224 8062 8112 8281 8261 8119 8262 8227 8061 8120 8277 8228 8223 8225 828802872978 8229 8125 8266 8264 81268127 8124 8122 8222 8060 8058 8121 8215 8059 8128 8123 8263 8212 8057 8274 8207 8213 8214 8267 8129 8142 8210 8216 8141 82812718 8001 8206 8221 8273 8209 8211 8056 8131 8272 8205 8219 8130 8143 8415 8270 8723678 8140 8208 8006 8054 8132 8133 8139 8144 8204 8002 8055 8414 8203 8138 8220 8005 8004 8053 8196 8007 8137 8271 8003 8052 8145 8413 8201 81348136 81985194 8008 8051738 8146 8200 8202 8412 8197 8306 80841935 8009 8047 8147 8409 8199 8198 8148 8408 8185 8410 8184 8149 80840645 8406 8193 8407 8405 8012 8411 8183 8043 8044 8192 8150 8153 8182 8011 8165 8158152 8191 8162 8042 8159 8181 80408154 8160 8163 8017 8041 8155 8161 8039 8164 8016 8156 8158 8157 8015 8180 8190 8018 8167 8179 8189 8166 8038 8168 8174 8186 8019 8173 8178 8013 8169 81878020 8172 8175 8021 8037 8176 8025 8170 8177 8171 8028 80238022 8035 8027 8024 8034 8036 8026 8029 8032 8033 8030 8014

8031

ANNEX 7 – HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN – PROPOSED ACTIONS

Proposed management actions are indicated in the following pages, firstly as a summary for 10 years, then as individual yearly action plans. These are recommendations and the timing of individual operations are at the discretion of the site manager.

A summary of the existing compartment data and compartment locations taken from the estate records are provided as introductory sheets.

Blenheim High Park Management Plan. March 2014 111

BLENHEIM ESTATE, HIGH PARK COMPARTMENT DATA Source: extracted from BP whole estate compartment info, supplied Dec 2012

Old Size Size Broad Site Cpt Conifer Species P Year Cmpt Comments/Notes (ha) (ac) leaf Designations Number Ancient oak wood pasture. c1600, Some oak planted by 308c,e,,j 25a 30.61 75.21 30.61 0 OK,MB c1900, SSSI c1900 in approx. 1900. ,l,p,q&r 1980s Natural regenerated oak from early 1990's. 25b 0.18 0.44 0.18 0 MB 85 SSSI 308d Old Nursery Area RC,NS, 25c 0.49 1.20 0 0.49 85 SSSI 308h JL,CP 25d 0.25 0.61 0.25 0 MB 80 SSSI 308i

25e 1.05 2.58 1.05 0 MB 80 SSSI 308k Old Nursery Area c1900, Roundels of c1900 oak 25f 5.25 12.90 2.625 2.625 OK,EL SSSI 26b 63 plantings within stand Beech severely squirrel EL,DF, damaged. This cmpt used 25g 2.03 4.99 0.81 1.32 63 SSSI 26a BE to be a site line from High Lodge. c1600, 25h 3.02 7.42 3.02 0 OK,MB c1900, SSSI 26c

1990 25i 0.36 0.88 0.36 0 OK 10 SSSI 308o

OK,SY 25j 0.99 2.43 0.99 0 64 SSSI 26d C 25k 0.31 0.76 0.31 0 OK 2001 SSSI 308v

EL,CP, 25l 0.72 1.77 0.036 0.684 82 SSSI 308x DF,NM LI,OK, c1800,c 25m 0.22 0.54 0.22 0 BE, SSSI 308w 50,87 YEW c1700,c 1900,c6 25n 2.4 5.90 2.4 0 OK,MB SSSI 308t 0, 84 c1900, LI,OK, 25o 0.53 1.30 0.53 0 c50,c70, SSSI 308v Lime regeneration. MB 84 OK,SC, 25p 0.91 2.24 0.91 0 BE, c30,c50 SSSI 308u

AH c1600,c 25q 3.23 7.94 3.23 0 OK,MB SSSI 308s 1900 OK,BE, c1600,c 25r 1.28 3.14 1.28 0 SSSI 308n SYC 1900 OK,WS 25s 0.12 0.29 0.12 0 2002 SSSI 308m H OK,HC, c1600, 25t 2.11 5.18 2.11 0 SSSI 308a&b AH c1900 26a 0.5 1.23 0 0.5 EL,CE 30 SSSI 312b

26b 0.00

Newly planted standards 26c 1.16 2.85 1.16 0 BE,WL c1900 SSSI 312g&f on bank need to be mapped in 26d 0.22 0.54 0 0.22 EL,NS 30 SSSI 312b

26e 0.13 0.32 0 0.13 SP,NS 80 SSSI 312a

Old Size Size Broad Site Cpt Conifer Species P Year Cmpt Comments/Notes (ha) (ac) leaf Designations Number 26f 0.53 1.30 0 0.53 NS,CP 40 SSSI 312d

26g 2.06 5.06 2.06 CP,EL 64 SSSI 312a Pheasant Pen.

26h 1.12 2.75 1.12 0 LI c1900 SSSI 312c

26i 0.44 1.08 0.44 0 WSH na SSSI 312g

26j 0.72 1.77 0.72 0 BE c1900 SSSI 312g

CE,CP, 26k 0.46 1.13 0 0.46 c1901 SSSI na DF 26l 0.79 1.94 0.79 0 OK c1902 SSSI 312l

26m 0.7 1.72 0 0.7 EL 60 SSSI 312h

Ancient oak wood pasture. c1600, Some oak planted by 9th 312k,l,n 26n 33.11 81.35 33.11 0 OK,MB c1900, SSSI Duke in approx. 1900. &p 1990 Natural regenerated oak from early 1990's. 26o 0.97 2.38 0 0.97 JL 75 SSSI 312o Pheasant Pen. EL,BE, 26p 0.95 2.33 0.28 0.67 80 SSSI 312o CP Open 26q 1.74 4.28 0 0 na SSSI 312n Ground HC,LI,A 26r 0.18 0.44 0.18 0 c1900 SSSI 312q H,SC Ancient oak wood pasture. Some oak planted by 9th c1600, 26s 16.93 41.60 16.93 0 OK,MB SSSI 312p&r Duke in approx. 1900. c1900 Natural regenerated oak from early 1990's. NM,SY Exbury plantings grown for 26t 0.39 0.96 0.39 0 80 SSSI 312t C sale as standard trees Mix of ancient oaks, OK,BE, c1600, mature beech and lime and 26u 5.12 12.58 5.12 0 LI,SYC, c1900, SSSI 312s natural regenerated ash AH 1980s and sycamore. clear 26v 0.77 1.89 0 0 fell

BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN

BCpt = Blenheim Compartment No. WTN = 2013 Woodland Target Note

BCpt WTN Action Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Grassland botanical survey, mapping and review of management prescriptions. All 1 Survey of permanent and temporary ponds All Review veteran tree haloing programme in detail and re-schedule work. 6 Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 amended following review) 24b 54 Selective thin established planting favouring larger growing species 5 24b 54 Remove tree guards (more established planting first) 1 5 24b 54 Review spacing on recent planting, selective thin if appropriate 5 24c 55 Supplementary planting of boundary belt species in gaps at top of slope 2 24c 55 Maintenance of planting 3 4 5 24c 55 Selective thin of pole-stage trees to maintain good growth rates 5 Review condition of veterans and if appropriate take opportunity to supplementary 24c 55 6 plant with boundary belt species as older trees fail Selective felling of secondary ash to favour growth of oak crowns. Review spacing of 25a 43 oak and if required selective fell occasional specimens. This area to become more 6 open in character 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Coppice 10% of thorns and elder to maintain age diversity (subject to control of deer 25a 60 2 10 browsing pressure) 25a 60 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 60 Maintenance of planting 5 6 7 Coppice 10% of thorns, elder and willow to maintain age diversity (subject to 25a 61 3 control of deer browsing pressure) 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25a 61 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 61 Maintenance of planting 5 6 7 25a 62 Remove guards from established oak regeneration 1 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25a 62 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 62 Maintenance of planting 5 6 7 25a 63 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 5 6 7 Clear secondary growth of sycamore west of T8082. Reintroduce small numbers of 25a 63 3 9 Blenheim sourced oak 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 Fell majority of trees retaining a few of the better specimens. Supplementary plant 25b 40 with a few Blenheim sourced oak at wide spacings to recreate wood pasture 2 character 25b 40 Maintenance of planting 3 4 5 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Selective thin. Longer-term seek to convert to more open grassland with occasional 25c 41 3 10 oaks Selective respacing to favour oaks. In longer-term convert to more open grassland 25d 42 3 with occassional oaks 25e 64 Fell the damaged trees. Remove guards 3 Thin remaining trees to retain growth. Long term reduce number of trees to create 25e 64 8 more open grassy character Thin to favour oak component - aim to maintain height growth as well as crown 25f 65A 4 8 development 25f 65B Respace to maintain oak growth rates 8 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25f 65D Selective thin to maintain oak growth rates 4 25g 66 Thin beech and fir prior to supplementary planting 4 25g 66 Supplementary planting of plantation oak to begin transition to oak closed canopy 5 25g 66 Maintenance of planting 6 7 8 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25j 56 Selective thin of oaks to maintain crown development 7 25k 57 Review spacing on recent planting, selective thin if appropriate 10 Clear fell and replant with scattered oak of Blenheim source, encourage 25l 58 3 10 regeneration of thorn, elder and grassland development 25l 58 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 Thin to favour oak and beech; north of track thin to favour oak with spreading crown 25m 52 3 growth form. Long term aim is boundary belt with transition to wood pasture

Thin to favour oak and beech; north of track thin to favour oak with spreading crown 25n 52 3 growth form. Long term aim is boundary belt with transition to wood pasture 25o 51 Remove guards 1 Selective thin to favour trees of best condition and form, favouring a diversity of 25o 51 3 10 species 25p 50 Coppice 25% of thorn to increase structural diversity 3 10 Clear out low quality sycamore. Review haloing schedule and enhance wood 25q 46 4 pasture character. Retain thorn and shrub component. Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 46 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 4 10 shrub layer Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 47 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 4 10 shrub layer Maintain haloing of veteran trees and include successor veterans in clearance work 25q 48 4 to maintain crown development. Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 48 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 4 10 shrub layer 25q 49 Selective felling of trees to maintain crown development on successor veterans 4 25r 45 Remove guards on recent planting 1 Cut back sycamore in southern-most areas and supplement with boundary belt 25r 45 4 species including oak, lime Review spacing across compartment with a view to selective thinning to improve 25r 45 conditions for trees of best form and growth, maintaining species diversity. 4 Boundary belt character 25r 45 Maintenance of planting 5 6 7 25s 44 Attend to guards 1 25s 44 Cleaning of planting to ensure adequate growth 3 25t 39 Remove guards from regenerated oak 1 Review veteran tree haloing programme in detail and re-schedule work, including 25t 39 2 clearing secondary growth around successor veteran oaks. Supplementary planting of small number of Blenheim sourced oak, clearing 25t 39 6 sycamore and ash regeneration where required to get optimum spacing 25t 39 Maintenance of planting 7 8 9 26a 72 No action considered likely Supplementary planting on lower slopes and in gaps in line with boundary belt 26c 77 character (needs to be cross referenced to work of parkland restoration plan re. 3 important views and character around lake) 26c 77 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 26c 77 Removal of guards from established trees 1 Review mature tree condition with a view to removal and additional supplementary 26c 77 5 planting 26d 73 No action considered likely Thin, in consultation with game department to blend in more effectively with 26e 74 adjacent planting. Long-term look to replace conifer with broadleaved boundary 3 10 belt species Light selective thin to increase light levels (in consultation with game dept). 26f 75 Supplementary planting with broadleaved species in line with boundary belt 3 10 character 26f 75 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 Thin, in consultation with game dept. Longer term convert to closed canopy oak 26g 78 3 woodland with replanting 26h 76 No action at present 26i 30 Remove guards 1 26i 30 Selective thin to favour trees of best condition and form 8 Monitor condition. Once trees show signs of deterioration selective fell and replant 26j 29 with boundary belt species. This section to be replanted over a period of time in 8 contrast to WPTarget Note 29A which is replanted as a unit. No action. Regard the long term future of this compartment in conjunction with 26k 71 planting on other side of estate road 26l 69 No action Review spacing with a view to thinning. Longer-term convert to wood pasture 26m 6 character when larch are felled 26m 68 Thin. Long term aim is conversion to wood pasture 5 Coppicing of c. 20% of understorey to create filtered view towards palace from 26n 21 ground level. Do not replace poplars by pond when they require removal. Seek to 4 10 develop vegetation around track-way to discourage public access. 26n 22 Seek professional advice on the condition and maintenance of the reservoir 2 26n 22 Removal of trees from within reservoir - subject to report above 3 26n 23 Coppice willow to allow planting of new oaks. Halo veteran trees as required 3 26n 23 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 3 26n 23 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 26n 24 Fell 6 26n 24 Replant with low density Blenheim Source oak 6 26n 24 Maintenance of planting 7 8 9 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 26n 26 Haloing of veteran trees (subject to overall review) indicated as likely to be a priority 2 8 26n 26 Group coppice of ash and supplementary planting with Blenheim sourced oak 3 9 26n 26 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 9 10 26n 27 Supplementary planting with Blenheim sourced oak 3 26n 27 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 26n 27 Review regrowth of coppice with a view to re-coppicing 6 26n 28 Selective felling of ash regeneration competing with crowns of oak 2 7 Selective thinning of p1900 trees to promote crown development. Girdling of small 26n 28 7 number of selected lower quality trees to create standing deadwood. Monitor condition. Once trees show signs of deterioration, clear this group and 26n 29A 8 replant with boundary belt species. Selective thinning of p1900 trees to promote crown development. Girdling of small 26n 31 7 number of selected lower quality trees to create standing deadwood. 26n 32 No action proposed 26n 35 Supplementary planting of Blenheim sourced oak 8 26n 35 Maintenance of planting 9 10 Girdle small number of lower quality oak to allow crown development of remaining 26n 36 6 trees whilst creating some standing deadwood 26n 37 Coppice and replant with scattered Blenheim sourced oak 2 10 26n 37 Maintenance of planting 3 4 5 Substantial clearing of self-sown ash, sycamore and willow around planted trees; 26n 38 2 10 then supplementary planting of additional Boundary belt species. 26n 38 Maintenance of planting 3 4 5 26o 33 Selective thin - in consultation with game dept. 9 Selective thin - in consultation with game dept. Increase amount of light to veteran 26o 34 trees over a period of time. Light selective thin of oaks - girdling occassional lower 3 9 quality trees to increase amount of standing deadwood in this area 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Minimum intervention area. In longer-term convert to wood pasture when planted 26r 18 oaks begin to decline. 26s 1 Remove guards from older planting 1 26s 1 Thin natural regeneration to favour planted trees 3 26s 1 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 1 10 26s 2 Remove guards from older planting 1 26s 2 Revisit halo thinning 2 26s 2 Thin natural regeneration to favour planted trees 2 26s 2 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 2 Thin planted trees to retain some ornamental character (boundary belt fringe) 26s 2 5 without negative impact on veterans 26s 3 Release crowns of successor veterans 3 26s 4 Halo of veteran trees 2 8 26s 4 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 2 8 26s 6 No action. Do not add further to deadwood pile in this location 26s 7 Selective coppice of 20% of thorn 3 10 26s 8 Clear rubbish from base of quarry 7 Halo thin around veteran trees combined with selective thin to favour range of 26s 9 2 boundary belt species. Remove guards on established trees. 26s 14 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 2 26s 14 Maintenance of planting 3 4 5 26s 14 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 9 26s 15 Survey of flora and wetlands 1 26s 15 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 2 26s 15 Maintenance of planting 3 4 5 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 26s 16 Cut back c.20% of understorey trees on fringe 3 9 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 26s 17 Minimum intervention area 26s 19 Remove guards from younger oaks 1 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak close to fallen limbs where will not 26s 19 3 impede mowing 26s 19 Maintenance of planting 4 5 6 26s 20 Remove guards from younger oaks 1 26s 20 Review with a view to respacing around crown of younger oaks 7 26t 5 Fell 3 26t 5 Replant with low density Blenheim Source oak 4 26t 5 Maintenance of planting 5 6 7 26u 9 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 2 26u 9 Maintenance of planting 3 4 5 Halo thin around veteran trees combined with selective thin to favour planted oak. 26u 9 8 Remove guards on established trees. 26u 10 Thin to allow development of crowns of oak. Retain thorn component 4 26u 11 Review spacing with a view to thinning to retain crown development 9 Monitor condition of mature trees. Group supplementary planting of boundary belt 26u 12 3 8 species when opportunity arises Monitor condition of mature trees. Group supplementary planting of boundary belt 26u 13 3 8 species when opportunity arises, cut back self-sown ash as required

26v 70 Maintenance of planting 1 2 3 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 1

Cpt No. WTN Action Year Grassland botanical survey, mapping and review of management prescriptions. Survey All 1 of permanent and temporary ponds Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 1 amended following review) 24b 54 Remove tree guards (more established planting first) 1 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 1 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 25a 62 Remove guards from established oak regeneration 1 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 1 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 1 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 25o 51 Remove guards 1 25r 45 Remove guards on recent planting 1 25s 44 Attend to guards 1 25t 39 Remove guards from regenerated oak 1 26c 77 Removal of guards from established trees 1 26i 30 Remove guards 1 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 1 26s 1 Remove guards from older planting 1 26s 1 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 1 26s 2 Remove guards from older planting 1 26s 15 Survey of flora and wetlands 1 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 1 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 1 26s 19 Remove guards from younger oaks 1 26s 20 Remove guards from younger oaks 1 26v 70 Maintenance of planting 1 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 2

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 2 amended following review) 24c 55 Supplementary planting of boundary belt species in gaps at top of slope 2 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 2 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 2 Coppice 10% of thorns and elder to maintain age diversity (subject to control of deer 25a 60 2 browsing pressure) 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 2 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 2 Fell majority of trees retaining a few of the better specimens. Supplementary plant 25b 40 2 with a few Blenheim sourced oak at wide spacings to recreate wood pasture character 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 2 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 2 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 2 Review veteran tree haloing programme in detail and re-schedule work, including 25t 39 2 clearing secondary growth around successor veteran oaks. 26n 22 Seek professional advice on the condition and maintenance of the reservoir 2 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 2 26n 26 Haloing of veteran trees (subject to overall review) indicated as likely to be a priority 2 26n 28 Selective felling of ash regeneration competing with crowns of oak 2 26n 37 Coppice and replant with scattered Blenheim sourced oak 2 Substantial clearing of self-sown ash, sycamore and willow around planted trees; then 26n 38 2 supplementary planting of additional Boundary belt species. 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 2 26s 2 Revisit halo thinning 2 26s 2 Thin natural regeneration to favour planted trees 2 26s 2 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 2 26s 4 Halo of veteran trees 2 26s 4 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 2 Halo thin around veteran trees combined with selective thin to favour range of 26s 9 2 boundary belt species. Remove guards on established trees. 26s 14 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 2 26s 15 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 2 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 2 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 2 26u 9 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 2 26v 70 Maintenance of planting 2 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 3

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 3 amended following review) 26s 1 Thin natural regeneration to favour planted trees 3 26s 3 Release crowns of successor veterans 3 26t 5 Fell 3 26s 7 Selective coppice of 20% of thorn 3 26u 9 Maintenance of planting 3 Monitor condition of mature trees. Group supplementary planting of boundary belt 26u 12 3 species when opportunity arises Monitor condition of mature trees. Group supplementary planting of boundary belt 26u 13 3 species when opportunity arises, cut back self-sown ash as required 26s 14 Maintenance of planting 3 26s 15 Maintenance of planting 3 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 3 26s 16 Cut back c.20% of understorey trees on fringe 3 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 3 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak close to fallen limbs where will not 26s 19 3 impede mowing 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 3 26n 22 Removal of trees from within reservoir - subject to report above 3 26n 23 Coppice willow to allow planting of new oaks. Halo veteran trees as required 3 26n 23 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 3 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 3 26n 26 Group coppice of ash and supplementary planting with Blenheim sourced oak 3 26n 27 Supplementary planting with Blenheim sourced oak 3 Selective thin - in consultation with game dept. Increase amount of light to veteran 26o 34 trees over a period of time. Light selective thin of oaks - girdling occassional lower 3 quality trees to increase amount of standing deadwood in this area 26n 37 Maintenance of planting 3 26n 38 Maintenance of planting 3 25b 40 Maintenance of planting 3 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 3 Selective thin. Longer-term seek to convert to more open grassland with occasional 25c 41 3 oaks Selective respacing to favour oaks. In longer-term convert to more open grassland with 25d 42 3 occassional oaks 25s 44 Cleaning of planting to ensure adequate growth 3 25p 50 Coppice 25% of thorn to increase structural diversity 3 25o 51 Selective thin to favour trees of best condition and form, favouring a diversity of species 3 Thin to favour oak and beech; north of track thin to favour oak with spreading crown 25n 52 3 growth form. Long term aim is boundary belt with transition to wood pasture Thin to favour oak and beech; north of track thin to favour oak with spreading crown 25m 52 3 growth form. Long term aim is boundary belt with transition to wood pasture 24c 55 Maintenance of planting 3 Clear fell and replant with scattered oak of Blenheim source, encourage regeneration of 25l 58 3 thorn, elder and grassland development 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 3 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 3 Coppice 10% of thorns, elder and willow to maintain age diversity (subject to control of 25a 61 3 deer browsing pressure) 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 3 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 3 Clear secondary growth of sycamore west of T8082. Reintroduce small numbers of 25a 63 3 Blenheim sourced oak 25e 64 Fell the damaged trees. Remove guards 3 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 3 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 3 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 3 26v 70 Maintenance of planting 3 Thin, in consultation with game department to blend in more effectively with adjacent 26e 74 3 planting. Long-term look to replace conifer with broadleaved boundary belt species Light selective thin to increase light levels (in consultation with game dept). 26f 75 3 Supplementary planting with broadleaved species in line with boundary belt character Supplementary planting on lower slopes and in gaps in line with boundary belt 26c 77 character (needs to be cross referenced to work of parkland restoration plan re. 3 important views and character around lake) Thin, in consultation with game dept. Longer term convert to closed canopy oak 26g 78 3 woodland with replanting BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 4

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 4 amended following review) 24c 55 Maintenance of planting 4 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 4 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 4 25a 60 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 4 25a 61 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 4 25a 62 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 63 Supplementary planting of a limited number of Blenheim sourced oak 4 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 4 25b 40 Maintenance of planting 4 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 4 Thin to favour oak component - aim to maintain height growth as well as crown 25f 65A 4 development 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 4 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 4 25f 65D Selective thin to maintain oak growth rates 4 25g 66 Thin beech and fir prior to supplementary planting 4 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 4 25l 58 Maintenance of planting 4 Clear out low quality sycamore. Review haloing schedule and enhance wood pasture 25q 46 4 character. Retain thorn and shrub component. Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 46 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 4 shrub layer Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 47 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 4 shrub layer Maintain haloing of veteran trees and include successor veterans in clearance work 25q 48 4 to maintain crown development. Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 48 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 4 shrub layer 25q 49 Selective felling of trees to maintain crown development on successor veterans 4 Cut back sycamore in southern-most areas and supplement with boundary belt 25r 45 4 species including oak, lime Review spacing across compartment with a view to selective thinning to improve 25r 45 conditions for trees of best form and growth, maintaining species diversity. 4 Boundary belt character 26c 77 Maintenance of planting 4 26f 75 Maintenance of planting 4 Coppicing of c. 20% of understorey to create filtered view towards palace from 26n 21 ground level. Do not replace poplars by pond when they require removal. Seek to 4 develop vegetation around track-way to discourage public access. 26n 23 Maintenance of planting 4 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 4 26n 26 Maintenance of planting 4 26n 27 Maintenance of planting 4 26n 37 Maintenance of planting 4 26n 38 Maintenance of planting 4 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 4 26s 14 Maintenance of planting 4 26s 15 Maintenance of planting 4 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 4 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 4 26s 19 Maintenance of planting 4 26t 5 Replant with low density Blenheim Source oak 4 26u 9 Maintenance of planting 4 26u 10 Thin to allow development of crowns of oak. Retain thorn component 4 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 5

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 5 amended following review) 24b 54 Selective thin established planting favouring larger growing species 5 24b 54 Remove tree guards (more established planting first) 5 24b 54 Review spacing on recent planting, selective thin if appropriate 5 24c 55 Maintenance of planting 5 24c 55 Selective thin of pole-stage trees to maintain good growth rates 5 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 5 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 5 25a 60 Maintenance of planting 5 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 5 25a 61 Maintenance of planting 5 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 5 25a 62 Maintenance of planting 5 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 5 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 5 25b 40 Maintenance of planting 5 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 5 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 5 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 5 25g 66 Supplementary planting of plantation oak to begin transition to oak closed canopy 5 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 5 25l 58 Maintenance of planting 5 25r 45 Maintenance of planting 5 26c 77 Maintenance of planting 5 Review mature tree condition with a view to removal and additional supplementary 26c 77 5 planting 26f 75 Maintenance of planting 5 26m 68 Thin. Long term aim is conversion to wood pasture 5 26n 23 Maintenance of planting 5 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 5 26n 26 Maintenance of planting 5 26n 27 Maintenance of planting 5 26n 37 Maintenance of planting 5 26n 38 Maintenance of planting 5 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 5 Thin planted trees to retain some ornamental character (boundary belt fringe) without 26s 2 5 negative impact on veterans 26s 14 Maintenance of planting 5 26s 15 Maintenance of planting 5 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 5 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 5 26s 19 Maintenance of planting 5 26t 5 Maintenance of planting 5 26u 9 Maintenance of planting 5 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 6

Cpt WTN Action Year All Review veteran tree haloing programme in detail and re-schedule work. 6 Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 6 amended following review) Review condition of veterans and if appropriate take opportunity to supplementary 24c 55 6 plant with boundary belt species as older trees fail Selective felling of secondary ash to favour growth of oak crowns. Review spacing 25a 43 of oak and if required selective fell occasional specimens. This area to become 6 more open in character 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 6 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 6 25a 60 Maintenance of planting 6 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 6 25a 61 Maintenance of planting 6 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 6 25a 62 Maintenance of planting 6 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 6 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 6 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 6 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 6 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 6 25g 66 Maintenance of planting 6 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 6 25l 58 Maintenance of planting 6 25r 45 Maintenance of planting 6 Supplementary planting of small number of Blenheim sourced oak, clearing 25t 39 6 sycamore and ash regeneration where required to get optimum spacing 26c 77 Maintenance of planting 6 26f 75 Maintenance of planting 6 Review spacing with a view to thinning. Longer-term convert to wood pasture 26m 6 character when larch are felled 26n 23 Maintenance of planting 6 26n 24 Fell 6 26n 24 Replant with low density Blenheim Source oak 6 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 6 26n 26 Maintenance of planting 6 26n 27 Maintenance of planting 6 26n 27 Review regrowth of coppice with a view to re-coppicing 6 Girdle small number of lower quality oak to allow crown development of remaining 26n 36 6 trees whilst creating some standing deadwood 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 6 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 6 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 6 26s 19 Maintenance of planting 6 26t 5 Maintenance of planting 6 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 7

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 7 amended following review) 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 7 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 7 25a 60 Maintenance of planting 7 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 7 25a 61 Maintenance of planting 7 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 7 25a 62 Maintenance of planting 7 25a 63 Maintenance of planting 7 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 7 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 7 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 7 25g 66 Maintenance of planting 7 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 7 25j 56 Selective thin of oaks to maintain crown development 7 25r 45 Maintenance of planting 7 25t 39 Maintenance of planting 7 26n 24 Maintenance of planting 7 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 7 26n 28 Selective felling of ash regeneration competing with crowns of oak 7 Selective thinning of p1900 trees to promote crown development. Girdling of small 26n 28 7 number of selected lower quality trees to create standing deadwood. Selective thinning of p1900 trees to promote crown development. Girdling of small 26n 31 7 number of selected lower quality trees to create standing deadwood. 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 7 26s 8 Clear rubbish from base of quarry 7 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 7 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 7 26s 20 Review with a view to respacing around crown of younger oaks 7 26t 5 Maintenance of planting 7 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 8

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 8 amended following review) 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 8 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 8 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 8 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 8 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 8 Thin remaining trees to retain growth. Long term reduce number of trees to create 25e 64 8 more open grassy character Thin to favour oak component - aim to maintain height growth as well as crown 25f 65A 8 development 25f 65B Respace to maintain oak growth rates 8 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 8 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 8 25g 66 Maintenance of planting 8 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 8 25t 39 Maintenance of planting 8 26i 30 Selective thin to favour trees of best condition and form 8 Monitor condition. Once trees show signs of deterioration selective fell and replant 26j 29 with boundary belt species. This section to be replanted over a period of time in 8 contrast to WPTarget Note 29A which is replanted as a unit. 26n 24 Maintenance of planting 8 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 8 26n 26 Haloing of veteran trees (subject to overall review) indicated as likely to be a priority 8 Monitor condition. Once trees show signs of deterioration, clear this group and replant 26n 29A 8 with boundary belt species. 26n 35 Supplementary planting of Blenheim sourced oak 8 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 8 26s 4 Halo of veteran trees 8 26s 4 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 8 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 8 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 8 Halo thin around veteran trees combined with selective thin to favour planted oak. 26u 9 8 Remove guards on established trees. Monitor condition of mature trees. Group supplementary planting of boundary belt 26u 12 8 species when opportunity arises Monitor condition of mature trees. Group supplementary planting of boundary belt 26u 13 8 species when opportunity arises, cut back self-sown ash as required BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 9

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as amended All 9 following review) 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 9 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 9 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 9 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 9 Clear secondary growth of sycamore west of T8082. Reintroduce small numbers of 25a 63 9 Blenheim sourced oak 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 9 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 9 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 9 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 9 25t 39 Maintenance of planting 9 26n 24 Maintenance of planting 9 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 9 26n 26 Group coppice of ash and supplementary planting with Blenheim sourced oak 9 26n 26 Maintenance of planting 9 26n 35 Maintenance of planting 9 26o 33 Selective thin - in consultation with game dept. 9 Selective thin - in consultation with game dept. Increase amount of light to veteran trees 26o 34 over a period of time. Light selective thin of oaks - girdling occassional lower quality trees to 9 increase amount of standing deadwood in this area 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 9 26s 14 Plant small numbers of Blenheim sourced oak 9 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 9 26s 16 Cut back c.20% of understorey trees on fringe 9 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 9 26u 11 Review spacing with a view to thinning to retain crown development 9 BLENHEIM HIGH PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013. COMPARTMENT ACTION PLAN YEAR 10

Cpt WTN Action Year Maintain haloing of veteran trees according to existing work programme (and as All 10 amended following review) 25a 59 Monitor growth to guage deer browsing pressure 10 25a 60 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 10 Coppice 10% of thorns and elder to maintain age diversity (subject to control of deer 25a 60 10 browsing pressure) 25a 61 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 10 25a 62 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 10 25b 40 Reintroduce grassland cutting as part of re-instating clearing around High Lodge 10 Selective thin. Longer-term seek to convert to more open grassland with occasional 25c 41 10 oaks 25f 65B Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 10 25f 65C Grassland and bracken management as informed by botanical survey 10 25h 67 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 10 25k 57 Review spacing on recent planting, selective thin if appropriate 10 Clear fell and replant with scattered oak of Blenheim source, encourage regeneration 25l 58 10 of thorn, elder and grassland development Selective thin to favour trees of best condition and form, favouring a diversity of 25o 51 10 species 25p 50 Coppice 25% of thorn to increase structural diversity 10 Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 46 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 10 shrub layer Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 47 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 10 shrub layer Coppice c. 30% of thorn, field maple and other shrub species to prevent 25q 48 oovercrowding of successors and veteran trees and maintain structural diversity in 10 shrub layer Thin, in consultation with game department to blend in more effectively with 26e 74 adjacent planting. Long-term look to replace conifer with broadleaved boundary belt 10 species Light selective thin to increase light levels (in consultation with game dept). 26f 75 Supplementary planting with broadleaved species in line with boundary belt 10 character Coppicing of c. 20% of understorey to create filtered view towards palace from 26n 21 ground level. Do not replace poplars by pond when they require removal. Seek to 10 develop vegetation around track-way to discourage public access. 26n 25 Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 10 26n 26 Maintenance of planting 10 26n 35 Maintenance of planting 10 26n 37 Coppice and replant with scattered Blenheim sourced oak 10 Substantial clearing of self-sown ash, sycamore and willow around planted trees; then 26n 38 10 supplementary planting of additional Boundary belt species. 26q Grassland management as informed by botanical survey 10 26s 1 Supplementary planting of Blenheim source oak 10 26s 7 Selective coppice of 20% of thorn 10 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 10 26s 16 Bi annual bracken cut subject to grassland survey 10