Palace Park Wood

Management Plan 2019-2024 Palace Park Wood

MANAGEMENT PLAN - CONTENTS PAGE

ITEM Page No.

Introduction Plan review and updating Woodland Management Approach Summary 1.0 Site details 2.0 Site description 2.1 Summary Description 2.2 Extended Description 3.0 Public access information 3.1 Getting there 3.2 Access / Walks 4.0 Long term policy 5.0 Key Features 5.1 Secondary Woodland 5.2 Connecting People with woods & trees 6.0 Work Programme

Appendix 1: Compartment descriptions Glossary

MAPS

Access Conservation Features Management

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THE WOODLAND TRUST

INTRODUCTION PLAN REVIEW AND UPDATING

The Trust¶s corporate aims and management The information presented in this Management approach guide the management of all the plan is held in a database which is continuously Trust¶s properties, and are described on Page 4. being amended and updated on our website. These determine basic management policies Consequently this printed version may quickly and methods, which apply to all sites unless become out of date, particularly in relation to the specifically stated otherwise. Such policies planned work programme and on-going include free public access; keeping local people monitoring observations. informed of major proposed work; the retention Please either consult The Woodland Trust of old trees and dead wood; and a desire for website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk or contact the management to be as unobtrusive as possible. Woodland Trust The Trust also has available Policy Statements ([email protected]) to confirm covering a variety of woodland management details of the current management programme. issues. There is a formal review of this plan every 5 The Trust¶s management plans are based on the years and a summary of monitoring results can identification of Key Features for the site and be obtained on request. setting objectives for their management. A monitoring programme (not included in this plan) ensures that these objectives are met and any necessary management works are carried out.

Any legally confidential or sensitive species information about this site is not included in this version of the plan.

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WOODLAND MANAGEMENT APPROACH

The management of our woods is based on our charitable purposes, and is therefore focused on improving woodland biodiversity and increasing peoples¶understanding and enjoyment of woodland. Our strategic aims are to: Protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future Work with others to create more native woodlands and places rich in trees Inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees All our sites have a management plan which is freely accessible via our website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk. Our woods are managed to the UK Woodland Assurance Standard 8.:$6 DQGDUHFHUWLILHGZLWKWKH)RUHVW6WHZDUGVKLS&RXQFLO )6& XQGHUOLFHQFH)6& C009406 and through independent audit. In addition to the guidelines below we have specific guidance and policies on issues of woodland management which we review and update from time to time. We recognise that all woods are different and that the management of our sites should also reflect their local landscape and where appropriate support local projects and initiatives. Guidelines like these provide a necessary overarching framework to guide the management of our sites but such management also requires decisions based on local circumstances and our Site Manager¶s intimate knowledge of each site. The following guidelines help to direct our woodland management: 1. Our woods are managed to maintain their intrinsic key features of value and to reflect those of the surrounding landscape. We intervene when there is evidence that it is necessary to maintain or improve biodiversity and to further the development of more resilient woods and landscapes. 2. We establish new native woodland using both natural regeneration and tree planting, but largely the latter, particularly when there are opportunities for involving people. 3. We provide free public access to woods for quiet, informal recreation and our woods are managed to make them accessible, welcoming and safe. 4. The long term vision for our non-native plantations on ancient woodland sites is to restore them to predominantly native species composition and semi-natural structure, a vision that equally applies to our secondary woods. 5. Existing semi-natural open-ground and freshwater habitats are restored and maintained wherever their management can be sustained and new open ground habitats created where appropriate. 6. The heritage and cultural value of sites is taken into account in our management and, in particular, our ancient trees are retained for as long as possible. 7. Woods can offer the potential to generate income both from the sustainable harvesting of wood products and the delivery of other services. We will therefore consider the potential to generate income from our estate to help support our aims. 8. We work with neighbours, local people, organisations and other stakeholders in developing the management of our woods. We recognise the benefits of local community woodland ownership and management. Where appropriate we allow our woods to be used to support local woodland, conservation, education and access initiatives. 9. We use and offer the estate where appropriate, for the purpose of demonstration, evidence gathering and research associated with the conservation, recreational and sustainable management of woodlands. In particular we will develop and maintain a network of long-term monitoring sites across the estate. 10 Any activities we undertake will conform to sustainable forest management principles, be appropriate for the site and will be balanced with our primary objectives of enhancing the biodiversity and recreational value of our woods and the wider landscapes.

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SUMMARY

This public management plan briefly describes the site, specifically mentions information on public access, sets out the long term policy and lists the Key Features which drive management actions. The Key Features are specific to this site ±their significance is outlined together with their long (50 year+) and short (5 year) term objectives. The short term objectives are complemented by a detailed Work Programme for the period of this management plan. Detailed compartment descriptions are listed in the appendices which include any major management constraints and designations. A short glossary of technical terms is at the end. The Key Features and general woodland condition of this site are subject to a formal monitoring programme which is maintained in a central database. A summary of monitoring results is available on request.

1.0 SITE DETAILS

Site name: Palace Park Wood Location: Otford Grid reference: TQ529586, OS 1:50,000 Sheet No. 188 Area: 4.72 hectares (11.66 acres) Designations: Green Belt, Special Landscape Area

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION

2.1 Summary Description 7KLVSRFNHWVL]HGGHFLGXRXVZRRGODQGLVRQWKHHGJHRI2WIRUG9LOODJHDQGFRQWDLQVORYHO\ZLGH paths, a wildlife pond and open grassy areas. The wood was planted in 1997/1998 with the aid of volunteers as part of the Woodland Trusts 'Woods on Your Doorstep' scheme. 2.2 Extended Description Palace Park Wood is located south of Otford village, near Sevenoaks in Kent, and was leased from Otford Parish Council in 1997 for 199 years as a local community woodland. This woodland lies adjacent to the rear gardens of residential properties to the north, pasture fields to the east and a cemetery to the south and east. The western boundary of the site is bordered by the Sevenoaks road (A225). It lies in an area of green belt land and a µSpecial Landscape Area¶(SLA).

Otford sits at the southern boundary of the North Downs National Character Area, cut by the southern end of the Darent Valley where the river turns to flow through the North Downs to the Thames. Although the North Downs are typically characterised by chalk grasslands, Palace Park Wood sits within a geographically transitional zone, at the northernmost point of a thin belt of Gault Clay formation. This underlying Gault Clay valley typically features heavy, poorly drained soils, although there are some overlaying chalk clay drifts located along this boundary of the belt. This composition alongside the fact that the site is low lying and level means despite the ditch system it is liable to water logging during wet winter months. There is an established small shallow pond

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towards the southern end, surrounded by coppiced willows, and a variable water level depending on seasonal precipitation.

The site was planted by volunteers and contractors with mixed native broadleaved trees in 1997/1998 to form secondary woodland as part of the Woodland Trust's 'Woods on Your Door Step' (WOYD) project to celebrate the millennium. The mixture of species included ash, oak, birch, alder, Guelder rose, and goat willow and was planted to incorporate the blocks of mature hawthorn already present on site. Ash makes up the main tree species in the plantation areas and most are suffering from ash dieback. The degree of decline varies from very early symptoms (<5%) to advanced (>50%).

Whilst most of the trees are 20 year old plantation trees, there is an exceptional example of a healthy 250+ year old oak tree in the southwest of the site, across the path from the pond. Due to the large girth (5.25m) and wide canopy, the tree is recorded as a notable tree on the Ancient Tree Inventory.

Around 40% of the site is semi natural open ground habitat. This improved, nutrient rich neutral grassland contains a limited number of flora species and is generally dominated by bramble, common nettle, with some areas of Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium) and Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) present. The large meadow space helps to retain the views over to the North Downs, while the edges are being left to gradually fill in by natural regeneration. The rest of the site is a mixture of planting and natural regeneration. The succession of trees and shrubs along with diverse ground flora has been slow to establish due to the presence of heavy weed species in the open ground area and a lack of large adjacent grassland areas which help to promote natural colonisation.

There is a network of grass paths for visitors to get around the site, starting from the main access point, situated next to the cemetery car park. There are a further three entrance points for visitors to access off Sevenoaks Road in the west, the legal footpath in the northeast and the cemetery to the east. There are three sleeper footbridges and three culverts for access across the ditch system and two dedication benches for visitors to enjoy.

Two wayleaves cross the site which have been left unplanted due to the underground services present. One is a low pressure gas pipeline located just south of the pond and the other is a communications cable running east to west through the middle of the open ground area.

3.0 PUBLIC ACCESS INFORMATION

3.1 Getting there

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By Train: There is train station in Otford which is approximately 15 minutes¶walk from the site (1 mile). Services go to and from central London and Maidstone/ East Kent. From the station follow the main road left to the roundabout. Go left at the roundabout, following the main Sevenoaks road. Turn left for the cemetery, on to Old Otford Road, just before the bridge. Go through the main entrance to the wood next to the car park.

By Bus: The nearest bus stop is located at Bubblestone Road, a short walk from the site (0.5miles)

By Car: The site is located just off the A225 (Sevenoaks Road) southbound from Otford centre. Take the left turning just after the point where the A225 becomes a dual lane carriageway, following the signs for the no through road. This will lead to Otford Cemetery car park, off Old Otford Road, and parking is available on both the road and in the car park free of charge. Palace Park Wood is found on your left as you enter the car park.

There are 4 entrance points at this woodland. The main entrance is from the cemetery car-park through a gate. There is also a squeeze-gap entrance on the west boundary next to the A225, a stile entrance from the cemetery on the southern boundary and a kissing gate on the eastern boundary which links with a public right of way over an adjacent field. There is a network of paths covering the full area of the site. All of these paths are on unsurfaced ground and can become waterlogged, especially in the winter months.

3.2 Access / Walks

There is a network of paths covering the full area of the site. All of these paths are on unsurfaced ground and can become waterlogged, especially in the winter.

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4.0 LONG TERM POLICY

In the future, the millennium planted woodland of Palace Park Wood will have gradually expanded into approximately 80% native broadleaf tree and shrub cover and 20% open ground. Overall, the site will be made up of a diverse broadleaf high forest and areas of open space, which will provide an important structural diversity of woodland habitat for birds and small mammals. The combination of natural and manmade open space will ensure the aesthetic view over to the North Downs is preserved.

The mature oak tree (250+ years old), located west of the pond, will continue to be an important tree at Palace Park. Appropriate management and monitoring of the tree will continue to support the tree as it ages into a veteran/ancient oak.

Natural processes will continue to shape the wood. The effects of tree disease, notably ash dieback, will naturally thin out the crowded canopy of the planted woodland and provide important decaying wood habitat, benefiting invertebrate and fungal communities. The species diversity within this woodland, including oak, field maple, birch, alder, willow and hawthorn will continue to act as seed sources for natural regeneration. There may potentially be the need for active replanting in the ash dominated blocks, which could feature a significant loss of trees creating undesirably large gaps in the canopy. Species should be selected with the Gault Clay soils in mind, and where possible create greater variation within the stands in order to heighten biodiversity potential and long term prosperity of trees, especially where ash regeneration is also showing signs of dieback.

On-going monitoring will ensure public access remains easy and safe. Palace Park Wood will continue to act as an important green space within Otford, providing a welcoming and enjoyable environment for quiet, informal recreation. This will be achieved through a managed path and entrance network and regular safety inspections of site infrastructure and of higher risk tree zones. All Woodland Trust sites are focused on improving woodland biodiversity and increasing people¶s understanding and enjoyment of woodland, to help create a UK rich in native woods and trees, for people and wildlife.

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5.0 KEY FEATURES

The Key Features of the site are identified and described below. They encapsulate what is important about the site. The short and long-term objectives are stated and any management necessary to maintain and improve the Key Feature.

5.1 Secondary Woodland Description Planted in 1997 as part of the 'Woods on Your Door Step' (WOYD) scheme, the blocks of secondary woodland at Palace Park Wood (2.8ha) are made up from predominantly ash, pedunculate oak, downy birch, alder, hazel, Guelder rose, goat willow and hawthorn. Pre-plantation hedgerows have been incorporated into the areas of planted trees and now form large mature hawthorns within the mix. There is an exceptional example of a healthy 250+ year old oak tree across the path from the pond. There is a small shallow pond towards the southern end which is surrounded by coppiced willows. The 1.9 hectare unplanted area (equating to 40% of site) is mostly found in the northern part of the wood and is composed from improved, nutrient rich neutral grassland, currently maintained as semi natural open ground habitat in the form of a ride network and large meadow. This space has an important role in retaining the views over the North Downs, however the aim is to encourage the edges to fill in by natural regeneration and gradually reduce the open ground habitat to 20% coverage across the site.

Palace Park Wood is located on a thin band of Gault Clay bedrock at the southern transitional boundary of the north Kent chalk ridge downlands. The predominantly clay based composition leads to poorly drained, heavy soils which can become very waterlogged in the winter. They also warm up slowly over spring which can lead to delayed plant growth, then become very dry at the height of summer. This cycle has seemingly impacted on tree regeneration and ground flora establishment with the meadow area which has been slow to develop, allowing fast growing bramble and nettles to utilise the available soil nutrients and take hold.

The site has been impacted by the ash dieback fungus (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), with a number of trees succumbing to the disease. This will begin to change the species composition originally established within the secondary woodland areas and potentially the aesthetics of the site. The wood will continue to be managed through minimal intervention, allowing natural regeneration to take place within the wooded areas and to gradually replace any ash that has been lost. Currently oak, ash and shrub species are regenerating within the wooded areas, but at this time it is uncertain whether the ash seedlings will show any resiliency to dieback. Significance

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Sites of this kind help to increase the area of native woodland in an area of the country with intense developmental pressures such as road construction and new housing. Palace Park Wood also allows native species of animals, fungi and plants new environments and habitats in which to exist. It falls within green belt land and a µSpecial Landscape Area¶(SLA).

This area of Gault Clay supports small fields of permanent pasture bounded by hedgerows or oak/ ash woodland within Otford. Otford is also characterised by its unspoilt rural countryside, composed of a tapestry of well tended pasture and rolling chalk hills featuring iconic views of the Kent Downs. Key woodland sites sit within the landscape, and nearby Oxenhill Shaw and Meadow is a fine example of a naturally regenerated woodland. Both wooded and open, green space is integral to the identity of rural life in Otford and should be encouraged and preserved.

Due to the large girth (5.25m) and wide canopy of the mature oak in the southwest of the site, the tree is recorded as a notable tree on the Ancient Tree Inventory. Opportunities & Constraints Opportunities:

The impacts of ash dieback may result in the need for future planting of trees in order to fill in any significant gaps in the canopy. This allows for the opportunity to introduce a greater diversity of tree species on site through the creation of more mixed stands. This also increases the biodiversity potential of the site and will encourage a wider range of birds, invertebrates and key pollinators.

Constraints:

Weedy growth around wooded edges may restrict the long term vision for natural regeneration to take hold and establish.

Clay soils can easily loose structure when compacted by machinery or pedestrians and any increase in visitor numbers or machine-based operations could also impact on growth potential. Factors Causing Change Ash dieback- This will threaten the species mixture of the secondary woodland areas due to the likely loss of the majority of ash on site. However, the effects of ash dieback will also create opportunities, through the increasing decaying wood habitat provided by dying ash trees and regeneration of an understorey prompted by increasing light levels in the ash stands.

Scrub habitat- Potential development of this around the existing open ground areas Long term Objective (50 years+)

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Palace Park Wood will be encouraged to grow and develop into a mix of 80% native broadleaf tree and shrub cover and 20% semi natural open ground cover. More trees and woody shrubs will establish and the site will begin to develop a more natural structure and composition, benefiting wildlife and enhancing the aesthetics of the site. The mature oak tree (250+ years old), will continue to be an important tree at Palace Park. Appropriate management and monitoring of the tree will continue to support the tree as it ages into a veteran/ancient oak.

Although any disease tolerant ash trees will be retained where possible, it is likely that ash will become a very minor species within the next 50 years due to the impacts of ash dieback. Natural regeneration of other native broadleaves such as oak and birch will establish in the areas where ash has died, to eventually close up any gaps in the canopy and create a resilient woodland, supplemented by planting of a more diverse range of trees where needed. The accumulation of deadwood will also provide an important habitat for invertebrates and fungi, which will in turn support the development of a healthy woodland ecosystem.

Short term management Objectives for the plan period (5 years) The short term objective is to contribute towards the maintenance of a structurally diverse woodland, aiming to increase biodiversity potential and woodland resilience, particularly in the face of tree disease. In the next 5 year plan period work will concentrate on dealing with the effects of ash dieback and maintaining the open habitat

This will be achieved by:

- Coppice up to 1ha of ash affected by ADB in tree safety zones A and B (in at least 4 separate blocks). Zone A works due 2019. Zone B works (2/3 rideside scallops) due 2020. Monitor regrowth/natural regeneration to ensure full stocking in 2022.

- Monitor and halo thin, as required, around the mature oak tree.

- Mow approx 1ha of meadow in the north of the site on a biannual regime for two years, transitioning to an annual regime thereafter. Cuttings to be removed from mowed area on late season cut, as necessary.

- By 2024 establish a scrub margin around the meadow area with a minimum width of 5m and total length of 470m around the meadow perimeter. This transitional zone should include a minimum of 50% naturally-regenerated native tree and shrub species, by area, along with bramble and other coarse vegetation.

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5.2 Connecting People with woods & trees Description Palace Park Wood is a small secondary woodland site, within close proximity to both a residential area approx. 0.5 miles from Otford village centre (pop. 3465 in 2011 census), and the main Sevenoaks road. The public have access to the wood via four entrances, with the main entrance located at the south of the wood through Otford Cemetery car park (not owned by The Woodland Trust). There is an established network of mown grass pathways in place (totalling 0.8km) that allow visitors to take in both the wooded and open areas on the site, and two public footpaths (0192/SR56/1 and 0192/ SR66/1) can be found near to the border of the southern and eastern boundaries.

Palace Park Wood can be busy at peak times of the day, seeing regular activity from individuals and small groups who utilise the site as a direct route between the adjacent residential area and the main road in order to access the transport links provided there. The wood is also popular with a number of dog walkers, and provides a meeting point for local running groups. It is predominantly used by residents of Otford village, and due its small size, would not be appropriate for more frequented use. The site is liable to waterlogging during winter months and this can impede access.

As an attractive rural village, and due to its close proximity to London, Sevenoaks and the motorway network, Otford is vulnerable to further residential development. Otford village and wider parish community are passionate about ensuring that Otford retains its rural character and continues to protect green spaces- valued as part of the cultural landscape for both recreation and ecological merit. As such, areas of Otford fall under a variety of important conservation designations, including Special Landscape Area (SLA), Area of Local Landscape Importance (ALLI), Metropolitan Green Belt (MGB), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and it also forms part of the North Kent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Other nearby outdoor recreational sites include Kemsing Down, Polhill Bank and Sevenoaks Widlife Reserve. Nearby Oxenhill Shaw and Meadow, a managed wooded area is a thriving example of naturally regenerated woodland, and is popular with ramblers and nature enthusiasts. The North Downs Way national trail runs through the village and intersects the Darent Valley Path, a highly enjoyable walking route. The historical Pilgrim¶s Way also finds its way through Otford- based along a pre-existing ancient trackway, this route once saw pilgrims travel from Winchester to Canterbury Cathedral via the southern slopes of the North Downs.

Palace Park Wood is also a short distance from two other Woodland Trust Sites- Crown Meadow Wood (3 miles) in Dunton Green and Hollow¶s Wood (6 miles) in Chelsfield. Significance Palace Park Wood represents one of a number of important green spaces in the Otford area. Public access to this woodland helps fulfil one of the Woodland Trust's key objectives; to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees. Otford village has a number of specialist interest and activity groups that take a keen interest in the history and conservation of the village, and trees contribute strongly to the special character of the Otford Conservation Area. The Darent Valley has been designated as one of the 'Green Cluster' areas providing open spaces for recreation free from the onset of urban development, sustaining community heritage and retaining the integrity of Otford¶s rural identity.

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Opportunities & Constraints Opportunities:

The consistent level of visitor numbers to this wood offers opportunity for positive community engagement- for example, the site could benefit from small scale local community events such as an annual summer litter pick.

Constraints:

Set in a low lying area, the site is liable to flooding during the wetter months, making the soft grassy paths very wet and muddy

The unsurfaced paths and width restricted access points make this site challenging for visitors with prams and wheelchairs.

The small size of this wood limits the expansion or development of further public access facilities or increased visitor numbers.

Factors Causing Change Fly tipping- This is evident along both the western and eastern boundaries, and presents a risk of encroachment. Dog waste can also be a problem, particularly near the access points.

Antisocial behaviour- The cemetery car park outside the main site entrance remains unlocked in the evenings and could present a risk for antisocial behaviour

Long term Objective (50 years+) There will be a well maintained and safe network of paths for informal public access in Palace Park Wood, where responsible visitors can appreciate and enjoy the site, utilising it for short local walks. The site will continue to be valued by the local community, particularly for its ease of use and recognised importance as one of a number of recreational green spaces in Otford. Short term management Objectives for the plan period (5 years)

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During this plan period, the short term objective is to continue to provide public access at Palace Park Wood which is both safe and enjoyable.

This will be achieved by:

-Biannual path cuts to the network of paths on site totalling approximately 0.8km, and strimming of vegetation around car park entrance and between path and pond to ensure both public safety and aesthetic value.

-Annual inspections of site access points, signage, furniture and general infrastructure

-Annual Zone A tree safety inspections alternating between the summer and fungal surveys carried out every other autumn. Due to the high percentage of ash on site, Zone B inspections should be carried out every two years, coinciding with the Zone A summer inspection.

-Ongoing monitoring of concerns around antisocial behaviour, with regular removal of litter and fly tipped material as required

-Carrying out annual site hazard checks and upgrades to infrastructure where appropriate, including clearing of ditches and culverts to ensure site does not become unnecessarily waterlogged.

-Working with the gas company to establish the correct location of the underground facilities and any follow-on actions required.

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6.0 WORK PROGRAMME

Year Type of Work Description Due By

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APPENDIX 1: COMPARTMENT DESCRIPTIONS

Cpt Area Main Year Management Major Key Features Designations No. (ha) Species Regime Management Present Constraints 1a 4.72 Ash 1997 Min-intervention Mostly wet Connecting Green Belt, ground/exposed People with Special site woods & trees, Landscape Area Secondary Woodland Secondary woodland (2.8ha) planted in 1997, in a number of separate blocks, and consists of pedunculate oak, ash, downy birch, alder, hazel, Guelder rose, goat willow and hawthorn. Pre- plantation hedgerows have been incorporated into the blocks of planted trees and now form large mature hawthorns within the mix. There is also a notable mature oak tree (girth 525cm) located approximately 60m from the main entrance, set back from the path network. There is a small shallow ephemeral pond towards the southern end which is surrounded by coppiced willows. The 1.9 hectare unplanted area (equating to 40% of site area) is mostly found in the northern part of the wood and is managed as semi natural open ground.

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GLOSSARY

Ancient Woodland Ancient woods are defined as those where there has been continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD. In Scotland ancient woods are defined strictly as sites shown as semi-natural woodland on the µRoy¶maps (a military survey carried out in 1750 AD, which is the best source of historical map evidence) and as woodland all subsequent maps. However, they have been combined with long-established woods of semi-natural origin (originating from between 1750 and 1860) into a single category of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland to take account of uncertainties in their identification. Ancient woods include Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland and plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (see below). May support many species that are only found in ancient woodland. Ancient Semi - Natural Woodland Stands in ancient woods defined as those consisting predominantly of native trees and shrubs that have not obviously been planted, which have arisen from natural regeneration or coppice regrowth. Ancient Woodland Site Stands in ancient woods that have been converted to plantations, of coniferous, broadleaved or mixed species, usually for timber production, including plantations of native species planted so closely together that any semi-natural elements of the understorey have been suppressed. Beating Up Replacing any newly planted trees that have died in the first few years after planting. Broadleaf A tree having broad leaves (such as oak) rather than needles found on conifers (such as Scots pine). Canopy The uppermost layer of vegetation in a woodland, or the upper foliage and branches of an individual tree. Clearfell Felling of all trees within a defined area. Compartment Permanent management division of a woodland, usually defined on site by permanent features such as roads. See Sub-compartments. Conifer A tree having needles, rather than broadleaves, and typically bearing cones. Continuous Cover forestry

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A term used for managing woods to ensure that there are groups or individual trees of different ages scattered over the whole wood and that some mature tree cover is always maintained. Management is by repeated thinning and no large areas are ever completely felled all at once. Coppice Trees which are cut back to ground levels at regular intervals (3-25 years). Exotic (non-native) Species Species originating from other countries (or other parts of the UK) that have been introduced by humans, deliberately or accidentally. Field Layer Layer of small, non-woody herbaceous plants such as bluebells. Group Fell The felling of a small group of trees, often to promote natural regeneration or allow planting. Long Term Retention Discrete groups of trees (or in some cases single trees) that are retained significantly past their economic felling age. Operations may still be carried out within them and thinning is often necessary to maintain stability. Minimum Intervention Areas where no operations (such as thinning) will take place other than to protect public safety or possibly to control invasive exotic species. Mixed Woodland Woodland made up of broadleaved and coniferous trees. National vegetation classification (NVC) A classification scheme that allows an area of vegetation to be assigned to the standardised type that best matches the combination of plant species that it contains. All woodlands in the UK can be described as being one of 18 main woodland types (W1 - W18), which principally reflect soil and climatic conditions. For example, Upland Oakwoods are type W11, and normally occur on well drained infertile soils in the cooler and wetter north and west of Britain. Each main type can be subdivided into numerous subtypes. Most real woods contain more than one type or sub-type and inevitably some woods are intermediate in character and can't be properly described by any sub type. Native Species Species that arrived in Britain without human assistance. Natural Regeneration Naturally grown trees from seeds falling from mature trees. Also regeneration from coppicing and suckering.

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Origin & Provenance The provenance of a tree or seed is the place where seed was collected to grow the tree or plant. The origin is the geographical location within the natural range of a species from where seeds/tree originally derives. Thus an acorn collected from a Turkey oak in Edinburgh would have an Edinburgh provenance and a southern European origin. Re-Stocking Re-planting an area of woodland, after it has been felled. Shrub Layer Formed by woody plants 1-10m tall. Silviculture The growing and care of trees in woodlands. Stand Trees of one type or species, grouped together within a woodland. Sub-Compartment Temporary management division of a compartment, which may change between management plan periods. Thinning The felling of a proportion of individual trees within a given area. The remaining trees grow to fill in the space created. Tubex or Grow or Tuley Tubes Tubes placed over newly planted trees or natural regeneration that promote growth and provide protection from animals such as rabbits and deer. Weeding The control of vegetation immediately around newly planted trees or natural regeneration to promote tree growth until they become established. Either by hand cutting or with carefully selected weed killers such as glyphosate. Windblow/Windthrow Trees or groups of trees blown over (usually uprooted) by strong winds and gales.

The Woodland Trust, Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL. The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales no. 294344 and in Scotland no. SC038885. A non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 1982873. The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark.