National Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, Cheshire, SK10 4UB Tel

Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 12 November 2013 16:10 To: 'Widger, Christopher'; '__ ------I\I!Z!!!!-IIIIIIIl:!IIIIi!III!~!!!!~~!~--II!IIIIII':I8I_

Cc: •• ..,.n:1!...,..,~~ Subject: RE:Bickerton Hill - Heathland RegenerationWorks.

Dear All

I can happily outline our position in the process and what we will expect before approval of the associated Felling Licence Application (FLA).

The FLA for Bickerton has been received, we will be using Friday as a site visit to assess the work included within it.

The application will be assessed against our Open Habitats policy document 2010, for it's appropriateness. Also I need to make all parties aware of the importance of European Protected Species (EPS), the Birds directive and other protected species (eg.Badgers).

Due to the historic sensitiveness of this site we will have to make an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) determination for the deforestation in this project, this will require the NT to undertake screening for issues and addressing any that occur.

Under the Felling Licence Regulations the FC aims to process a felling licence in a period of 77 days (Citizens Charter), this is however extendable at our discretion. The application must spend a statutory 28 days on our public register for comment, and any EIA determination will not be made until after this period.

Good local screening is key in this process, the ball can start rolling with this at any point, and hopefully already has.

I hope this is helpful and outlines some of the process that FC will undertake, it is also worth noting that workloads are high at the moment and staff numbers at an all time low, which will no doubt cause some delay in the processing of this application, although we do endeavour to keep any delay due to staffing to a minimum.

Kind regards

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956

-----Original Message----- From: Widger, Christopher [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 12 November 2013 15:35 1 T 0: 'r -·---7---.-.-~·~·~~--~n~-~1rm~--~~.'~~w·-~m===~~~~~-''""2ffaeetrm ..mm ~3ga:-_;S',.-~~~ca.~; Th~mpson, Jake Cc: \J tz:w'lttcrt""'" Subject: RE: Bickerton Hill - Heathland Regeneration Works.

Dear all

Following a conversation with Nathan from Pabo Tree Services this.morning, I just thought I'd contact you to convey his keenness to establish a definitive understanding around the commencement of the contract for the related works at Bickerton. Obviously he needs to plan his firm's winter work programme and needs to build the Bickerton Work in. As yet of course, I have not been able to be categorical in my offer of contract as the HLS still needs to be signed and we need to have the necessary FC permissions in place.

Hopefully we can move closer to such a situation when we meet on Friday. Stuart, thanks for the draft documents, I just wondered when you think it likely that we will have sight of a final draft and at what point you anticipate being in a position to sign.

Nathan, I attach a copy of a letter which I hope helps confirm our current position. I'll put a 'hard' copy in the post today.

Thank you all

I look forward to seing you at the end of the week.

Regards

Chris

-----Original Message----• From: Widger, Christopher Sent: 06 November 2013 10:22 To: 1\,. Cc: . TP'C I t ~tt • .,irvc15!!S!4 =~~:m.';''fit'~. Subject: RE: Bickerton Hill - Heatnrano Kegeneratlon vvorks.

Thanks for your message. Yes, I spoke to Nathan to indicate that we aim to offer you the contract and I had intended yesterday to put that in writing, but unfortunately things got in the way. I'll do that this morning so you should receive a letter soon. The letter will convey the fact that we have yet to sign the HLS agreement with Natural England, and that the expectation is that this will happen on the 1st December. So the contract for felling works etc can only really be signed on or after that date. I don't at this stage believe there will be any issues with this however.

I hope that helps for now.

Kind regards

Chris

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside Manager, Cheshire and Wirral The National Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, Cheshire, SK10 4UB Tel. 01625 584412 Fax. 01625 587555 Mob. 07770 431872 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-alderleyedge2 . www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-harehill Follow the Cheshire and Wirral team on Twitter NTalderleyedge, NTwirral and NT Chris-W Facebook - Cheshire and Wirral www.50things.org.uk

-----Original Message----- From: ~ I dJNiqfIP....~D!t=~51*_.~··· .)mail.com] Sent: 05 November LVl j U~:OLf. To: Widger, Christopher Cc: , Subject: tslcKenonHill - Heathland Regeneration Works.

Good Morning Chris,

2 I trust this email finds you well?

Nathan and I are busy planning this winter's work programme. We have a couple of big projects sitting on the periphery of our attentions at the moment, in order to resource these projects correctly it would be good to have an indication of your intentions regarding Bickerton.

I understand you have given Nathan an indication that unofficially Pabo Tree Services are to be awarded the Bickerton works. Would it be possible for you to give us some sort of confirmation in writing sooner rather than later that this is to be the desired course of action?

If you could get back to Nathan or myself by the end of the week via email that would be much appreciated.

Kind Regards

Consultant Arborist Pabo Tree Services 07545 255 827

Sent from my iPad

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3 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 15 November 2013 15:01 To: 'Widger, Christopher' Cc: Vickers, Paul Subject: Bickerton FLA/EIA

Chris

Good to meet up this morning and hopefully we can get this Felling licence Application and associated EIA business sorted out within statutory time limits.

I would like to keep Paul Vickers copied into this process as it is fairly new to you and 1. Usefully, Paul has knowledge of previous applications and is familiar with potential issues.

As I mentioned earlier, this e-mail will outline the process that we have to go through, and I will copy in useful links and documents to help you with your screening.

Initially you will need to redraw the maps and re-submit two signed copies to me, I will pass them onto the admin hub if they are acceptable.' If you could apply the extra detail required for EU Timber regulations that we discussed then that would be great.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-9ashvf - will take you to the EUTR pages of our website.

Once we have an acceptable application I will process it and have it added to the public register, where it will stay for a statutory 28 for comments.

Due to the nature of the work outlined in the application (i.e .. Deforestation) we (the FC) are required to give our opinion as to the significance of this project from an Environmental Impact prospective. http://www.forestry,gov,uk/forestry/infd-6dfkbc - will take you to the EIA pages of our website.

Initially, screening should take place to bring any environmental issues to our attention, this should be done by the applicant. I suggest engagement with local communities and user groups through medium that we discussed earlier (local letter drop/notices/web pages/parish council engagement).

Once this has been done, we should be able to make a determination as to whether an Environmental Statement has to be called for to satisfy the EIA regs.

You do have on your side the fact that the work you propose is being supported by and paid for by NE, and the recently created FC Open habitats policy, please find a link to this below;

1 http://www .forestry.gov. uk/england-open habitats

Please feel free to make reference to this new policy document as necessary.

With processing time involved with all stages of this application, combined with heavy work loads, best estimates of a hiccup free approval of this licence to be mid-late Jariuary. We will endeavour to keep you informed of any considerable delays in the processing of this application.

Kind regards

Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lanes

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

2 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 10 December2013 14:03 To: -,*i:' Cc: adminhub.worcester Subject: 010/131/13-14 Bickerton Hill

Dear All

Please find in the appropriate folder, the PW14, seperate felling details (excel spreadsheet) and a copy of the revised compartment map.

This is an application for unconditional felling, which will require an EIA opinion from us in due course - the applicant is currently carrying out screeninq/scoptnq, but we need to get it on the PRo

As far as entering on the FLDB goes, as we are still without the new application forms for open habitat conversion, I'll try and document answers to all of the questions it will throw up now.

Habitat type: Lowland Heath

YC: <10

Designation: SSSI

Condition: Unfavourable recovering

Any other questions - give me. a ring.

Cheers

Jake

Ja ke Thorn pson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

1 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 07 January 2014 16:41 To: Rhodes, Alec Subject: Bickerton FLA 010/131/13-14

Alec

Could I please bring to your attention this application for an unconditional felling licence to restore heathland on a 5551 through an HLS.

I was a very hard one to quantify, the application makes it seem as though 37ha will be deforested, but in actual fact it's more like a third of that (best guess). The whole heath has been compartmentalised, then we have a figure for existing canopy cover in each compartment.

Historically, this site has been very sensitive, there is a couple of individuals that are dead set against the removal of any trees and on the last two attempts to restore heathland have fought very hard against it. Of course this was in the days before the open habitats policy and this document goes a long way to help us. We are still expecting some resistance however, it is a National Trust property and they started their consultation for the EIA opinion on the 20th December.

I haven't put anything on the GLS tracker yet, but to this e-mail I will attach the application and my PW14 - all other information is on the Worcester drive at present under W:\ADMIN HUB\_Woodland Officers' Schemes\Jake\FLA \13-14\010-131-13-14 Bickerton Hill - if you can access it?

I'll keep you posted.

Regards

Jake

20131210131832.... Compartment PW14.xls 010_131_13-14.pdf list_Bickerton Hi...

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

1 Barker, Richard

From: Widger, Christopher Sent: 12 January2014 14:03 To: Thompson, Jake Subject: Bickerton felling permission

Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged

Hi Jake

I'd appreciate an update on when you perceive permissions might be granted.

I aim to hold a walk for invitee stakeholders on the 23rd Jan - for info

Thanks

Chris

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside Manager, Cheshire and Wirral t The National Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office, MacclesfieldRoad, 'iethcr Aldcrley, Cheshire, SKIO 4UB Tel. 01625 58441 Z Fax. 0 1625 587555 Moh. 07770 43 1872 www.nationaltrust.org.ukfmain/w-aldcrlevedgc2 www.nationaltrust.org.ukfmain/w-harehill Followthe Cheshire and Wirral team on Twitter NTalderleycdge, N'Iwirral and NT Chris-W Facebook - Cheshire and Wirral www50th.ings.org.uk

The National Trust is a registered charity no. 205846. Our registered office is Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA. The views expressed in this email are personal and may not necessarily reflect those of the National Trust unless expiicitly stated otherwise. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they . are addressed. If you have received this email in error, please notify me immediately. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you should not copy it for any purpose, or disclose its contents to any other person. Senders and recipients of email should be aware that, under the Data Protection Act 1998, the contents may have to be disclosed. This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System:For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email. However the National Trust cannot accept liability for viruses that may be in this email and we recommend that you check all emails with an appropriate virus scanner.

1 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 20 January2014 13:45 To: 'Widger, Christopher' Subject: Bickerton FLA 010/131/13-14

Chris

I am writing with an update to the application.

It is with great frustration that I have to inform you that, unfortunately there seems to have been an hold up at the administration hub in Worcester, and you application wasn't put on the public register until last week, when I submitted it to them in early December.

Here is how the land lies now, the application comes off the public register on Feb 11th (there is no moving this date), I have requested that it is treated with the utmost importance, and hopefully (all being well, i.e. no objections - formal or informal) we could have the licence issued by the middle of that week.

In the meantime can we have an update on how the EIA screening is going? I will need to get this 'buttoned' down to make a swift determination before any licence can be issued.

Again, apologies for this news, this really is the first time it has been brought to my attention. I will keep an eye out for any comments, and let you know as soon as I have any queries.

Regards

Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

1 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 24 January 2014 16:58 To: ' ...... ~,~~on~,....,..._....._J h ' Cc: Vickers, Paul Subject: RE:Bickerton Hill - Felling licence

John

I agree, a very unfortunate error and it was with embarrassment and regret that I had to phone Chris with the news at my earliest convenience.

The licence application will have spent it's statutory 28 days on the public register by February the 11th, you can be assured that we have firm resumptions set to action the licence approval after this date. This doesn't however take into account any unforeseen formal or informal objection to the proposals (that will have to be considered) prior to our EIA opinion being given or a licence being approved. Due to the size of operation this project will also require FC National Office approval.

I attach a link to the government policy on habitat conversion, hopefully you will be able to see how very important it is that a project of this size and sensitivity is undertaken to the correct degree of detail. http://www .forestry.gov. uk/england-open habitats

You will remember that we all sat around the table at the NT offices at Alderley Edge mid 2012, where I brought to your attention EIA and the importance of stakeholder and public engagement within process, a fact that seemed to be disregarded until I met at Bickerton late November 2013, looking at a completed HLS package with an imminent date for starting work, a contractor selected, but no felling licence and no prior involvement of FC in the whole process.

Chris Widger and team have made a concerted effort to make the necessary public and stakeholder engagement, in the run upto Christmas and recently publishing the detail of the proposed work at key entrances to site etc. Chris has provided me with a list of what's been done and my feelings are that this will be adequate to give members of the public and stakeholders the information that they need to make comment on the proposals. I will need to be updated with correspondence that doesn't come through the route of our public register.

Paul Vickers is very aware of this situation, one that is most unfortunate, however the licence process will be carried out in full.

Regards

Jake Thompson - Woodland Officer 01606 324956 I 07899 711011

1 From: ~-'''''' '1~John [_.__ ...,....,...."...... c@nationaltrustorg. uk] Sent: 24 January 2014 14:51 To: Thompson, Jake Cc: '--'''''''.'''3' fmnz",w' bJIii If"~ioiWOl1m,n', !·';--~iir.M;_·J";"\:;;;~__"""'·"""',."",!",._,,,, _ .. e.... ti .. '..... ~tI'ln .. r·.,,' - r 1ili:«~"". _. I ItW;&II SI' Subject: Bickerton Hill - Felling licence

Good Afternoon Jake - I understand from Chris that due to an administrative error at The Forestry Commission our application for a Felling Licence related to our HLS scheme at Bickerton Hill, which of course is largely funded and supported by Natural England, has only gone up on the public register in the last few days. Please advise the specific date and and provide a link where I can see it. The formal application was sent to the FC early December, with an expectation that the licence, subject to EIA, would be granted mid / late January. Colleagues also before and after Christmas contacted you to confirm anticipated date for the provision of a felling licence. Now we learn it will be mid / late February at the earliest, which will make it impossible to finish the work programme as required by March this year, indeed it puts into doubt our ability to start at all this winter. The FC will be aware that this is a significant programme, supported by a broad communications plan which is now compromised. It will be a very significant blow to our contractor who has turned down work in anticipation of beginning this contract at Bickerton. One would understand if they did not wish to do business with us again - thus potentially undermining our good relationships with them. Potentially one might say The National Trust's reputation, certainly in the contractor's eyes, has been damaged.

I therefore, need to know from the FC, when the Felling Licence will be granted. We appreciate an EIA may be required but given the administrative error and the challenging implications of this, the Trust would be keen to learn specifically what, if anything further, may be required to satisfy the EIA so that any responses can be made without causing further delay, in case it is possible to complete a proportion of the work before bird nesting. In view of this situation one would hope you will be able to expedite an EIA with all speed, haste and attention.

I await your response .

Yours etc

John S."ilkk ai¢- t The National Trust Rural ~~rveyor - ~am 001~eo, .: iJ; ;;1==0 ::_ Mobile - L' '-.J ,nra:; Home (wk) _MiL :x"H*#Jia

The National Trust is a registered charity no. 205846. Our registered office is Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA. The views expressed in this email are personal and may not necessarily reflect those of the National Trust unless explicitly stated otherwise. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error, please notify me immediately. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you should not copy it for any purpose, or disclose its contents to any other person. Senders and recipients of email should be aware that, under the Data Protection Act 1998, the contents may have to be disclosed. This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email. However the National Trust cannot accept liability for viruses that may be in this email and we recommend that you check all emails with an appropriate virus scanner.

2 Barker, Richard

From: Widger, Christopher Sent: 06 February201417:26 To: Thompson, Jake Cc: 2& tid .. =- ,axaLa;:;;» ... -~.uk' :-1-- Subject: RE: Bickerton EIA Attachments: HLSWork Programme sign (6-2-14) 3.docx

Hi Jake

Thanks for the email. I undertook a guided walk, with Stuart from NE recently, which was well attended and where we met with, initially very varied reaction. In the end however, I felt it was a success and worthwhile - and certain rumours were addressed. The main point for some seemed to be concern over use of sheep (and implied impact on their dog• walking) as opposed to tree/heath matters. We even had one woman suggest felling all trees on the hill so as to avoid her perceived, "stealthy felling in stages so as to confuse"! Pragmatism and attempts at sensitivity seem to be lost on her - and some others.

Anyway, re the posters, after some considerable consideration, given the compressed period in which we'd have to work, and given the mild winter, likely early spring, and the possibility of confusion locally - as suggested above, we've recently decided that the most sensible approach now, would be to postpone work until the Autumn. The posters and maps I had prepared, which would have gone up suggested the mid Feb start.

I have this morning finally agreed re-wording of the posters - and the revised text is attached. This wording will again be converted to poster form, with images etc - and erected at entrances, together with maps within the next week or two. Possibly 100 letters went out to locals, stakeholders such as the PCs, volunteers, riding licensees etc during the first week of January and these referred, unfortunately to the mid Feb start. I also spoke personally to a small number of immediate neighbours - possibly 7 or 8 of them. Hopefully, this detail won't matter too much; at least they are aware now and will see at some point the entrance notices. The website link, with dedicated email address, which remain valid, is also mentioned in the letters and accompanying background info sheets. The website incidentally, has been live since Dec the is".

We have had contact today from the Chester Chronicle which has in turn been contacted by a member of the public regarding "fear over restricted access to dog walkers and concern over bracken control", no mention from the paper about any concern over tree felling. I have a tentative date of the zr" Feb to meet the paper. If you were willing to consider attending, that could be useful. I have had to date two emails through the dedicated address; both refer to dog walking and bracken control

I am comfortable with levels of communication at this stage, I hope you are, but I am still keen to ensure we have revised notices at entrances soon as these clearly playa key role.

Thanks for pursuing the matter Jake, please let me know if you need further info at this stage.

Regards

Chris

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside :'I'fanager,Cheshire and Wirral t The ~alion!ll Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office, Macclesfield Road, "ether Alderley, Cheshire. SKIO 4L;B Tel. 01625584412 Fux,01625587555 Mob. 07770431872 www.nationaitrust,org,uk/main/w-alderlcvcdge2 www.nationaln·usl,org,uk/main/w-harchill Follow the Cheshire and Wirral team on Twitter Taldcrlcyedgc, NTwirral and NT Chris-W Facebook - Cheshire and Wirral www.50things.org.uk

From: Thompson, Jake [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 06 February 2014 14:53 To: Widger, Christopher

1 Cc: Vickers, Paul Subject: Bickerton EIA

Hi Chris

With the end of the public register date looming next week, I am keen to get to grips with ,working through issues arising from consultation for the purposes of the EIA.

I have heard nothing to date from NT of any issues so presume there are non?

I called by Bickerton to look at the information boards that you told me about the other day, couldn't see any, have they been taken down already?

An update would be appreciated.

Regards

Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

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2 Barker, Richard

From: Rhodes, Alec Sent: 10 February 2014 13:32 To: Thompson, Jake Subject: RE:Bickerton FLA 010/131/13-14

Hi Jake

I don't have access to the Worcester server but hope this note makes sense on the basis of the information you've sent.

Some of the compartments are marked as <20% canopy cover but most of the area is designated as woodland on the National Forest Inventory (NFl) (so canopy cover was assessed as over 20%). Based on the aerial photos on the IMF I think the NFl has made a pretty good attempt at classifying the woodland and non-woodland areas. As a result I see no reason to challenge the NFl classification and as a result ElA appears to apply to all the compartments ..

Given this application is to improve the condition of a SSSl these are proposals we should look upon favourably. The current condition of SSSl units provides helpful supporting information because it explains that birch seeding is the major constraint to the SSSl's condition. However, we need some more information to demonstrate how the proposals meet the Open Habitats Policy and to help inform our ElA Opinion.

Steve Hunt and Neil Riddle are. currently working with Natural England to finalise guidance for both us and NE on how we'll implement the Open Habitats Policy more effectively. This will include guidance on the information we should expect to see to support unconditional felling licence applications with Natural England advisors playing a key role in this.

140206FeE Reg 2 Application F....

The attached application form is still a draft but will be implemented through this piece of work. While only a draft I see no problem asking either the applicant or ideally the Natural England advisor to complete it to ensure we have all the information we need to show the proposal is consistent with the Open Habitats Policy and one which can support. While this may seem a no-brainer due to the SSSl desiqnation the firm only asks for information relevant to the open habitats policy so I have no reservation in asking the NEjthe applicant for this information (and we'll get the flack for allowing the tree felling so we need to be happy the open habitats policy has been considered).

Once we have this information and any feedback from the public register j consultation we should be in a position to give an ElA Opinion and take a final view on the felling licence.

Alec 01173721075

From: Thompson,Jake Sent: 07 January2014 16:41 To: Rhodes,Alec Subject: BickertonFLA 010/131/13-14

Alec

1 Could I please bring to your attention this application for an unconditional felling licence to restore heath land on a SSSI through an HLS.

Historically, this site has been very sensitive, there is a couple of individuals that are dead set against the removal of any trees and on the last two attempts to restore heathland have fought very hard against it. Of course' this was in the days before the open, habitats policy and this document goes a long way to help us. We are still expecting some resistance however, it is a National Trust property and they started their consultation for the EIA opinion on the 20th December.

I haven't put anything on the GLS tracker yet, but to this e-mail I will attach the application and my PW14 - all other information is on the Worcester drive at present under W: \ADMIN HUB\_Woodland Officers' Schemes\Jake\FLA \13-14\010-131-13-14 Bickerton Hill - if you can access it?

I'll keep you posted.

Regards

Jake

« File: 20131210131832.pdf» «File: Compartment list_Bickerton Hill.xls» «File: PW14.xls» «File: 010_131_13-14.pdf»

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lanes

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwieh I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956 www.forestry,gov.uk

2 Barker, Richard

From: Morris, Stuart (NE) Sent: . 14 February2014 13:24 To: Thompson,Jake Subject: 140206 FCEReg2 Application From to Convert Woodland to Open Habitat - Bickerton Attachments: 140206 FCEReg2 Application From to Convert Woodland to Open Habitat - Bickerton.doc

«140206 FCE Reg 2 Application From to Convert Woodland to Open Habitat - Bickerton.doc»

Updated

This email and any attachments is intended for the named recipient only. If you have received it in error you have no authority to use, disclose, store or copy any of its contents and you should destroy it and inform the sender. Whilst this email and associated 'attachments will have been checked for known viruses whilst within the Natural England systems, we can accept no responsibility once it has left our systems. Communications on Natural England systems may be monitored and/or recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes.

1 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 14 February2014 15:55 To: 'Widger, Christopher' Cc: 'Morris, Stuart (NE)' Subject: RE:Bickerton FLA

Both,

Thanks for the swift response, I'll get that to National Office right away.

I hope to get the licence approved next week. I have received no communications regarding the work.

Regards

Jake

Jake Thompson - Woodland Officer 01606 324956 I 07899 711011

From: Widger, Christopher [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 14 February 2014 13:20 To: Morris, Stuart (NE); Thompson, Jake Cc: Wi ilS S AIm '" Subject: RE: Bickerton FLA

Thanks Stuart, your completion of the form looks good and is appreciated. Just two or three small points which don't alter things really; reference to New Forest ponies could be confusing as we have Dartmoor and Welsh Mountain varieties, we will need to reduce their numbers if we are to ensure capacity for cattle / sheep and this could be a challenge and finally, revised posters which take account of revised start date for capital works will go up next week. I'm in the processof organising boards for this.

Otherwise, great!

Jake, hasthe application come off the register - and did you receive any communications. If you can then advise as to any further possible EIAquestions, that would also be appreciated.

Thanks again

Chris

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside ylanagcr, Cheshire and Wirral t The .'Illtional Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office, ;\1acclcslicld Road, :'icther Aldcrlcy, Cheshire, SKIO 4U3 Tel. 01625 584412 Fax. 01625 ~87555 :l

1 Facebook - Cheshire and Wirral IVWIV.SOlhings.org.uk

From: Morris, Stuart (NE) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 13 February 2014 16:16 . To: Thompson, Jake 'Cc: Widger, Christopher Subject: RE: Bickerton FLA

Hi Jake CC Chris

I've attached the completed form and supporting documents. Chris, feel free to add to the form if I've missed anything. Please keep me up to date with progress.

Kind regards

Stuart Morris Land Management Adviser Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside & South Lancs Natural England 3rd Floor Bridgewater House 60 Whitworth Street Manchester, M1 6LT

Tel: ( SEW Mob: a z-

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

From: Thompson, Jake [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 10 February 2014 14:37 To: Morris, Stuart (NE) Cc: Widger, Christopher Subject: Bickerton FLA

Stuart

Cc. Chris

My National Regulations colleagues have asked that this new 'form be filled in, ideally by the NE advisor prior to a determination for the EIA on cases like this. I think most info will be directly transferable from either the HLS document or the consultation stuff that has already been completed for Bickerton, so I'm hoping it won't be too onerous. Apologies for the track changes etc on the form, I am to believe it is still at draft.

Once they have received this, National Office will be happy to proceed with the decision.

Kind regards

Jake

2 «140206 FCE Reg 2 Application From to Convert Woodland to Open Habitat - Bickerton.doc»

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

This email and any attachments is intended for the named recipient only. If you have received it in error you have no authority to use, disclose, store or copy any of its contents and you should destroy it and inform the sender. Whilst this email and associated attachments will have been checked for known viruses whilst within the Natural England systems, we can accept no responsibility once it has left our systems. Communications on Natural England systems may be monitored and/or recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes.

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3 Barker, Richard

From: Rhodes,Alec Sent: 17 February201410:44 To: Thompson,Jake Subject: RE:BickertonHill FLA/EIA

Hi Jake

Thanks for the additional information you gathered from NE and that NE provided. No doubt this is straight forward case for NE but this additional information helps our record keeping and supports our decision if challenged. In conclusion it looks like a case that warrants support under the Open Habitats Policy and I can't see a problem approving the licence.

However, as a final check (if you have not had sight of it) I suggest it is worth asking for a copy of the letter NT sent out to local residents and stakeholders and a copy of any feedback they have logged so we can show we've considered this feedback in our EIA opinion and also fully discharged section 5.5 of the Open Habitats Policy.

Regards,

Alec Alec Rhodes Forestry Commission England 01173721075

140217 Case review - Bickert...

From: Thompson,Jake Sent: 14 February2014 16:27 To: Rhodes,Alec Subject: BickertonHill FLA/EIA

Hi Alec

Please find attached the completed FCE-REG-02 form, that the Natural. England advisor has completed for this FLA.

This application comes off the PR on Monday, I'm happy that there has been no comment from the PR either for or against the proposals.

The National Trust have carried out a good public consultation, with meeting, mail shots, door knocking etc and obviously there is the support of NE and Cheshire West and Chester Council. This is the 3rd 10 year scheme that NT have entered into with NE for heathland restoration on this site, so it is an ongoing thing. From a landscape perspective I'm happy that there will be no significant effect due the a woodland belt remaining around the site.

I also attach my draft lOa and lOb for your perusal. All being well, I hope to get this application approved in the first half of next week. < < File: 140206 FCE Reg 2 Application From to Convert Woodland to Open Habitat - Bickerton.doc »

1 « File: Electronic Checklist for EIA 010-131-1314.doc »

Regards

Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

2 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 17 February 2014 12:54 To: 'Widger, Christopher' Subject: EIA Bickerton

Hi Chris

Almost there, Alec at National Office was happy with the form that Stuart filled in, and is supportive of the licence application, he has added this comment to his correspondence.

"However, as a final check (if you have not had sight of it) I suggest it is worth asking for a copy of the letter NT sent out to local residents and stakeholders and a copy of any feedback they have logged so we can show we've considered this feedback in our EIA opinion and also fully discharged section 5.5 of the Open Habitats Policy."

Can you supply this?

Thanks

Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office 1 Linmere House 1 Delamere 1 Northwich 1 Cheshire 1 CW82JD 01606 324956 I' 07899 711011 1 VOIP 24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

1 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 17 February 2014 17:22 To: 'Widger, Christopher' Subject: Bickerton

Hi Chris

Thanks for the information regarding the local consultation for Bickerton, I will be sending the application for approval this week.

It has been noted by my National Office colleagues that in your letter to local residents it says we have already issued a license for the work therefore suggesting it's a done deal, which was not the case at the time the letter was issued. Also, the Open Habitats Policy is not FC but Government policy. While we are usually the key decision maker though the regs we deal with, the policy applies equally . across government. For example, to Natural England when developing proposals and local planning authorities when considering the conversion of woodland to provide open habitat to mitigate for development. Perhaps you can make adjustments in future applications and when referencing the Forestry Commission, be so kind as to just run the text passed us prior to publishing. Kind regards Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP24956 www.forestry.gov.uk

1 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 17 February2014 15:57 To: Rhodes,Alec Cc: Vickers,Paul Subject: FW:EIABickerton Attachments: Letter to neighbours re HLS.doc;Letter to volunteers re HLS.doc;Letter (invitation to intro walk) re HLS.FINAL.docB; ickerton HLSBackground brief for public and vols (not agenciesetc).doc; FW:BICKERTONHILLPROPOSALSF;W:Dog Walking/Exercising; Bickerton illicit poster regarding grazing.pdf

Alec

Please find attached the information requested, the licence comes of off the PR today - with this in mind would you be happy for this to be approved this week?

Regards

Jake

Jake Thompson - Woodland Officer 01606 324956 I 07899 711011

From: Widger, Christopher [mailto: [email protected]] Sent: 17 February 201415:16 To: Thompson, Jake -aCc:'k _~U.ttfjiiiiit#!7"ti1iiii~== :;_:';:;:==,:::: :=ai_lifs) Subject: RE: EIA Bickerton

Hi Jake

Thanks for the update, that sounds encouraging.

The attached are the various letters which have been sent out, together with a background document which was enclosed with each letter.

There was a concern raised at the guided walk, as Stuart will have witnessed, but in the main this was around potential restrictions over dog walking, which is borne out by the two emails we have received through the dedicated email address (also attached). However several copies of a home-made poster (again, copy attached)were retrieved from notice boards on site also. This is the extent of formal response so far, though I've spoken to several people on the hill over the proposals; it is clearly a subject for discussion locally, which suggestsour information is' being disseminated, but in the main, I have heard only reference to recognition of the challenge we face!

Revised posters of our own will go up on Thursday when there are sufficient volunteers to erect them all.

Thanks again

Chris

1 Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside }Ianager, Cheshire and \virral t The Xational Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office. vlacclesflctd Road, Nether Aldcrtey, Cheshire. SKIO 4l;B Tel. 01625 584412 Fax. 01625 587555 ,,"lob. 07770 431!1n www.nationaltrust.org.uklmain/lV-aldcrlevcdgc2 WIVIV. na tion illfrust.o rg. uklmai n/lV-1!arch ill Follow the Cheshire and Wirral tcam on Twitter NTaldcrleyedge, NTwirral and NT Chris-W Faccbook - Cheshire and Wirral wlVlV.SOthings.org.uk

2 [email protected] 19th December 2013 Direct line: 01625 584412

National Trust

Dear neighbour to Bickerton Hill

Re: Heathland restoration work at Bickerton Hill

As a resident/member of the local Bickerton community, I am writing to let you know about the next stage in our programme of lowland heath restoration work starting on Bickerton Hill in mid January.

As you may be aware, the National Trust is working with our partner organisations to restore rare lowland heath at Bickerton, as directed by Natural England, the government's environmental advisory agency.

Since 1992, this work hasincluded a felling programme of self seeding birch trees, which have developed since World War Two and whose shading prevents the successful regeneration and growth of heather, bilberry and other heathland flora.

Following a site visit by Natural England in summer 2011, the Trust has been advised to remove trees which were left in situ within work areas during the previous felling programme, which continue to threaten the habitat by providing a seed source within those areas which have already been restored to lowland heath. Aside from these trees, other areas will be entered into a felling programme which will extend the potential areas of heath.

As a result, tree work has been planned to begin in mid January 2014. Areas of woodland will remain and within the heath, potential 'veteran' specimens of oak, rowan, holly etc will be left to provide diversity and focal points in the landscape. Around half of the site will remain tree covered, whilst the remainder will be allowed to develop as heathland, which has been the characteristic habitat here for possibly 3000 years.

The work, which is licensed by the Forestry Commission under its Open Habitats Policy, will involve the useof specialised machinery on site and will also mean the closure of the main car park for the weeks between mid-January until the end of February. I would like to apologise in advance if this causesinconvenience and would mention there is

There should be no effect on overall access to the hill, but we would ask all those who use the hill to avoid the specific areas where the machinery is working for safety reasons. Licensed Horse riders in particular are asked to take care, as there will obviously be a level of noise associated with the work. Signs will be clearly visible on site and notices relating to the work will be circulated within the wider community during early January.

We hope the felling programme will be completed by the end of February to avoid nesting bird season. However if it is delayed - for example, due to bad weather - it will begin again in autumn next year until such time as the work is completed.

I appreciate that you may have questions .about the forthcoming work programme, and have therefore taken the opportunity of including a background briefing note which may help answer any questions. You may also wish to visit our website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northwest where you'll find further information.

We will be organising an on site visit in the New Year for those interested in finding out more about the heath land restoration work being carried out on the hill. If you would like to join us, please let us know bye-mailing [email protected]

Yours faithfully

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside Manager,Cheshire and Wirral

Contld

2 [email protected] 19th December 2013 Direct line: 01625 584412

National Trust

Dear volunteer

Heathland restoration work at Bickerton Hill

As you may be aware, as part of our ongoing heathland restoration work at Bickerton Hill, there will be a programme of tree felling starting on the hill early in the New Year.

The felling is the result of a directive from English Nature following their site visit last year. They were concerned that the number of self seeded birch trees on site was threatening those areas of heathland already restored, and consequently has given the hill an 'unfavourable' status in relation to its Site of Special Scientific interest designation. We need to address this issueand continue moving towards our aim of gaining 'favourable' status for the hill.

The work will remove many of those birch trees which were left during the felling programme carried out under the two consecutive Countryside Stewardship Schemes between 1992- 2012 which had self seeding since the end of the SecondWorld War. Potential 'veteran' specimensof oak, rowan, holly etc and occasional birch will be left to provide diversity and focal points in the landscape in these areas. Aside from these trees, other areas will be entered into a felling programme which will extend the potential areas of heath.

Work is likely to start in mid-January until the end of February and will involve the use of heavy machinery on site. The main car park will also be closed during this time and parking will be at Duckington or Bickerton Church.

There should be no overall effect on accessto the hill - but obviously for safety reasons we are asking the public to stay away from the area of operation, and are warning horse riders to be particularly careful. Notices will be clearly visible and we are putting up posters and other communication about the work in and around Bickerton,

As you may be aware, in the past we have encountered opposition to felling on the hill

National Trust President: HRH The Prince of Wales Cheshire Countryside Office Regional Chairman: Professor James Keaton Macclesfield Road Regional Director: John Darlington Nether Alderley Cheshire SK10 4UB Registered office: Tel: +44 (0)1625 584412 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA Fax: +44 (0)1625 587555 Registered charity number 205846 www.nationaltrusLorg.uk from a small minority of people, and are currently contacting residents, local communities and partner organisations to advise them in advance of what is taking place.

There will be information on the Bickerton web page of the National Trust website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northwest where there is also a dedicated e-mail address for enquiries.

If you are approached by a member of the public with a query about this phase of our heath land restoration work, please refer them to the website in the first instance.

I have also enclosed a background brieflng note which we are sending out with our communications - you may find this useful. Copies will be available in the Bickerton office should you need them.

If you have any queries re the above please let me know as soon as possible.

Kind regards etc

Yours faithfully

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside Manager,Cheshire and Wirral

ConUd

2 [email protected] 13th January 2014 Direct line: 01625 584412

National Trust

address

Dear .

Re: Heathland restoration work at Bickerton Hill

I am writing to invite you to an event at Bickerton Hill on 23 January, when the National Trust will be giving details of work taking place on the hill over the next few months, as part of our continuing heathland restoration plan.

Asyou may be aware, the National Trust was bequeathed Bickerton HHLduring the 1980s, and since then, it hascontinued to work with partners and agencies towards the restoration of rare lowland heath, the defining and designated landscape type for the site.

In the early 1990s,the first of two, ten year grant aided restoration schemes commenced, and in 2~14, the Trust will embark on a third 'Agri-Environment', grant funded scheme which wHLinclude works such as feLLingof encroaching, self-seeded birch trees, trees which began to become established after grazing ceased after World War Two. Shadingfrom the trees prevents the successful regeneration and growth of heather, biLberry and other heathland flora and threatens to destroy the heathland habitat and associated wildlife.

FoLLowinga site visit by Natural England, the government's environmental advisory agency in summer 2011, the Trust has been advised to remove trees which were left in situ within work areas during the previous schemes, which continue to threaten the habitat by providing a seed source within those areas which have already been restored to lowland heath. Aside from these trees, other areas will be removed which wHLextend the potential areas of heath.

The next stage in our programme of lowland heath restoration work starts on Bickerton Hill in late January and is licensed by the Forestry Commission under its Open Habitats Policy.

Many areas of woodland wHLremain and within the heath, potential 'veteran' specimens

National Trust President: HRH The Prince of Wales Cheshire Countryside Office Regional Chairman: Professor James Keaton Macclesfield Road Regional Director: John Darlington Nether Alderley Cheshire SK10 4UB Registered office: Tel: +44 (0)1625 584412 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA Fax: +44 (0)1625 587555 Registered charity number 205846 www.nationaltrust.org.uk of oak, rowan, holly etc will be left to provide diversity and focal points in the landscape. Around half of the site will remain tree covered, whilst the remainder will be allowed to develop as heath land, which has been the characteristic habitat here for possibly 3000 years.

I appreciate that you may have questions about the work and have therefore taken the opportunity of including a background briefing note which may help answer any questions. You may also wish to visit our website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northwest where you'll find further information.

However, we will be leading a walk to look at the site on the 23rd January starting at 1.pm at Bickerton Church and I would be pleased if you could join us. If would like to attend, please let us know bye-mailing [email protected]

Yours faithfully

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside Manager, Cheshire and Wirral

Contld

2 Backgrounder - Bickerton Heathland Restoration

Restoring lowland heath at Bickerton Hill

Background

Bickerton Hill was gifted to the National Trust in two parts, the first in 1982and the remainder in 1991. It was given in the knowledge that the site is significant as a good example of rare and threatened lowland heath and with the expectation of the benefactor's estate that management and restoration of the heathland habitat would be implemented.

Lowland heath is now extremely rare in the UKand worldwide, and Bickerton Hill is considered to be one of the best examples of this type of landscape in the country. It comprises well in excessof half the remaining threatened habitat of dry heathland in Cheshire. Some40%of Britain's lowland heath has been lost since 1949 and 84%since 1800.

The restoration of lowland heath is also one of Cheshire's Biodiversity Action Plan targets, designed to respond to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan which was Britain's responseto the 1991 Rio Earth Summit. .

The natural ecology of Bickerton Hill

Until the 1930s,the landscape of Bickerton Hill was almost entirely one of lowland heath, the only trees being present in boundary hedgerows. The heath, much like once vast areas of Britain had developed over possibly thousands of years and been maintained by perpetual grazing of livestock such as sheep and cattle. Following a decline in grazing during the 1940sdue to a combination of agricultural economics and the need for the site as a military training area, grazing more or lessceased and the landscape began to be taken over by self-seeding birch. Any seedlings which had always previously eaten began to develop and create shade which prevents the growth of the natural heathland vegetation such as bilberry and heather, with consequent impact on heathland wildlife species including adders, slow-worms, lizards, the green hairstreak and silver-studded blue butterflies, nightjars and numerous other invertebrate species. These and other species rapidly declined in numbers and many are now on the 'red data' list of endangered species.

The hill covers 91 hectares and was first notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)in 1979 both as a representative of Cheshire remaining lowland heath and also for its wealth of associated reptiles, butterflies and other heathland flora and fauna. From a nature conservation perspective, the lowland heathland is the most important feature of the hill.

Heathland restoration work: 1992 - 2012

Under ownership of the National Trust, and working together with partner organisations, management of the hill has, since 1992, aimed to promote heathland regeneration by tree clearance and prevent encroachment by self seeding birch trees and bracken, whose shade prevents the regeneration of heather and other shrub species.

Page 1 of3 Backgrounder - Bickerton Heathland Restoration

Strategies used have included bracken rolling, clearing birch scrub, grazing with ponies and removing some trees from specific heath land areas. This work has been carried out under two consecutive ten year Countryside Stewardship Schemes under the auspices of Natural England (previously English Nature), the government's advisory agency in the care and management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Under the previous two countryside stewardship schemes, the majority of birch trees were removed from specific areas, whilst some were left in situ. These latter trees have continued to set seed and are now posing a threat to the areas of the hill which have already been restored to lowland heath.

In July 2011 Natural Englandundertook a site assessmentat Bickerton Hill. Its report returned the site as 'unfavourable', indicating that there were still large amounts of birch saplings regenerating, 'and the control of these remains a key issue'.

Working towards 'favourable status'

In order to return the hill towards 'favourable' site status, ie that at least 50%of the site is returned to lowland heath condition, Natural Englandhas directed that a further tree felling programme take place during early spring of 2014.

The felling programme will encompasstrees which self-seeded between the end of the SecondWorld War and the present day. Someof these are in previously worked on areas, others are un-restored areas. There are no veteran trees involved, and blocks of woodland will be retained as well as a proportion of trees within other areas, typically, oaks, rowans, holly etc to provide diversity and interest. Much of the SSSI(around 50%)will still remain aswoodland. Felling will be undertaken adjacent to those areas cleared under previous schemes and will therefore reducing the fragmentation of heath land. Providing links between areas will enhance the opportunity for migration and development of species and populations. The greater the connections between areas of heath, the greater the opportunity for associated organisms to be successful. All felling work is licensed by the Forestry Commission under its Open Habitats Policy.

The effect will be to multiply wildlife opportunity by enhancing the habitat of species including the adder, glow worm, common lizard (which are not common any more), green streak butterfly, and other 'red data' species. The heathland 'seed-bank' still largely remains beneath the relatively young trees and felling will ensure light encourages germination of the dormant seeds; but to aid the rejuvenation of the heathland landscape, the spreading of seed from other Cheshire heathland sites, will take place if and where necessary.

Future plans

Following contract work to remove further trees from selected areas in early 2014, bracken control will take place to ensure the heather and other heathland vegetation is given the best possible chance to develop. Grazing will also be vital to ensure the birch, bracken and bramble is kept in check; a mix of ponies, sheep and beef cattle is preferred.

Page 2 of3 2 Backgrounder - Bickerton Heathland Restoration

The combination of animals and their differing browsing characteristics is extremely beneficial for the suppressionof birch and the promotion of heathland vegetation. Poniesare already present on the site, and the Trust will be aiming to reintroduce hardy, traditional breed cattle and sheep grazing on the hill.

For more information about heathland restoration work by the National Trust and its partners at Bickerton Hill, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northwest

Page 3 of3 3 - -,

FOR YOUR INFORMATION .. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT TilE

NATIONAL TRUST IS PLANN:{NGTO

, HEEP ON THIS SITE AND

'FURTHER RESTRICT PUBLIC AND

DOG ACCESS

" . BRACKEN POISONING . 1~ECTS ALLANIMALSINCLUDING

CATTLE, WHICH HAVE DIED HERE,

HORSES AND SHEEP

INADEQUATE PASTURAGE LEADS TO

mGH BRACKEN BROWSING -GREATER

THAN 5% DIETARY CONSUMPTION

FOR 30 DAYS IS KNO~ TO BE TOXIC \ \ \ \ ._... .

...-"'------Barker, Richard

From: Sent: 17 February2014 14:24 To: Widger, Christopher Subject: FW:BICKERTON HILL PROPOSALS

Property Administrator t National Trust Cheshire Countryside Properties Macclesfield Road Nether Alderley Cheshire SK104UB

From: ...... & 1 , Behalf Of CheshireCountryside Sent: 27 January 2014 14:28 . To: I'-a s . Subject: RE: BICKERTON HILL PROPOSALS

Deaw •••

Thank you for your email, I am pleased to know you have for so long enjoyed your walks on Bickerton Hill.

I am assuming from your reference to our website that you have seen material on National Trust web-pages, which conveys information about our obligations and expectations and the rationale behind heathland regeneration. With regard to your questions specifically, the Trust has additionally taken a number of steps to communicate these aims. Many individuals, both in terms of locals and people with an interest in the hill as well as statutory agencies and wildlife organisations etc have been communicated with regarding next phases of work. Notices will be posted at entrances also. When work is underway, our car park will have to be closed, though all other entrances, including our car park at Duckington will be unaffected.

With regard to your query about fencing, no additional fences will be erected, but replacement is due as existing fences are nearing the end of their useful life. It is possible that sheep will also be introduced at some point as grazing with mixed livestock is most beneficial to heathland restoration, but I recognise there may be concern from some dog owners. The Trust of course welcomes d0g walkers but is reliant, as is any landowner in the countryside wherever livestock is present, on people taking dog owning responsibility seriously and their compliance with the law and countryside code. As you may be aware, we request that during bird nesting, dogs are kept under control to prevent causing damage to breeding wildlife and this has largely proved beneficial and we are grateful for this cooperation. The period in the year when sheep may be present would to a large degree coordinate with this.

There will be an arrangement for timber removed from the site between the Trust, the Contractor and Natural England which will form part of the contractual agreements. Birch saplings are not sprayed, instead a 'weed-wiper' is used and of course the process of heathland restoration involves many techniques which will continue to be deployed as appropriate.

Thank you for contacting me and your interest in the heathland restoration work at Bickerton.

Regards

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside Manager, Cheshire and Wirral I The National Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, Cheshire, SKIO 4UB Tel. 01625584412 Fax. 01625587555

1 From: Sent: 11 January 2014 19:27 To: Cheshire Countryside Subject: BICKERTON HILL PROPOSALS

I have for many years been a member of the National Trust.

I live near Bickerton, and for over 30 years I have walked my dogs (various) on the hills, enjoying the varied landscape and views, and the ability to let the dogs run free (while under whistle-control).

Some aspects of the proposals on your website concern me, and it doesn't give answers:-

1. What consultation hasthere been with usersof the Bickerton Hills? 2. Have any notices of the proposals been posted on any of the notice-boards at the adjacent ca.rparks, and if so what and when? 3. Are any of the car parks going to be closed during the tree-felling operations, and if so which and for how long? 4. What additional fences are going to be erected, and where? 5. Are additional restrictions going to be imposed on dog-walkers if sheep are introduced, and if so what? 6. Isthe timber generated by the felling going to be sold at open market value, and if so will the National Trust receive 100% of the proceeds? If not, why not? 7. Isthe practice of killing young silver birch saplings (and the surrounding heather and whinberries) by spraying chemicals going tobe repeated?

Regards,

2 Barker, Richard

From: _ sa. ,$_J:mtlnj}d426 b;;PBPlwa= Sent: 17 February2014 14:37 To: Widger, Christopher Subject: FW:Dog Walking/Exercising

Property t National Trust Cheshire Countryside Properties Macclesfield Road Nether Alderley Cheshire SK104UB

From: \£ 7" Behalf Of Cheshire Countryside Sent: 17 February 2014 14:37 To: .-'" ~£.fMe'[ Subject: FW: Dog Walking/Exercising

Dear~

Perhaps you have already seen information we have provided for the public on the Trust's web-pages regarding work at Bickerton, but yes, it is possible that sheep will be introduced at some point, alongside cattle as grazing with mixed livestock is most beneficial to heathland restoration, but I recognise there may be concern from some dog owners. The Trust of course welcomes dog walkers but is reliant, as is any landowner in the countryside wherever livestock is present, on people taking dog owning responsibility seriously and their compliance with the law and countryside code. As you may be aware, we request that during bird nesting, dogs are kept under control to prevent causing damage to breeding wildlife and this has largely proved beneficial and we are grateful for this cooperation. The period in the year when sheep may be present would to a large degree, though not exactly, coordinate with this.

I hope this helps

Regards

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside Manager, Cheshire and Wirral t The National Trust, Cheshire Countryside Office, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderlcy, Cheshire, SKIO 4UB Tel. 01625584412 Fax. 01625587555

From:~~.~~~ •••• 1 Sent: 17 January 2014 11:3U To: Cheshire Countryside Subject: Dog Walking/Exercising

Pleasebe open and honest in regard to plans to introduce sheep grazing and the irnposition/s being discussedto be placed upon the many many visitors walking/exercising their dogs.

Thank you

1 Barker, Richard

From: Thompson,Jake Sent: 17 February2014 17:03 To: Rhodes,Alec Subject: RE:EIABickerton

Alec

Thanks for this, and your comments are completely valid, I will be contacting the applicant to bottom these things out to reduce the chance of things like this happening again in the future.

Regards

Jake

Jake Thompson - Woodland Officer 01606324956 I 07899711011

From: Rhodes,Alec Sent: 17 February2014 16:39 To: Thompson,Jake Subject: RE: EIABickerton

Hi Jake

Thanks for chasing this up which provide the final confirmed needed to support approval of the felling licence and give the Opinion.

All the work National Trust have put into the notification about the proposals is really helpful. Once section in the letter is slightly misleading:

(a) It suggests we have already issued a license for the work therefore suggesting it's a done deal which was not the case at the time the letter was issued.

(b) The Open Habitats Policy is not Fe but Government policy. While we are usually the key decision maker though the regs we deal with the policy applies equally across government. For example, to Natural England when developing proposals and local planning authorities when considering the conversion of woodland to provide open habitat to mitigate for development.

Not sure if I am being pedantic mentioning this but I think point (a) is important if NT undertake further exercises like this on other sites in the future.

Thanks

Alec

Alec Rhodes Forestry Commission England 0117 372 1075

1 Barker, Richard A·

From: Widger, Christopher Sent: 18 February2014 09:21 To: Thompson,Jake Subject: FW:Bickerton Attach ments: HLSWork Programme sign (6-2-14) 3.docx

Hi Jake

As mentioned. Let me know if you'd like to suggest amendments.

Thanks

Chris

Christopher J 0 Widger Countryside "'anager, Cheshire and Wirral r The .'iationaJTrust, Cheshire Countryside Office, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, Cheshire, SKIO 4UB Tel. 01625584412 Fax. 01625587555 :Vlob.07770431872 www.nationaltrust.org.uklmain/w-alderlevedgc2 www.nationaltrust.org.uklmain/w-harehill Follow the Cheshire and Wirral team on Twitter NTalderlcyedgc, l'Twirral and NT Chris-W Facebook - Cheshire and Wirral www.SOthings.org.uk

From: Widger, Christopher Sent: 17 February 2014 17:33 To: '[email protected]' Subject: Re: Bickerton

Hi Jake,yes, apologies for the inaccuracies. It's a good idea to send you material for comment. I'll happily do that. I'm at bickerton at the moment, but will forward amended poster text to you tomorrow when I'm back in the office so you can check you're happy with content.

Appreciated Chris

From: Thompson, Jake [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, February 17, 201405:22 PM To: Widger, Christopher Subject: Bickerton

Hi Chris

Thanks for the information regarding the local consultation for Bickerton, I will be sending the application for approval this week.

Also, the Open Habitats Policy is not FC but Government policy. While we are usually the key decision maker though the regs we deal with, the policy applies equally across government. For example, to Natural England when developing proposals and

1 local planning authorities when considering the conversion of woodland to provide open habitat to mitigate for development.

Perhaps you can make adjustments in future applications and when referencing the Forestry Commission, be so kind as to just run the text passed us prior to publishing.

Kind regards Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24~56 www.forestry.gov.uk

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2 Bringing back a Bronze Age landscape.

Saving a rare habitat

Many people associate trees with wildlife conservation, so it can be a surprise to find we will be felling trees to help wildlife. At Bickerton Hill, birch trees are trying to take over. The shade they cast prevents the heathland plants, which make this special place internationally important, from growing.

Heathland is a highly threatened habitat which is home to numerous endangered species and has played a significant role in the landscape heritage of Britain. Bickerton Hill has been a heath since the Bronze Age, with birch only becoming a threat since the 1940s. Since then, rare creatures like nightjars and silver-studded blue butterflies have disappeared from the Hill, and we also risk losing scarce creatures like slow worms and the green hairstreak butterfly.

Looking after special places

Because Bickerton Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); we work with Natural England, the government's environmental agency in the care and management of the site. Since the National Trust acquired the site in the 1980s we have gradually removed birch trees, however Natural England requires us to do more to control their spread across the site. It has directed a further programme of tree felling which will reduce the threat from re• seeding. We will therefore bring in forestry machinery to remove most of the trees from the areas marked orange on the map. This will allow other work to be implemented which will promote the development of low, heathland shrub flora.

Sorry to disturb you

We know that many of you come to Bickerton for peace and quiet, but for a few weeks, commencing in the autumn of 2014, there will be some large machinery working on the site.

Please bear with us

At that time, our paths will remain open, except for localised, temporary closures where work is taking place. Please take care if you are walking near the works. The contractors will keep a look out for people and animals, but keep a close eye on your dog. If you ride your horse on Bickerton, try to avoid work areas if your horse might be 'spooked' by noises or machinery.

A long haul

Heathland vegetation including heather, bilberry and gorse will, under the right conditions, start to regenerate in a few years, as we have seen where such work has already been undertaken. But to reach maturity and a state where dormant and wind-blown birch seeds no longer are a threat, takes many years, so restoration work will continue, possibly for decades. Throughout this time, grazing with livestock will, as it has done for centuries before, maintain heathland vegetation. The work we're doing will not only assure the opportunity for conservation of many rare and endangered species, it will bring back some more views and open spaces that you've told us you value so much and which have been a feature of this special place for so long.

You can find out more about why heathland is so important and the work we're doing on our website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uklbickertonheath Barker, Richard

From: Sent: 18 .February 2014" 10:03 To: Thompson, Jake Subject: RE:Bickerton FLA 010/131/13-14

jake

Morning, I hope you are well.

I have done the EIA bit and passed onto Paul for approval.

From: Thompson, Jake Sent: 17 February 2014 17:30 To: Subject: IBickert~"on FLA -010/131/13-14 Hi Jenny

I have had the go ahead from NO for the EIA so have signed the lOb in the folder, it's finished on the PRso I would be grateful if you could do the next stage of the admin process and get it to PV for approval. If there is anything I have forgotten, please let me know!

Many thanks

Jake

Jake Thompson Woodland Officer - Cheshire East, Gt. Manchester & SE Lancs

Forestry Commission I NW & WM Area Office I Linmere House I Delamere I Northwich I Cheshire I CW82JD 01606 324956 I 07899 711011 I VOIP 24956 www.forestry.gov.uk