PARKHILL WOODLAND PLAN 2011-2021 Contents 1.0 Introduction 2 1.1 Consultation 2 1.2 Issues Raised 2 1.3 Regional Park Charter Aims 3 1.4 The importance of Woodlands 4 1.5 Biodiversity 5 2.0 General Aims 6 2.1 The conservation aims will be achieved through 6 2.2 Co-operation will be encouraged through 6 2.3 Recreational access to Parkhill wood 6 2.4 Education and interpretation will be achieved through 7 2.5 Historical information 7 3.0 Identification of important features 8 4.0 Proposals for management action 8 4.1 Compartments 1-17 8 - 16 5.0 Appendix 1 17 5.1 Appendix 2 18 Table of Figures . Front cover: View looking towards East End Gate Figure 1: Location Map 19 Figure 2: Compartment Map 20 Figure 3: Entrance Sign 9 Figure 4: Unclear way marking 9 Figure 5: Proposed Environmental Works 21 Figure 6: Proposed Recreational Works 22 Figure 7: Rumble Strip 11 Figure 8: Gap in the old estate wall from the Johnshill field into Parkhill wood 14 1 Parkhill Woodland Plan 2010-20 1.0 Introduction Parkhill Wood is the policy woodland of the former Castle Semple Estate and covers 30 hectares of ground situated within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Parkhill wood is part of the Castle Semple Country Park and is easily accessible from the village of Lochwinnoch. The woods are an important resource for local people and visitors to the area. Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority is looking to draw up a management plan to improve the woodland for visitors and wildlife. Following public consultation the woodland plan incorporates the public’s perception on the condition of the woods and their aspirations for the future. 1.1 Consultation Process A Parkhill Wood leaflet was distributed to invite public comment on a potential management plan for the woodland. The Park aims were briefly stated and comments by post or e-mail were sought. This was followed up by a flyer informing the public of four Ranger led walks around Parkhill wood, over the period of a year, where the public could comment on any issues about the woods. There was also an indoor meeting in November 2008 at the Castle Semple Visitor Centre to request comments from the public. A link on the front page of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park web site and a notice on the external information board at Castle Semple Centre asking for any thoughts on Parkhill wood were also used to gain responses from the public. In conjunction with Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority public consultations were also undertaken by the South Renfrewshire Access Network Initiative (SRANI) to gain views on improving the path network, interpretation and cultural heritage throughout the former Castle Semple Estate. In October 2009 the Park’s Consultative Forum considered a draft plan entitled “Consultation Draft” and this document was once more put out to wide consultation. This consultation document contained a summary of public comments up to that date for each compartment. Subsequent responses have been considered in the preparation of this, the final draft Parkhill Woodland Plan 2011 - 21. Some of the most recent comments are noted beside the changes from the original proposal. Following approval by the Park Authority it is proposed to submit an application for funding to the Scottish Rural Development Programme. 1.2 Issues raised through the Public and SRANI consultations Access - Separate mountain bike trails, the completion of the Johnshill link path, improvements made to path surface and drainage to remove standing water on paths. The development of bridal (sic) route within Parkhill wood. Signage and Interpretation - There were conflicting views on this issue with some advocating interpretation within the woods while others preferred the interpretation to be based mostly at Castle Semple Visitor Centre. All were agreed that within the woods the feeling of wildness should be retained and waymarking and interpretation kept as unobtrusive as possible. 2 Biodiversity – The identification of key habitats to target specific species such as an increase in scrub woodland for Badger and bird species along with a larger wetland area for the benefit of Water Voles, amphibians and insects. The control of non-native or invasive plant species Rhododendron ponticum (Rhododendron) and Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken). Limited felling of Acer pseudoplantus (Sycamore) and mostly through the removal of seedlings or saplings. Historical Features – The reinstatement/repair of the Grotto, Cascades, Ponds and Ice Houses were mostly welcomed by all. Other issues – The natural look of the woods to be retained. Not too artificial. The condition of the boundary fence, the need for more seating and concerns over using bark chippings for resurfacing on very the muddy sections of paths. SRANI Public Comments A passive interest in Built Heritage from the public. The woods seen more as a resource for leisure and recreation. A need for the Johnshill link path. A desire for the wood not to loose its character through the restoration of features. Other Proposed Points The planting of ornamental specimen tree/shrubs may be undertaken to retain the look of the historic estate. Installing children’s play structures (SRANI). In certain areas the use of contractors to control Bracken/Rhododendron may be used. To retain cover for wildlife, Rhododendron removal to be gradual. 1.3 The Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority’s Charter Aims are: · To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. · To encourage and enable learning, understanding and enjoyment of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park · To promote and foster environmentally sustainable development for the social and economic well-being of the people and communities within the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park area. 3 1.4 The importance of Woodlands Trees and woodlands are of great importance, both as wildlife habitats and in terms of their contribution to landscape character and quality. Compared with the European Union Scotland only has half the average amount of woodland coverage. Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority wishes to develop Parkhill wood to create greater opportunities for people to enjoy this environment. The main trails within Parkhill wood and the proposed Johnshill link path into Parkhill wood are part of Renfrewshire’s core path network (Appendix 1). The woods are easily accessible from the villages of Lochwinnoch and Howwood and via the National Cycle Route 7 from communities between Glasgow and Irvine. The benefits associated with woodlands can be social, economic and environmental. The social benefits of woodlands are improved physical and mental health. Recreation in the woods can take the form of tranquil walks, energetic runs, cycling, family days out, or watching wildlife. This increase in physical activity can help to fight many health issues. Research has shown woodlands also benefit our mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety. Woods are also proving to be an ideal setting for environmental volunteering and other group activities; this fosters community togetherness and a feeling of ownership for the community. Volunteering also develops skills and employability. The economic benefits from woodlands, in addition to employment, include positive influences on inward investment, increased property values, timber and tourism. At present the Regional Park’s Ranger Service provides an environmental education schools programme in Parkhill wood. Learning outdoors is a stimulating experience for children and helps to develop citizenship as well as delivering part of the formal school curriculum. The woods are regularly used by the rangers for local walking/community groups and natural and local history walks are run throughout the year. Volunteer groups and work experience placements also help the rangers with many practical tasks within the woods. Outdoor Activity Staff based at Castle Semple Centre use the woods to teach orienteering and mountain biking to youngsters from schools and community groups The Park is a significant contributor to community and lifelong learning. Through its volunteering and consultation opportunities the Park is developing and enabling community engagement and active citizenship. Increasingly the benefits delivered by the park’s aims and objectives are recognised as making a positive contribution to wide national and local agendas in the areas of health improvement, active lifestyles, community engagement, economic development, learning, environmental justice and inclusion. The Scottish government have outlined five strategy objectives and fifteen national outcomes (Appendix 2) to focus Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish and the continuing development. Community involvement in Parkhill wood and implementation of its woodland plan are seen by the Park Authority to be a significant contribution to achieving the government’s aims. 1.5 Biodiversity In June 1992 the Prime Minister and over 150 other heads of state or governments signed the Convention on Biological Diversity at Rio de Janeiro. They did so to express a shared belief that action must be taken to halt the worldwide loss of 4 animal and plant species and genetic resources. They recognised that each country has the primary responsibility to save and enhance biodiversity within its jurisdiction. At the same time they agreed to draw up national plans and programmes and to share resources to help implement them. The publication of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) was in response to this signing and national strategies for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources were developed. UKBAP recommend the best way to conserve UK biodiversity was to produce Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs). LBAPs work to determine local priorities and determine the contribution they can make to the national species and habitat plans. This along with the Nature Conservation act of 2004 puts a duty on the Park Authority to further the conservation of biodiversity and enhancement of natural features within the regional park.