Iron Latch Lane
Woodland Management Plan
Hopkins Homes
August 2014
Iron Latch Lane
Woodland Managment Plan
Notice
This report is prepared by Atkins Limited for the sole and exclusive use of Hopkins Homes in response to
their particular instructions. No liability is accepted for any costs claims or losses arising from the use of this
report or any part thereof for any purpose other than that for which it was specifically prepared or by any
party other than Hopkins Homes. This report has been prepared by an environmental specialist and does not
purport to provide legal advice. The reader may wish to take separate legal advice.
This document has 36 pages including the cover.
Document history
Job number: 5106225
Document ref: DE2/5106225/Eco/WMP.RevD
Revision
Purpose description
Originated
Checked
Reviewed
Authorised Date
Draft
JBA Consultancy
Services Ltd WMP
JBA
N/A
N/A
JBA
June 2013
Rev A
JBA Consultancy
Services Ltd WMP
JBA
JBA
Atkins
JBA
July 2013
Rev B
JBA Consultancy
Services Ltd WMP
JBA
JBA
Atkins
JBA
September
2013
Rev C
Review by Hopkins
Homes & CBC
Atkins
JBA
Atkins JCB & Atkins MA August
JB
2014
Rev D
Updated following review Atkins
by CBC
Client signoff
Client
Hopkins Homes
Project
Iron Latch Lane
Document title
Iron Latch Lane Woodland Managment Plan
Job no.
5106225
Copy no.
4
Document
reference
DE2/5106225/Eco/WMP.RevD
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September
2014
Iron Latch Lane
Woodland Managment Plan
Table of contents
Chapter
Pages
1.
Introduction
4
2.
Definitions
5
3.
Site Description
6
4.
Great Crested Newts & Receptor Site Management to Date
8
5.
The role of the WMP Drawing
10
6.
WMP Management- Phase 1- Woodland Operations
11
7.
Woodland Management Aims and Objectives over 25 Years
13
8.
Management Considerations Over The Next 25 Years
15
9.
Management Prescriptions Over The Next 25 Years
17
10.
Review
26
Appendices
27
Appendix A.
Detailed Plan of Woodland and Planting Plan
JBA Consultancy Services Ltd – 11/265-06
28
28
Appendix B.
Woodland Management Plan Drawing
Atkins August 2014 5106225-Eco-001
29
29
Appendix C.
Woodland Management Operations Timetable
30
30
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Site Location Plan
The Development Site in relation to the Receptor Site.
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1. Introduction
1.1. Background
JBA Consultancy Services Ltd (JBA) were instructed in spring 2013 by Hopkins Homes to prepare a
Woodland Management Plan (‘the Plan’). This Plan was reviewed by Atkins Limited. Two meetings were
held in late summer 2013 to discuss this Plan with Atkins, JBA, Colchester Borough Council, Hopkins Homes
and the Essex Wildlife Trust. A number of actions were raised and these have now been undertaken and
inputted into this revised version of the Plan produced by Atkins in August 2014.
This Plan submitted to the Local Planning Authority (Colchester Borough Council) as a means of discharging
the Landscape Condition attached to approval of planning application 120848 and will require a practical
Completion Certificate as proof of formal approval.
1.2. Purpose of this Plan
This Plan and detailed drawing shown in Appendix 1 of the mitigation, enhancement and management
measures covers the area of existing woodland known as the Iron Latch Lane Wood. The Plan covers 25
years of management but will require updating as it is a working document. This woodland occupies a parcel
of land opposite the Stanway Sidings Development Site off Halstead Road, Stanway, Essex, which has
planning consent for a residential development. This document satisfies a covenant with Colchester Borough
Council under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 relating to the treatment and ongoing management of this woodland, which is utilised for recreation, but which is also a Local Wildlife Site,
and the receptor site for a great crested newt population which had occupied the Development Site.
The purpose of this document is to ensure the appropriate management of the woodland area in the
interests of its visual amenity and ecological value and to ensure that the area is maintained in perpetuity
with public access directed to defined routes to minimise wildlife disturbance. The primary aims of this Plan
will be to encourage public access for walking and cycling, protect existing European protected species
present on the site and increase biodiversity value by creation of a more diverse woodland by broadening
the age of existing vegetation and enhancing and diversifying the range of existing wildlife habitats.
The Plan should be used in conjunction with the Woodland Management Plan Drawing 5106225-Eco-001,
(Appendix 2).
This Plan provides a Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy for Iron Latch Lane Wood which integrates the
requirements of nature conservation and public amenity to provide a means to maintain the woodland for all
going forward into the future.
1.3. Related Documents
The following documents set out the ecological mitigation required during the pre-construction and
construction phases of the Stanway Sidings development which are related to the management of the Site,
Iron Latch Lane Woods:

Stanway Former Rail Sidings, Ecological Impact Assessment (Atkins, May 2012);

Stanway Sidings Great Crested Newt Licence Mitigation Method Statement and drawings (Atkins,
March 2013)
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2.
Definitions
2.1.
The Site
2.1.1.
Location
The location of Iron Latch Lane Wood is shown in Figure 1.
Iron Latch Lane Wood is located adjacent to the East Anglia Mail Line railway at Stanway, Colchester,
Essex. The woodland has the railway line on its southern side and adjoins open countryside of arable fields
to the east, west and north, with a public foot path popular as a dog-walking route and green lane along the
northern edge. The woodland is approximately 15 ha with ephemeral waterbodies.
Figure 1. Location of Iron Latch Lane Wood, the Site
Iron Latch Lane Wood
‘The Site’ (approximate
boundary)
‘The Site
Development Site
2.1.2.
The Development Site
The Development Site to the south of the railway, former disused railway sidings, is to be developed for
residential purposes, it is approximately 5.85 ha. The Development Site has mature trees along the southern
and eastern boundary with young and semi-mature woodland throughout the central areas. There was a
large ephemeral lagoon to the north of the site, adjacent to the railway line. Iron Latch Lane Wood, is to be
retained and protected throughout the construction of the development, but is itself not under threat from
construction work.
Figure 1 shows the Development Site in relation to the Iron Latch Lane Wood.
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2.1.3.
The Site Area Covered by this Report
The area covered by this Plan will hereinafter be referred to as ‘the Site’. This area includes Iron Latch Lane
Wood and all the elements (both existing and proposed) contained within the planning application boundary
pertaining to the retained woodland, as shown on Figure 1. These comprise all retained vegetation (mature
trees, woodland and ground flora), an area of new planting to the west of the existing woodland (native shrub
mixes, trees & grass areas), surfaces, fences and any other hard or soft landscape elements. Maintenance
access is provided to the woodland from an access track, Iron Latch Lane and bridge crossing the railway
line.
2.2.
The Parties
2.2.1.
The Adopting Organisation
The Adopting Organisation will adopt responsibility for the Site in accordance with Section 106 Agreement
dated 25th June 2013. The Adopting Organisation shall also be taken to mean any employee or
representative of the body responsible for the management of the grounds. The Adopting Organisation is
Colchester Borough Council.
2.2.2.
The Developer
The Developer is responsible for the construction of the development and protection of the woodland during
such construction. The Developer is Hopkins Homes.
2.2.3.
The Local Planning Authority
The Local Planning Authority is Colchester Borough Council and its Planning, Biodiversity and Landscape
Officers who are involved in the process of examination and approval of documentation, specifically Beverley
Mc Clean (Coast and Countryside Planner).
This Plan has been issued to the Local Planning Authority to discharge the Developer’s obligations set out in
the Section 106 Agreement dated 25th June 2013 and any landscape specifications included in the woodland
management plan.
2.2.4.
Consultees
The Consultees on the content of this Management Plan include:

Essex Wildlife Trust (in particular John More);

Natural England (in respect of great crested newts only);

Local representatives (in particular Cllr Marcus Harrington).

Colchester Borough Council (in particular Beverley Mc Clean, Coast and Countryside Planner)
Prior to the commencement of the proposed works prescribed in this plan a mechanism for consulting on
management decisions could be set up by the proposed Adopting Organisation. The above consultees
could be invited to take part in reviews and discussions relating to management, although the objectives for
management are to be set out in this Plan and are intended to remain for the duration of the Plan.
2.2.5.
Duration of the Plan
The duration of the Plan will be 25 years, after which an end of plan review will be undertaken and a new
plan drawn up.
Feedback could be gained from participants on volunteer tasked, or via leaflet, letter or website.
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3.
Site Description
3.1.
Historical Context
The existing woodland at the Site is identifiable on historic maps as far back as the early 20th century. The
Site was within the ownership of the railway organisation and may have been used as a siding. From the
typography of the Site, it is apparent that the central area has been quarried in the past.
3.2.
Landscape and Amenity Context
The central-southern area of the Site lies at a lower level than the remainder and there is a steep transition
between the two levels. Two steep slopes face towards the centre on the east and western sides of the Site
and extend to a narrowing point just north of the central area.
The woodland on the Site is secondary woodland comprising mixed broadleaf trees. The woodland is a
significant landscape and recreational feature and has the potential to become an important ecological
amenity resource within the Stanway settlement. The woodland is visible both from the residential area to
the south and the wider countryside to the north, west and east. There is a footpath, Iron Latch Lane,
running along the eastern edge of the woodland and this separates it from the older coppice woodland and
Local Wildlife Site, managed by Essex Wildlife Trust.
3.3.
Ecological Context
A number of site visits were undertaken from Summer 2013 to Summer 2014 to inform this Plan involving the
Essex Wildlife Trust (John More), Colchester Borough Council (Cllr Harrington, Beverley Mc Clean) and
Atkins (Mike Gibbs and Melanie Archer).
Specifically a baseline survey of the Site was undertaken by Atkins in spring 2014 to inform the Plan of
existing habitats, features and concepts for green and blue infrastructure.
3.3.1.
Habitats
The entire wood within the Site comprises predominantly middle-aged and a few mature mixed broadleaf
trees, mainly oak, with some patches of birch regeneration and a little alder in the wetter areas. There are
few breaks in the canopy and ground cover is limited to patches of bramble and nettle. There are a number
of stumps of windblown trees and the younger trees growing around them.
Young to middle-aged oak, birch and hawthorn predominate and other sub-canopy varieties are present
along the margins, including elder and hazel, and a few holly. There are generally few breaks in the canopy
and little light penetration, except for the areas of birch regeneration, which occur alongside increased
presence of gorse, some broom and grasses. Ground vegetation within the darker areas is limited to clumps
of brambles only, although there were patches of wood spurge and some peripheral bulbs. The eastern
margin has remnants of a hedgerow, containing blackthorn and hawthorn.
Pathways have been created throughout the woodland by walkers and cyclists. Spotted throughout the site
are stands of shrubs blackthorn and hawthorn with some dense continuous and scattered areas of scrub of
nettle and bramble.
The Site is seasonally wet, with areas of ephemeral waterbodies, largely occupying the central area of the
site. This has caused trees to die and decay providing habitat piles of rotting logs and scrub. This area is
generally inaccessible.
On the northern boundary is a slow flowing overgrown ditch which separates the Site from adjacent arable
fields. A dry ditch runs along part of the western boundary which is overgrown with scrub and bramble. To
the west of the site are arable fields with an arable field margin of scattered scrub and grasses. The eastern
boundary of the site is delineated by Iron Latch lane and beyond is arable fields. The railway line bounds the
Site to the south with Development Site beyond.
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New Zealand pigmyweed had been identified on the Development Site within the lagoon. This has not been
identified in any of the ephemeral waterboides within the Site. New Zealand pigmyweed is an invasive plant
species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and as such is subject
to strict legal control.
3.3.2.
Species
Bats
Bat activity surveys undertaken at the Site and on the Development Site, in 2011 confirmed the presence of
bats using the woodland for foraging and commuting, in particular, Iron Latch Lane and the railway corridor
are used as commuting routes by bats, and foraging areas include the woodland edge, and above the
woodland canopy. At least six species of bat were recorded during the surveys, including common pipistrelle,
soprano pipistrelle, Myotis species, brown long-eared, serotine and Leisler’s bats. During the survey it was
also identified that there is potential for roosting for bats in the more mature trees at the Site.
Great Crested Newts
Detailed great crested newt surveys have been undertaken between 2008 and 2012 on the Site and the
Development Site. There is a medium population of great crested newts on the Development Site. Survey
undertaken in 2010 and 2012 found no great crested newts within the Site although a small population of
smooth newt (maximum count during a single visit of less than 10 adults) is present. The population of great
crested newts on the Development Site has been translocated to mitigation ponds created within the north
and south of the Site. This work has been undertaken in strict adherence to a Great Crested Newt
Development Licence granted by Natural England in August 2013.Further details of these works and
consideration given to this species as part of this Plan is given in Section 3.4.
Reptiles
A survey for reptiles was carried out at the Site on seven occasions in 2011. No reptiles were recorded
during this survey, although incidental observations of grass snake near to the railway have made during site
visits over the years.
Badger
No signs of badger occupancy or evidence of use of the site by badgers was recorded during surveys carried
out in 2007 and 2014.
Nesting Birds
Although no specific surveys have been carried out for breeding birds, the woodland provides ample nesting
opportunities for woodland bird species.
Other species
Other notable species such as BAP species could be using the site such as hedgehogs, invertebrates and
other amphibians. Great Crested Newts & the Site Management to Date
3.4.
Great Crested Newt Development Licence
Construction works at the Development Site involves the loss of a seasonally wet lagoon which a population
of great crested newts have been using for breeding. In order for construction works to proceed at the site, a
Great Crested Newt Development Licence was granted by Natural England to Hopkins Homes in August
2013.
This licence was granted based on a detailed method statement which outlines all the mitigation measures to
be put in place to safeguard the conservation of this species in this location. The method statement included
the creation of new ponds and enhancement of ephemeral ponds at the Site which is the subject of this Plan,
so that it could be used as a receptor location for the population of great crested newts which needed to be
moved from the Development Site.
Approximately 600 great crested newts (including adults and juveniles) have been moved to the Site from
the Development Site between September and October 2013 and April to September 2014.
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The Great Crested Newt Licence described above will be in place until construction at the development site
and monitoring of ponds at the Site is complete (anticipated completion September 2020). Up until this
point, the current Licence Holder, Hopkins Homes and their Consultant Ecologist should be contacted prior
to the commencement of any of the management activities at the Site described in and associated with
this Plan to ensure that the impacts of any works on great crested newts are taken into account and there
are no breaches in wildlife legislation.
Following this time, all works on site must take into account the presence of this species on site and advice
should be sought from a specialist ecologist where necessary.
3.4.1.
Works undertaken at the Site in connection with the Great Crested
Newt Development Licence
Prior to the moving great crested newts to the Site from the Development Site, two new ponds were created.
In addition to this, three existing ephemeral ponds were deepened and cleared of leaf litter. Log piles and
hibernacula were created throughout the Site. To reduce shading around the new and existing ponds, trees
were cleared around the edges. These ponds are shown and on Drawing 5106225-Eco-001, Appendix B.
Pond 1 and 2 are new ponds, Ponds 3, 4 and 5 are existing enhanced ephemeral ponds.
A great crested newt population monitoring scheme of the new ponds and enhanced ponds on the Site will
commence in Spring 2015 for 6 years in accordance with the Great Crested Newt Development Licence.
A copy of the monitoring report including population data should be submitted to the Adopting Organisation.
3.5.
Recent Management
3.5.1.
Health and Safety & Tree Management
A tree survey was undertaken in winter 2013/14. The scope of this survey was defined through consultation
with Atkins, JBA and Colchester Borough Council. The survey covered all trees which were within falling
distance of the access tracks throughout the Site. JBA undertook the tree condition survey.
The tree survey identified a number of unsafe trees which had either been damaged in storms or decayed
naturally. These trees were all inspected for bat and bird potential in January 2014 by Atkins. The results of
this survey were detailed in a report sent to Colchester Borough Council which outlined trees which required
removal and those trees requiring mitigation for bats. Bat checks, followed by soft felling was undertaken on
a number of trees and the remaining unsafe trees removed in February and March 2014.
Further trees which have been damaged in the storms in spring this year have been identified and are due
for removal in autumn 2014.
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4.
The role of the Woodland
Management Plan Drawing
Two drawings have been created and form part of this Plan. The drawings are as important as the text in this
document and should be used during the habitat creation, mitigation and enhancement works to the
woodland.
4.1.
Appendix A - Detailed Plan of Woodland & Planting Plan for
Woodland Extension
The first drawing has been created and was issued by JBA in January 2014 to inform of the new woodland
planting to be undertaken autumn 2014 or spring 2015 (pending permissions) on the existing arable field to
the west of the woodland area.
The drawing is comprehensive and designed to be able to be utilised as a standalone drawing to enable a
landscape firm/developer to use and plant up the area with minimal supervision and guidance.
The plan details;





4.2.
Area to be covered;
Schedule of plants & percentage;
Woodland, matrix grid element;
Notes on girth size, shrub size etc;
Detailed specification notes including – setting out, ground preparation, planting, mulch selection and
general notes for the developer.
Appendix B – Woodland Management Plan Drawing,
Mitigation, Enhancement and Management
This comprehensive Drawing 5106225-Eco-001 was created from baseline data gathered from 2013 and
2014 and consultation with the Essex Wildlife Trust and Colchester Borough Council. The Ecological Impact
Assessment Report produced in May 2012 (Atkins) has also been used.
The drawing takes into consideration existing habitats and features at the Site and works with the existing
informal amenity access to strengthen all the linkages of habitats and features. The drawing’s purpose has
three strands which bring together the green and blue infrastructure of the site linking this with the use of the
site for the local community. The three strands are;

Species enhancement and mitigation measures;

Habitat enhancements and Woodland Management; and

Amenity usage and mitigation.
The Drawing shows works and measures which should be undertaken as part of the Phase 1 – Woodland
Operations (these are further detailed in Section 5) and for the following year. The Drawing details less of the
ongoing management beyond the first two years as it would be out of date. After this time it may be useful to
update the Drawing for the next 5 years to include woodland management objectives and management of
specific areas within the woodland.
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5.
WMP - Phase 1- Woodland
Operations
5.1.
Phase 1 – Woodland Operations Rationale
Prior to handover of the Site to the Adopting Organisation (Colchester Borough Council) an initial phase of
woodland operations will be undertaken by Hopkins Homes. Ahead of the Site being signed over to the
Adopting Organisation (CBC) it was agreed that an initial phase of woodland operations would be
undertaken as art of the Plan, known as Phase 1 Woodland Operations.
Dependant on access and weather conditions the Phase 1 Operations should be undertaken in Autumn
2014 and Winter 2014/2015. The exact timings and schedule of works should be agreed with Atkins,
Colchester Borough Council and the Essex Wildlife Trust in accordance with the details listed in this section
of the Plan. Method Statements and species lists should be agreed with Atkins and the Colchester Borough
Council.
The Woodland Management Plan Drawing (Appendix B) should be referred to when reading this section to
show indicative locations of works and measures.
5.1.1.
Species Enhancements and Mitigation Measures Created 2013/2014

Reptile habitat piles – logs, brash and soil, (approximately 20 – indicative locations shown on
drawing).

Great crested newt & amphibian refuges, (approximately 20 – indicative locations shown on
drawing).

Pond creation, two new ponds (Pond 1 and Pond 2) created (indicative locations shown on drawing).

Pond enhancement, existing ephemeral ponds deepened and enlarged (Pond 3, Pond 4 and Pond
5) to double the size (indicative locations shown on drawing).
5.1.2.
Species Enhancements and Mitigation Measures to be Undertaken
2014/2015

30 x bat boxes to be installed (type and location to be determined by Ecologist).

50 x bird boxes to be installed (type and location to be determined by Ecologist & Essex Wildlife
Trust).

Reptile basking areas (created within the open glades and around the ponds).

Invertebrate bug boxes x 10 and habitat enhancements through planting.
5.1.3.
Habitat and Woodland Management Created 2014
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
Tree works around all footpaths and along Iron Latch Lane to remove/remediate unsafe trees (as
identified within Arboricultural Health and Safety Report, James B lake Associates Rev A February
2014.

Pond planting – marginal, emergent, aquatic species.
5.1.4.
Habitat and Woodland Management to be Undertaken 2014/2015

2 x open – glades (size & location to be finalised on site with Colchester Borough Council and
Atkins/Hopkins Homes).

Hedgerow planting (species and method statement to be prepared by Hopkins Homes/Atkins with
input from Colchester Borough Council).

Scrub planting (species and method statement to be prepared by Hopkins Homes/Atkins with input
from Colchester Borough Countil).

Invertebrate friendly scrub species to be planted to the west of the site adjacent to arable field where
invertebrate boxes are to be installed.

Scrub clearance (location to be finalised on site with Colchester Borough Council/Essex Wildlife
Trust and Hopkins Homes/Atkins).

Further Health and Safety Tree Works (planned September/October 2014).

Ground flora planting (indicative locations shown on drawing).

Wild flower/grassland margin (adjacent to new woodland area, method statement and species to be
agreed with Colchester Borough Council and Atkins/Hopkins Homes).

New woodland area (to be planted in accordance with JBA Drawing No. 11/265-06 Appendix A)
following agreement with Colchester Borough Council

All new planting proposals within Iron Latch Lane Woodland (including the new area of woodland)
should be agreed in writing with CBC’s Landscape Officer.
5.1.5.
Amenity Enhancements to be Undertaken 2014

Tree works to ensure that pathways are as safe as possible.

Temporary signs to be installed around the ponds to provide information about pond creation works.
5.1.6.
Amenity Enhancements to be undertaken 2014/2015

Footpaths, cycleway to be delineated on WMP Drawing so officially these pathways are accepted.

Entrance created into the woodland by cutting back scrub species (indicative locations shown on
drawing).

Notice/interpretation board for the local community to use (indicative location shown on plan – to be
determined by Colchester Borough Council).
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
Dog waste bin(s) (indicative location shown on plan – to be determined by Colchester Borough
Council).
6. Proposed Management Aims and
Objectives over 25 Years
6.1. Proposed Management Aims
The overall purpose of this document is to ensure the appropriate management of the Site in the interests of
its visual amenity and ecological value and ensure that the area is maintained in perpetuity with a maintained
access corridor. The primary aims will be to integrate the objectives of nature conservation and amenity by
creating and maintaining a diverse woodland structure, while protecting key species; as well as maintaining
open access and engagement with local people on management activities.
It is important that the management of the Site considers the woodland as an integral part of a wider
landscape and community. The Site has the potential to play a pivotal role in retaining local wildlife value
and habitat integrity as well as providing a valuable amenity measure to the local community
Management that improves wildlife habitat within the Site is likely to be of benefit to the wider habitat of the
area, and be a key foraging stage post for both resident and transitory fauna, including European protected
species, such as great crested newts and bats.
6.2. Proposed Woodland Management Objectives Over 25 Years
The management objectives are split into nature conservation and amenity objectives:
6.2.1. Nature Conservation Objectives
Proposed Objective 1: Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat by:
 Selected phased thinning or coppicing of two woodland glades to create a more diverse
woodland structure and ground flora of tussocky grass and scattered shrubs;
 Creation of graded woodland edges through management as above and through additional
planting, with gapping up and pruning of hedges;
 Encouraging the natural regeneration of trees and ground flora to ensure indigenous species
of local provenance are predominant;
 Promoting the establishment of a broader range of native woodland ground flora - using
species of local provenance; and
 Retention of deadwood habitat for fungi and invertebrates.
Proposed Objective 2: Maintaining a suitable habitat for key species by:
 Leaving the central seasonally flooded area of the site as a non-intervention area as a haven
for species such as great crested newt for foraging;
 Maintaining the great crested newt compensation ponds (Ponds 1 to 5) in a suitable state for
the long-term benefit of the population;
 Providing a new area of woodland and scrub within land to the east of the site; and
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 Maintaining the bird and bat boxes, and amphibian and reptile refuges and hibernacula
suitable for use by these species.
Proposed Objective 3: Establishing a programme of survey and monitoring by:
 Monitoring the success of protected species compensation and mitigation measures; and
 Monitoring the success of management activities against the objectives.
6.2.2. Amenity Objectives
Proposed Objective 4: Maintaining open access to the woodland for public by:
 Provision for safe public access in the interests of visual amenity and informal recreation whilst
maintaining a suitable habitat for protected species; and
 Removal of unsafe dead wood (to be retained on site) in the interests of the safety of
recreational users;
Proposed Objective 5: Engagement with local people in management activities by:
 Potential involvement with the management approach, possibly including some practical
operations carried out by volunteers, with suitable safeguards and insurances in respect of
safety;
 Provision of interpretation and information such as signboards and way-markers; and
 Leaflets made available and distributed to local households before management work to
prevent unnecessary complaints, and consultation with the local Council members and
representatives regarding the planned management to ensure they can anticipate and handle
any complaints.
Proposed Objective 6: Seeking feedback from local people by:
 Planning guided visits to site for local people; and
 Leaflet, letter or website.
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7. Management Considerations Over The
Next 25 Years
7.1. Site Designations
The site is included with the Iron Latch Lane Woods and Meadow Local Wildlife Site (LWS). As such it is
afforded protection from development under Colchester Borough Council Planning Policies unless ‘the
benefits of any development clearly outweigh the impacts on the features of the site’.
7.2. Legislation and Policy
7.2.1. Legally Protected Species
Any management works should be undertaken with consideration for the presence of protected species
within the woodland, particularly bats, great crested newts and nesting birds.
All bat species found in the UK are protected at the under the Conservation of Habitats and Species
Regulations 2010, as well as under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to
deliberately or recklessly disturb, capture, injure or kill a bat; or to damage, destroy or obstruct a roost site
(even if not occupied at the time).
Great crested newts are protected under the same legislation as bats. It is an offence to deliberately or
recklessly disturb, capture, injure or kill a great crested newt; or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to a
breeding pond or other habitat used by great crested newts.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) it is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy
the nest or eggs of any wild bird while that nest is in use. For certain bird species (Schedule 1 species) it is
also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a bird while it is on the nest or building a nest; or to
disturb the eggs or young at a nest site.
Although there will be no building within the woodland, recreational use of the area may increase and this
needs to be carefully channelled to avoid disturbance to protected species using the woodland. Colchester
Borough Council should uphold its duty of care to ensure that all management operations are undertaken
with regard to wildlife legislation (protected species and habitats) and at the appropriate time of year
(consulting an ecologist).
7.2.2. Felling Licenses
A felling license may be required from the Forestry Commission for some woodland management works for
example felling of growing trees (but not lopping, topping, or other tree surgery works). In any calendar
quarter up to 5 cubic metres may be felled, provided that not more than 2 cubic metres are sold. A license is
not required if:



The trees are all below 8 cm in diameter measured, at a point 1.3 m above the ground; or in the case
of thinning, below 10 cm in diameter; or in the case of coppice or underwood, below 15 cm in
diameter;
The trees are interfering with permitted development, or statutory works by public service providers;
or
The trees are dead, dangerous, causing a nuisance or are badly affected by Dutch elm disease.
The application for a felling license should be submitted at least 3 months before the proposed date of
felling. No felling should be carried out until a license has been issued. A licence may be issued on
condition that replacement planting is carried out and maintained for a period of 10 years. Planting grants
may be available if a replanting condition has been imposed.
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7.3. Financial
A sustainable source of funding for the works is being provided by Hopkins Homes, the developer, to the
Adopting Organisation, Colchester Borough Council, to maintain the Site.
7.4. Potential
There is good potential for increasing the value of the woodland for both nature conservation and amenity.
This is an important consideration in the preparation of this Plan. Enhancements to increase the structural
diversity will provide opportunities for growth of a more diverse range of woodland plants, and this can be
supplemented by extra planting. The proximity of coppice and meadow to the north-east (also part of the
Local Wildlife Site) may allow species to colonise over time.
The current amenity usage pattern includes informal paths, and an area to the north of the centre more
heavily trafficked and used for mountain bike/BMX activity. This area is clearly of great value to local
children. The woodland has potential to be important to local residents, including new residents at the
planned development for informal recreation. This will be encouraged through measures outlined in the
Phase 1 works.
7.5. Access for Works
The site is accessed via an unsurfaced track (Iron Latch Lane) off Halstead Road, which crosses a bridge
over the railway and runs along the eastern boundary, narrowing towards the north of the site. Access is
suitable for 4x4 vehicles and plant that may be required for management operations.
7.6. Arisings and Spoil
7.6.1. Arisings from Woodland Management Operations
All arisings from woodland management operations such as tree surgery works, clear felling, thinning and
coppicing should be reused on site where possible for either:

Fencing or tree surrounds e.g. for deer/rabbit protection;

Woodchips for mulching around replacement areas of planting;

Protecting coppice stools;

Creating piles of brash to discourage access to certain areas; and

Creating habitat piles or refuges.
7.6.2. Arisings and Wood Sales
All excess arisings should be removed from site to a licensed tip. Whilst timber production is not a primary
aim of woodland management, timber resulting from management operations may be sold as fire wood or for
the timber itself, but only after the management requirements of keeping sufficient dead wood on site for
notable and protected species has been satisfied. The Adopting Organisation shall set any profits from
timber sales aside and such money shall be used to help fund the management of the site.
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8. Proposed Management Prescriptions
Over The Next 25 Years
Proposed woodland management operations timetable are shown in Appendix C.
Works should be undertaken as outlined in Section 5 as part of Phase 1 but these will need to be
supplemented yearly to ensure the objectives of the 25 year Plan is met. These are detailed in this section.
8.1.
Carry Out Selected Phased Thinning and Coppicing
Relevant objective: 1. Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
Rationale
Selected thinning and coppicing should be carried out to ensure that the biodiversity of the woodland is
maintained and enhanced, and to ensure that the woodland area is in good and sustainable order on
commencement of longer term management regimes. Thinning and/or coppicing selected trees should
reduce light and space competition and provide opportunities to enhance the existing woodland ground flora.
The glades should provide basking sites for reptiles, as well as additional foraging habitat for amphibians
and reptiles.
Proposed Methods
All initial works should be carried out over the first 5 years for this purpose the woodland will be divided into
appropriate blocks or areas. The phased implementation of the initial works should stagger management
operations to ensure that there are suitable refuges for wildlife at all times.
Two open glades will be created during the initial Phase 1 Operations. Glades are shown on the Woodland
Management Plan Drawing 5106225-Eco-001 (Appendix B). These will be at specific locations that are
relatively open already within the context of the woodland and have few or no mature trees. The locations
are also defined by the existing presence of plant species such as bramble, grasses and gorse.
Subsequent glade work could include coppicing young oak, birch and hawthorn trees. That are weak,
diseased, forked or dead,should be removed along with specimens to break up planting lines and create a
diverse woodland structure. New regeneration should be allowed and dead or dying trees retained, where
safe, as branchless stumps of up to 8 m in height for use by bats.
The works should be carried out in the winter months and outside the bird breeding season. A competent
person, such as a qualified ecologist or arboriculturist, should plan all thinning and coppicing operations in
advance by identifying and marking all trees for removal and coppicing, during the late autumn, preceding
the commencement of the works. All such thinning/ coppicing operations should be undertaken between
Late November and February. No further clearance should be carried out as part of the initial works and no
clear clearance to maintain the open glades will be carried out until Year 5.
The aim of the management should be to create open areas of grasses, herbs and scattered shrubs such as
gorse with few trees. These areas should provide as diversity of plants that will be used by invertebrates,
basking sites for reptiles, and foraging areas for reptiles, amphibians and bats.
Before carrying out localised clearance and thinning or coppicing operations, a suitably qualified ecologist
should be consulted to ensure that protected species and their habitats will not be disturbed. Such works
should be agreed with the ecologist before any action is taken whatsoever.
8.2.
Create Woodland Edges
Relevant objective: 1. increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
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Rationale
The eastern edge of the Site, where it borders Iron Latch Lane, should be managed as an informal and
graded woodland edge, to provide some habitat diversity. New planting should be used to create a dense
hedgerow on the woodland edge which will provide some cover for bird species and an element of
understorey lacking in the woodland as a whole. Similarly, planting should be used to infil gaps in the
woodland edge on the western side of the woodland in the north of the site. The woodland edges are less
shaded than the interior of the wood and provide a better environment for the planting to establish.
Proposed Methods
Replant western and eastern woodland margins with a woodland edge hedge mix, to include native
broadleaved trees and shrubs of local provenance, and in keeping with the character of the woodland, such
as the following species: field maple; hawthorn; hazel, spindle, holly, blackthorn, buckthorn, honeysuckle and
elder. Part of this planting will be done as Phase 1 Operations as per Section 5.
8.3.
Supplement Woodland Ground Flora
Relevant objective: 1. Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
Rationale
Replacement and/or additional plug-planting of woodland ground flora species should be implemented to
diversify the existing woodland habitat, using native species of local provenance appropriate to the location
and character of the site.
Proposed Methods
Woodland flora plug plants should be planted at locations within the woodland. These locations will have soil
that retains moisture throughout the summer but is not waterlogged in the winter. Species should include
primrose, honeysuckle, bluebell, sanicle, pignut, common dog-violet and other suitable woodland species.
Part of this planting will be done as Phase 1 Operations as per Section 5.
8.4.
Create New Woodland and Scrub Areas
Relevant objective: 1. Maintaining a suitable habitat for key species
Rationale
At the southern end of the arable field that borders the western edge of the woodland, a new area of
woodland should be created to compensate for the loss of woodland south of the railway as part of the
Stanway Sidings Development. In addition, a belt of wildflower/grasses should be established within the field
alongside the eastern edge of the woodland in the south of the site to provide a graded woodland edge to
the woodland habitat.
Proposed Methods
The woodland planting area should be composed of native broadleaved trees of local provenance, and in
keeping with the character of the woodland, such as the following species: pedunculate oak, ash, hornbeam,
field maple, hazel, and wild apple. This planting will be done as Phase 1 Operations as per Section 5.
8.5.
New Ponds and Enhancement of Existing Ponds
Relevant objective: 1. Maintaining a suitable habitat for key species
As part of pre-construction works to mitigate for the impacts of the development on great crested newts, two
new ponds were created and an ephemeral pond enhanced to double the size. In addition, works were
carried out to enhance existing ponds by clearing silt and leaf litter, and removing shading trees.
Wetland species of plants have been planted at these ponds, including great willowherb, water forget-menot, water plantain and water mint.
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Monitoring and management of the condition of these ponds will be required. Maintenance and dredging
may be required as a result of monitoring.
Great crested newts use these ponds. No works in or around the ponds should be undertaken without advice
from an ecologist.
8.6.
Provide Wildlife Refuges
Relevant objective: 1. Maintaining a suitable habitat for key species
A number of these items will be created and installed as part of the Phase 1 Operations but over the years
these will become damaged and should, if resources permit be replaced.
Rationale
Wildlife refuges should be provided to supplement the existing opportunities for a range of species within the
woodland. Due to the even-aged canopy, and generally uniform structure of the woodland habitat, nesting
and roosting opportunities for birds and bats are limited; whereas places of refuge for amphibians, or basking
areas for reptiles are restricted.
Proposed Methods
The following artificial refuges will provide suitable habitats for a range of different species in the early stages
of woodland management. The location of such refuges should be informed and agreed on site by a suitably
qualified ecologist.
Hibernacula and Refuges
Twenty hibernacula and refuges suitable for amphibians and reptiles have been created within the woodland
in 2013 as part of pre-construction works to mitigate for the impacts of the development prior to the
preparation of this Plan. New refuges should be created where possible using log piles from wood
generated during clearance operations.
Bird Boxes
Fifty bird boxes should be provided as mitigation for the development, to be installed prior to construction.
Bird boxes should be positioned so that they are sheltered from prevailing wind, rain and strong sunlight,
normally facing north through to south-east on suitable mature trees, at a height of between 2 m and3 m
depending on the bird species, ensuring a clear flight path to the entrance. Favoured sites are at the edges
of woodland, glades and rides or where different habitat types meet. Different types of boxes (hole entrance
and open fronted) will attract a variety of different birds.
Bat Boxes
Thirty bat boxes should be provided as mitigation for the development, to be installed prior to the
construction. Bat boxes should be installed across the site, to include a range of different aspects (mainly to
the south or west, but providing a variety of different positions to offer a range of climatic conditions). Boxes
should be placed as high as possible, at a height of between 3-6 m, ensuring the entrance is free from
obstruction. Favoured sites are close to linear features such as woodland edges or hedgerows.
Invertebrate Boxes
Fifteen boxes should be installed at the western edge of the Receptor site adjacent to the
grassland/wildflower margin and planted scrub species.
8.7.
Maintain Existing Mature Trees
Relevant Objective: 4. Maintaining open access to the woodland for public
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All of the unsafe trees identified in 2013/14 will have been removed as part of Phase 1 Operations. The
Adopting Organisation should, in future, carry out tree inspections and remedial work as required.
Rationale
Mature trees identified by the tree survey as unsafe and adjoining buildings, private space and access roads
that present immediate health and safety issues will be removed or have tree surgery work carried out on
them. Remedial works to existing trees should be consistent with the integrated objectives of this Plan,
which is to maintain a suitable habitat for wildlife (including retaining dead wood where possible), as well as
safe public access.
Proposed Methods
All tree surgery works should be carried out by a skilled, qualified and approved arboricultural contractor in
accordance with BS 3998:1989 “Recommendations for Tree Work,”. Prior to any tree works an assessment
of the tree for its potential for support roosting bats will be undertaken..
8.8.
8.9.
Proposed Annual Works
Manage Scrub Growth in Glades
Relevant Objective: 1. Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
Rationale
Newly cleared area of woodland glade may become inundated by growth of low shrubs such as bramble,
gorse or broom. These species are to be controlled by cutting back to prevent competition with ground flora.
Proposed Methods
Bramble, tall ruderals (such as nettles) and coarse grasses within newly-created glades should be strimmed
once annually in mid-summer. Cut material should be raked off immediately to a designated composting
area within the site. Gorse and broom should be coppiced annually where necessary in order to leave
scattered bushes only within the glade.
8.10.
Maintain New Planting
Relevant Objective: 1. Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
Rationale
Areas of new planting should be maintained to ensure good establishment.
Proposed Methods
Watering of New Planting
During the first 2 years following implementation in periods of extreme drought (2-3 weeks without
substantial rainfall), new areas of planting may require watering. Water planting areas, if and when
appropriate, and trees in the morning or in the evening, as this will reduce needless and counter-productive
water loss through evaporation. Most of the plant species are native, or tolerant of drought. When watering,
water to field capacity (shrubs and sub-canopy mixes need a minimum of 25 litres per m2 and 50 litres
minimum per tree position). During periods when restrictions are placed on the use of water, the a contractor
carrying out the work shall be responsible for notifying the Adopting Organisation of sources of second-class
water and the costs of obtaining such water, which should be met to prevent large scale planting failure.
New Tree and Sub-canopy Mix Planting
Mulch levels should be topped up where necessary, using the same or similar product to that previously
supplied. Prune diseased or rotten wood (including the removal of main stems and limbs) back to sound
wood. All works should be carried out by a qualified and approved arboricultural contractor in accordance
with BS 3998:1989 “Recommendations for Tree Work.” Tree surgery should be limited work that is
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necessary to prolong the safe life of existing mature trees and restrict intervention works to those measures
required for safety and ecological benefit. All stems and limbs which are unsafe should be removed.
Tree Shelters
All shrub shelters supplied (in the event of rabbit predation only) should be examined for their effectiveness
and requirement. If the tree has yet to establish, tubes should be replaced or adjusted as appropriate. If the
tree has established well, then the tubes should be removed.
Woodland Ground Flora and Glades
Woodland ground flora areas and ground flora should be left uncut. Plug plants should avoid the need for
watering if they have been suitably sited in soil that retains moisture throughout the summer.
8.11.
Control and Monitor Invasive Species
Relevant Objective: 1. Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
Rationale
Where identified, invasive plant species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildife and Countryside Act 1981 (as
amended) should be controlled to prevent their spread. Such species include Japanese knotweed, giant
hogweed, rhododendron, cotoneasters, Virginia creepers, variegated yellow-archangel and New Zealand
pygmyweed (also known as Australian Swamp Stonecrop).
Proposed Methods
Invasive plants should be controlled and disposed of by a specialist contractor who will draw up an approved
methodology for eradication and controlling the spread of the plant.
8.12.
Maintain Wildlife Refuges
Relevant Objective: 2. Maintaining a suitable habitat for key species
Proposed Methods
All amphibian and reptile refuges, bat boxes, invertebrate boxes and bird boxes should be checked annually
for damage and repaired or replaced as resources permit.
8.13.
Monitor Key Species
Relevant Objective: 3. Establishing a programme of survey and monitoring
Proposed Methods
Bird and bat boxes should be inspected annually by a suitably experienced and licensed person (in the case
of bats) to check they are clean and in a good state of repair ready for next year.
The waterbodies at the site will be surveyed for the presence of great crested newts annually in the spring
for 6 years following completion of the great crested newt translocation as part of the licensed mitigation for
the development. This will start in Spring 2015. Details of the great crested newt monitoring are provided in
the licence method statement agreed with Natural England.
Monitoring should be undertaken annually for invasive species, particularly New Zealand pigmyweed which
was present on the Development Site.
8.14.
Maintain Safe Access
Relevant Objective: 4. Maintaining open access to the woodland for public
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Rationale
The Adopting Organisation should uphold its duty of care in respect of the site and users , and that all
reasonable steps have been taken to minimise risk of injury and damage to persons and property.
Proposed Methods
Coppiced cord wood could be utilised to clearly define path edges and encourage recreational usage in
localised areas. The large areas of very wet woodland preclude access to a large area in the centre of the
wood, and this could be encouraged by careful placing of cord wood to prevent ingress in drier interludes.
The Adopting Organisation should arrange to have litter, debris, fly tipping etc. removed to a suitable and
licensed tip.
8.15.
Involve the Local Community
Relevant Objective: 5. Engagement with the public in management activities
Rationale
Engagement with the local community, including the new residents of the Stanway Sidings development
should be undertaken to enhance the understanding of the site and its maintenance.
Proposed Methods
The new notice board should be updated with relevant information.
The public should be encouraged to get involved in the management of the woodland, such as the clearance
activities, or surveys such as nest box checks. Task and events could be organised by The Adopting Agent ,
and/or the Parish Council..
The public should be encouraged to supply records of wildlife seen within the wood
8.16.
Long-Term and Occasional Works
Relevant objective: 1. Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
On-going Thinning and Coppicing
Rationale
Clearance of glades identified above should be continued on a rotational basis for the length of the plan.
Where no clearance is considered necessary for any one year, then the on-going thinning and coppicing
should be deferred to future years.
Proposed Methods
Coppicing oak, birch, alder, holly and hawthorn within the glade areas should continue. Dead or dying trees
should be retained, where safe, as branchless stumps of up to 8m in height for use by bats.
Years 5-10
One of the two glades could be cleared in each of Years 6, 7 and 8 in which case no clearance works will be
carried out in Years 9 and 10.
Years 10-25
Clearance of glades should continue over 3 years in each 5 year cycle in line with the objectives.
Coppice stools can be protected from deer browsing by piling brash over them. A competent person, should
plan all operations in advance by identifying and marking trees for removal and coppicing. All such thinning
operations should ideally be undertaken between late November and February.
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8.17.
Replace Failed Tree Planting
Relevant objective: 1. Increasing the structural and species diversity of the woodland habitat
Proposed Methods
Replacement or Enhancement Generally
Any planted whips that fail to show growth or develop full foliage (including plants damaged during
management operations), where such plant failure leaves a gap in the foliage not filled by adjacent plants,
these should be suitably replaced with stock of the size, species and quality originally specified. This should
include any plants that are destroyed by vandalism, theft or similar cause. This should include any works
necessary to enable planting to be properly carried out i.e. removal and disposal of dead material and
temporary protection from rabbits and deer until successful establishment.
Tree Planting
Any tree that dies or is necessarily felled as a result of storm damage, vandalism, mechanical damage,
fungal decay or other such cause, but which is not felled or removed as part of any programme of thinning or
coppicing, may be replaced like for like. Such replacement could be with a tree of either the same species or
similar species as those existing to ensure a sustainable tree cover in the interests of visual amenity. Where
alternative species are being considered within the first five years following completion, then the species and
stock should first be agreed with the Local Planning Authority. Furthermore, trees should be planted in
anticipation of future tree loss in order to ensure a broader age band in the interest of long-term sustainability
of tree cover.
8.18.
Maintain New and Existing Waterbodies
Relevant Objective: 2. Maintaining a suitable habitat for key species
Rationale
Additional maintenance of the ponds (Pond 1 to 5) will be necessary if they become unsuitable for great
crested newts.
Proposed Methods
Ponds will be checked annually for their condition and suitability for great crested newts. Dumped rubbish
will be removed when encountered. If fish are found to be present, appropriate methods should be used to
remove them. Over-shadingtrees and scrub around ponds should be cut back to prevent shading of
emergent and marginal vegetation every five years (particularly around the southern side of the ponds and
commencing in Year 5). Annual inspections may identify the need to control any encroachment.
Consideration should be given to removing pond plants if these begin to overcrowd the ponds. If removal of
plants is required during Summer.
Removal of leaf-litter and desilting will be considered every 5 years, but only undertaken if there is a decline
in suitability of the pond that could threaten the viability of the population of great crested newts. Strict
measures should be in place to prevent harm to great crested newts during pond clearance, and Natural
England guidance should be consulted in that instance.
Between 2015 and 2020, great crested newt surveys will be undertaken by the Licence Holder (currently
Hopkins Homes) as part of the license monitoring requirements. This will include an inspection and short
report which may make recommendations with regards to the proposed methods described above.
Prior to any works on the ponds advice must be sought from an ecologist
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8.19.
Monitor the Effectiveness of the Management in Meeting the
Objectives
Relevant Objective: 3. Establishing a programme of survey and monitoring
Rationale
On-going survey and monitoring is necessary to establish whether the planned management is meeting the
objectives, for example if the continued clearance work within the woodland is resulting in an increase in
species and structural diversity.
Proposed Methods
Ecological and arboriculture specialist services could be employed by the Adopting Organisation to
undertake surveys of the woodland which records baseline information and records where further
management works are required. Surveys could include;

Annually ecological assessments by a qualified ecologist;

Biannual arboricultural assessments of the mature trees within woodland area

Arboricultural assessments of the remaining woodland area – once every three years or as required.
The ecologist should report back to the Adopting Organisation , and agree any measures required for the
protection of the species and or habitat, perhaps involving changes to current procedures. There should be
consideration of the general diversity of the wildlife areas and general measures may be required to ensure
that the optimum diversity is maintained. The ecologist’s advice shall be sought in this respect.
8.20.
Seek Views of the Local Residents
Relevant Objective: 6. Seeking feedback from the local community
Rationale
The views of the local residents may be very important in maintaining a positive engagement and for
identifying areas where better communication is required in respect of the Site.
Proposed Methods
Feedback could be gained from participants on volunteer tasks and by letters, leaflets or website.
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9. Proposed Review
The results of great crested newt monitoring should be reported back to the Adopting Organisation to aid
management. In addition to regular inspections, a review should be carried out every 5 years to assess if
management practices are meeting the objectives and to determine new management tasks as required.
The consultees listed in Section 2.2.5 above may be consulted as part of the review.
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Appendices
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Appendix A. Detailed Plan of Woodland
and Planting Plan
JBA Consultancy Services Ltd – 11/265-06
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Appendix B. Woodland Management Plan
Drawing
Atkins August 2014 5106225-Eco-001
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Appendix C.
Woodland Management Operations Timetable
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Proposed Management
Task/Operation
Years 1-5
Jan-Feb MarOct
Years 5-10
NovDec
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Years 10-15+
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Proposed Initial Works
Remedial tree surgery works
Thin selected sycamore and sweet
chestnut stems within canopy of
mature trees
Create wildlife refuges
Retain dead/damaged trees and
fallen deadwood
Selected coppicing of sycamore and
sweet chestnut
Undertake replacement planting
Remove self-sown sycamore
Establish compost zone and contain
using cord wood from tree works.
Undertake plug planting of woodland
flora
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Proposed Management
Task/Operation
Years 1-5
Jan-Feb MarOct
Years 5-10
NovDec
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Years 10-15+
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Bird boxes and bird boxes, Supply
and fixing in suitable positions: Initial
maintenance.
Proposed Annual Works
Retain dead/damaged trees and
fallen deadwood
Herbiciding unwanted pernicious
perennial and Ruderal weeds.
Condition survey to monitor health
of mature trees and woodland areas
Bird boxes and bird boxes,
replacement and maintenance.
Watering newly planted stock
Tree shelters (if required by
presence of rabbits and damage
occurring)
Wild flower maintenance.
Replacement
Tree condition survey to monitor
health of mature trees and woodland
areas
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Proposed Management
Task/Operation
Years 1-5
Jan-Feb MarOct
Years 5-10
NovDec
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Years 10-15+
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Ecological surveys
Ground flora maintenance on
hibernacula.
Clear encroaching bramble.
Litter pick and remove debris or fly
tipping.
Proposed On-going and
Occasional Management Works
Remedial tree surgery works
Thin selected sycamore and sweet
chestnut stems within canopy of
mature trees
Selected coppicing of sycamore and
sweet chestnut
Create wildlife refuges
Retain dead/damaged trees and
fallen deadwood
Remove self-sown sycamore
Atkins Iron Latch Lane Woodland Managment Plan | Version 1.0 | 12 August 2014 | 5106225
33
Iron Latch Lane
Woodland Managment Plan
Proposed Management
Task/Operation
Years 1-5
Jan-Feb MarOct
Years 5-10
NovDec
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Years 10-15+
JanFeb
MarOct
NovDec
Undertake replacement planting
Ecological surveys
Atkins Iron Latch Lane Woodland Managment Plan | Version 1.0 | 12 August 2014 | 5106225
34
Atkins
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Girton Road
Cambridge
CB3 0NA
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