Pretty Corner Woods Annual Review 2014
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Green Flag Award and North Norfolk District Council
3. Background and recent developments
4. Future working arrangements NNDC / WT
5. Vision and Aims
6. Compatibility of approaches to management
7. Staff resources
8. Volunteers
9. Contractors
10. Health and Safety
11. Cleansing
12. Pretty Corner Tea Rooms
13. Biodiversity
14. Events
15. Marketing and Publicity
16. Financial
17. Action plan – Green Flag
18. Silvicultural work plan



Appendix 1 North Norfolk District Council Management Plan
Appendix 2 Woodland Trust Management Plan
Appendix 3 Risk Assessment (generic)
1 Introduction
This review describes significant activities and progress of the past year. It is
supplementary to the Management Plans and contains revised Action
Plans.
2 Green Flag Award and North Norfolk District Council
Success in Green Flag is one of the council’s core objectives and achieving
Green Flag Status is included in the council’s Annual Action Plan.
‘Annual Action Plan ref: C A 01 – Coast Countryside and Built Heritage.
Activity – We will assess and implement requirements for new Green Flag
Awards and work to retain the existing awards’
Pretty Corner Woods has held Green Flag Status since 2013/14
3 Background and recent developments
Pretty Corner Woods forms part of a larger woodland complex under differing
ownerships. Pretty Corner Woods (30.3Ha) is owned by North Norfolk District
Council (NNDC). The Woodland trust (WT) own and manage 19.44Ha of
woodland to the south east known as Old Wood. A further 11.37Ha of
woodland to the north east, sold to Sheringham Town Council by Anglian
Water in 2006 is leased to the WT and is included within their management
operations.
In 2007 informal discussions between operational staff from NNDC and WT
began to explore the possibility of joint working to provide some investment
and deliver an improvement scheme for the management of the whole
woodland.
In spring 2009 a community consultation took place to gauge people’s feelings
about the Woods in their present form and find out their opinions about
possible ‘improvements’.
The results of the consultation indicated that the vast majority of people who
used the woods were local and they valued it as a natural and unspoilt place
to enjoy. There was a great desire for it to remain this way but there was
support for some degree of access improvements where appropriate, better
way marking, attention to nature conservation , improved car parking facilities
and the provision of additional dog waste bins. The construction of an
orienteering and mountain bike trail had been suggested in the consultation
but this was rejected by most respondents.
2012 saw the completion of an investment scheme.
The scheme that was drawn up reflected the views of the community and the
scheme included:


Resurfacing to both car parks
High quality path from top car park to viewing point
1





Boardwalk to allow easier access down a gradient prone to erosion to
Holway Road car park
Hand carved way marker posts
Interpretation
Publicity leaflet production
Events including a summer fete
The total cost of the scheme was £150,000 and funding was successfully
secured from the Forestry Commission Woodland Improvement Grant,
Heritage Lottery Fund, Leader and the Woodland Trust Legacy Fund with
NNDC providing contributions in kind.
Implementation of the scheme began in Autumn 2011.
Boardwalk constructed as part of investment scheme
2
Woodland Trust
Entrance map and interpretation
Woodland Trust
4 Future working arrangements with the Woodland trust
Both NNDC and WT are committed to long term partnership working to secure
good quality access to the woodland complex as a whole. Whilst the 2013
Green Flag award relates to the NNDC owned area only, the 2015 application
also includes the woodland owned and managed by WT.
The above map shows the whole woodland area with land in NNDC
ownership shaded heavily and land in WT ownership shaded lighter.
5 Vision and Aims
Vision: To provide a high quality and inspiring visitor experience and a rich
diversity of flora and fauna in a sustainable natural woodland setting
North Norfolk District Council Aims from NNDC management plan
(Appendix1)
 Retain Green Flag accreditation
 maximise resilience by encouraging a diverse age profile of
predominantly native broadleaves
 Encourage a diverse understory of native flora
 Manage existing and potential native and non-native veteran trees
 Reinforcement of flora and fauna populations to include BAP priority
species
 Utilise the educational and recreational potential of the site through
public events, group visits, activities and experiences
 Income generation to assist the financial viability of the site without
detriment to biodiversity and public enjoyment
 Work in partnership with Woodland Trust with respect to adjoining 'Old
Wood’
3
Woodland Trust Aims from WT management plan (Appendix 2)
 To develop a structurally diverse broadleaved woodland with good
understory and natural regeneration, retaining feature trees of
landscape importance.

To develop a patchwork of heathland, grassland and scrub, creating a
diverse range of habitats.

To work with local partners to further improve access for public
enjoyment focussing on existing paths, entrances and internal
infrastructure
6 Compatibility of approaches to management
It is inevitable that the approaches to management by the two organisations
will not be the same nor will the form in which documents are written be the
same. For this reason the joint application for Green Flag accreditation will
not seek to amalgamate management plans or management aims but these
will be submitted as separate entities for 2015.
NNDC management Plan for Pretty Corner Woods forms Appendix 1 to this
review and WT management plan for WT forms Appendix 2.
In future, and for any future application, providing one management plan
document will be considered to provide more user friendly reading.
However, the two areas of woodland actually require different management
prescriptions but the overall aims are consistent in that both organisations
seek to promote public access, provide resilient species rich places and
work positively with partners.
7 Staff Resources
The Council’s Countryside & Parks Team operate a number of open access
sites throughout the district and Pretty Corner is one of these. It is not
necessary to maintain a daily presence on site but an indication of the time
dedicated to the site is shown below.
In addition to carrying out work on the NNDC site, the rangers undertake ride
management, vegetation control and certain tree works for WT under contract.
Post
Time allocated to
Pretty Corner Woods
(FTE)
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.05
0.05
0.9
Senior Ranger
Assistant Ranger 1
Seasonal Ranger
Visitor Centre Ranger 2
Countryside & Parks Manager
Countryside & Parks Assistant
total
4
All staff are qualified to LANTRA Basic Tree Survey and Inspection which
enables informal tree inspections to be made. The rangers are competent to
operate machinery in public places.
8 Volunteers
In 2013 Muddy Boots Volunteers was set up as an in-house successor
initiative to the North Norfolk Workout Project which was an Access to Nature
project funded by Natural England. The volunteers are directly supervised by
NNDC rangers and carried out work on NNDC and WT areas of Pretty Corner
in 2014.
Whilst not strictly volunteers the Norfolk and Suffolk Community Rehabilitation
Company (NSCRC) Community Payback Unit (CPU) carried out work at
Pretty Corner in 2014 together with at other sites. We continue to recognise
the valuable contribution made by CPU.
We also have recognised the importance of good supervision for volunteer
work and have provided the necessary staff resource to enable volunteer
sessions to achieve meaningful results. It is clear that the volunteers and
CPU people are deriving great satisfaction from their work given their
enthusiasm for the various activities undertaken.
9 Contractors
Management of pretty Corner is undertaken partly by direct employees and
partly by contractors.
Name
M J Tree Services
Kier Services
Mark Tasker
Mike Thody
function
Tree Management (surveying and
remedial works)
Cleansing, bin emptying,
Horse drawn bracken control and tree
works
Carving of site specific sculpture and
waymarker posts.
10 Health & Safety
For the past few years tree inspections on the NNDC site have been carried
out by M J Tree Services in accordance with the Council’s Tree Management
Policy which requires inspections on an 18-month basis. WT operate in-house
inspections on an annual basis. In accordance with good practice a zoned
approach to risk is taken with trees adjacent to paths, boundaries and private
property receiving a high standard of maintenance. A lesser standard is
acceptable within the woodland itself where visitor use is minimal.
Large pieces of timber remain on site to be collected later and sold as fire
wood. Brash is assembled into habitat piles and remains on site.
Pretty Corner was last formally inspected in August 2014 and subsequent
remedial works were completed either by our own Ranger Team or M J Tree
Services. The site is due for another formal inspection in early 2016.
The site and features are inspected by rangers monthly and an itemised
inspection schedule is completed. Paths, open areas, bins, benches,
5
buildings, information points, trails etc. are covered. All significant activities
and operations are covered by risk assessments and sample risk
assessments are shown in Appendix 3.
11 Cleansing
The site is litter picked every two weeks and more often when needed. Dog
bins are emptied daily in summer and twice weekly in winter by Kier Services,
the Council’s refuse, cleansing and grounds maintenance contractor.
The philosophy of NNDC and that of WT is not to provide litter bins and
encourage people to take their rubbish home. However, Pretty Corner car
parks are often used by passing motorists to eat snacks so the provision of
bins is unavoidable.
12 Pretty Corner Tea Rooms
The Tea Rooms provide a convenient and pleasant place for refreshments.
They are situated on Pretty Corner Lane surrounded by the woods. A varied
menu is available and in good weather outdoor tables and chairs allow people
to eat outside. The tea Rooms are independently managed but the
proprietors have been most supportive in the investment project. There are
signs and way markers from the woods giving directions to the Tea Rooms
which are open between April and October.
13 Biodiversity
The predominantly semi-natural woodland and open glades provide a good
habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. There are areas of remnant heathland
particularly on the WT area which provide basking areas for reptiles. The
open grassland margins towards the north of the site provides refuge for glow
worms (Lamphyris noctiluca) which are known to breed here.
14 Events
2012 was the first year that public events have been offered at Pretty Corner.
The free Summer Fair was a great success and attracted over 700 people
making it the most well attended parks event ever held. This event run in
conjunction with WT continues to be the best attended event and in 2014
attracted 1200 people.
In 2015 more events will be held at Pretty Corner than in the past. The Easter
Egg Trail will be held here rather than Holt Country Park because the rising
popularity of this event has meant that the country park can no longer cater for
enough car-parking demand. The Plains (picnic field) at Pretty Corner makes
a satisfactory overflow parking area.
6
rd
Fete 23 August 2012
Woodland Trust
Public events held in 2014
Date
event
29th May
Pond dipping
st
21 August
Summer Festival
Total
9
1400
Event calendar for 2015
Date
event
2nd April
7th April
28th May
28th May
13th August
17th August
24th August
28th October
Price per
participant
£
Pond dipping and trail (two sessions am and pm)
1
Easter egg trail
3
Wildlife trail and orienteering (am)
1
Pond dipping (pm)
1
Fun day out
3
Sculpture building
1
Survival shelters, trail and orienteering
2
Halloween trail
2
Note: certain items in the above table may change due to unforeseen circumstances. For
accurate information please see NNDC website
http://www.northnorfolk.org/community.asp
7
15 Marketing and publicity
The marketing strategy aims to be inexpensive. Full use is made of free
publicity which includes:
Mailing list (people who complete events feedback form)
Events booklet – sent to schools, post offices, caravan sites, shops. Village
halls tourist information centres.
Press releases
Eastern Daily Press free adverts
North Norfolk News free adverts
Fun Outside (school publication)
Broadland Clusters Website
North Norfolk District Council Website
North Norfolk Radio
Free newspapers
Look Bunny website
Woodland Trust promotions
The countryside web page on the council’s website receives the greatest
number of hits of any web page.
The introduction in 2012 by the council of Twitter has helped promote the
service and events significantly
16 Financial
Pretty Corner does not have its own revenue budget and expenditure is
included in wider budgets. Clearly costs are incurred with respect to council
staff time but indicative typical expenditure is shown below for expenditure by
contractors and others.
Revenue item
MJ Tree Services – remedial tree works
Kier Services – grass cutting
Kier Services – Dog bin emptying
Kier Services – litter bin emptying
Woodland Trust contract
Cost £
4,000
1,200
250
250
(4800)
17 Action Plan
Specific objectives linked to green Flag criteria - refreshed Jan 2015
criteria
A welcoming
place
Healthy safe
and secure
Progress in 2013
&14
Welcome boards
at access points
Planned for 2015
Formal tree
inspections and
tree works
Site safety
inspections
On-going tree
works
X
X
On-going site
safety inspections
X
X
8
NNDC
area
X
WT
area
X
clean and well
maintained
completed
Litter picking
every 2 weeks
completed
Litter and dog bin
emptying
Conservation
and heritage
X
Litter and dog bin
emptying
Re-sow wild
flower margin to
picnic field
X
n/a
Rhododendron
and bracken
control by horse
logger
Rhododendron
and bracken
control by
mechanical
cutting
Rhododendron
and bracken
control by
mechanical
cutting
Summer fair and
events held
Sustainability
Implementation of
FC woodland
design plan 2007
- 2027
Research
archaeological
site
Summer fair and
events planned
Encourage
participation in
‘Muddy Boots
Volunteers’
Implementation of
revised FC
woodland design
plan 2015 – 2025
Implementation of
WT management
plan
Marketing
X
Heathland
regeneration
Rhododendron
and bracken
control by horse
logger
Community
involvement
Management
Litter picking
every 2 weeks
implementation of
WT management
plan (see work
plan 18)
Annual Review
produced by end
Jan 2016
Include woodland
trust land in GFA
zone for future
application
Marketing
Annual review
produced by Jan
2015
Promotion of
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Summer fair
especially
targeted at Muddy
Boots Volunteers
Updated leaflets
produced and
available on-site
Updated leaflets
produced and
available on-site
X
X
18 Sylvicultural Work Plan (From NNDC Management
Plan)
.
comp
activity
2015
w s
1a
1b,c,e
1d
2a
2a
2b
2c
3
3
4a
4a
4a
4b
4c
Thin mixed
broadleaves
Thin larch
Thin Corsican
pine
Thin sweet
chestnut
Plant and
establish hazel,
elder and
buckthorn
understory
Thin conifers and
sweet chestnut
Plant and
establish shrub
margin
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
Clear path of
decomposing
leaves
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
Clear path and
owl sculpture of
decomposing
leaves
Thin mixed
broadleaves
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
S
2016
a
w
s
S
2017
a
X
X
s
S
2018
a
w
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
w
s
S
2019
a
w
s
S
a
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
X X X X X
X X X
X X
X X
X
X
10
4c
5a
5b
6
6
7a,b.c
7d
Thin conifers
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
Thin mixed
broadleaves
Remove
rhododendron
and treat roots
Mow and rake
wild flower strip
X X X X X X X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
11
X X
X
Appendix 1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Compartments – Pretty Corner Woods
29
30
31
Appendix 2
Old Wood
Management Plan
32
Standard Management Plan – Contents Page
Item
Page No.
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 34
Plan Review and Updating ...................................................................................................... 34
Woodland Management Approach .......................................................................................... 35
Site Details ............................................................................................................................... 36
Summary Site Description ....................................................................................................... 36
Summary Description of Access Provision .............................................................................. 37
Long Term Intentions ............................................................................................................... 38
Compartments and Sub-compartments................................................................................... 39
Key Features ........................................................................................................................... 42
Management Objectives for each Key Feature ....................................................................... 43
Twenty Year Silvicultural Plan ................................................................................................. 45
8.5 Monitoring Program of Key Feature Objectives: Subsequent Actions .............................. 47
8.6 Monitoring Progress of Key Feature Objectives: Formal Quantitative Monitoring ............ 49
Appendix One - Summary of available information and surveys ............................................ 50
Appendix Two – detailed sub compartment composition ........................................................ 52
Summary Species Composition ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Summary Age Structure .......................................................................................................... 53
Appendix Three – detailed silvicultural operations .................................................................. 53
Glossary ................................................................................................................................... 54
Maps
33
The Woodland Trust
Introduction
The Trust’s objectives and management approach guide the management of all the Trust’s
properties, and are described on Page 3. These determine basic management policies and
methods, which apply to all sites unless specifically stated otherwise. Such policies include
free public access; keeping local people informed of major proposed work; the retention of old
trees and dead wood; and a desire for management to be as unobtrusive where possible.
The Woodland Trust also has available Policy Statements covering a variety of woodland
management issues.
Any confidential information about this site is not included in this version of the plan.
Plan Review and Updating
The information presented in this Management plan is held in a database which is
continuously being amended and updated. Consequently this printed version may quickly
become out of date, particularly in relation to the planned work programme.
Please contact the Woodland Trust to confirm details of the current management
programme.
There is a formal review of this plan every 5 years.
34
Woodland Management Approach
We believe that our organisation and our objectives are unique, therefore, the style of
management of our woods must also be unique. In seeking to improve woodland biodiversity
and increase people’s understanding and enjoyment of woodland we therefore apply the
following woodland management approach to our site management:
All Woodland Trust woods are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Our ancient semi-natural woods are allowed to develop naturally, unless there is a
need to maintain habitat continuity for species that are wholly reliant on it, where they
survive.
Our ancient trees are retained for as long as possible but tree surgery is only
undertaken to extend their lifespan as a last resort.
All of our non-native conifer plantations on ancient woodland sites are restored to a
predominantly semi-natural composition and structure.
We encourage new native woodland to establish naturally wherever it will create
opportunities for woodland biodiversity within a reasonable timescale, unless significant
benefits for people’s understanding and enjoyment of woodland will accrue from tree
planting.
Our semi-natural recent-secondary woodland, which includes all new native woodland,
is allowed to develop naturally.
Our existing semi-natural open-ground and freshwater habitats are maintained
wherever it is reasonable to assume that their management and the species that they
support can be sustained.
The long-term vision for all of our non-native conifer recent-secondary woods is either
to convert them to predominantly native woodland or to restore them to semi-natural
open ground, wherever there is a past history of semi-natural open ground and their
future management can be sustained.
We believe that when considering the need to control a species, its native or nonnative status is unimportant. The key issue is whether it is causing significant ongoing
habitat change or loss of other species, additional to that from climate change.
However, even where this is the case, remedial action is only undertaken if it can be
sustained.
The heritage value of our woods and trees are taken into account while recognising
conservation should be informed by history not ruled by it.
In addition to their biodiversity and heritage value, the public benefit of our woods lies
principally in their aesthetic qualities; beauty, tranquillity, timelessness.
We provide free public access to sites for quiet, informal recreation and woods are
managed to make them accessible, welcoming and safe.
We believe in the benefits of community woodland management and enables or
supports management of woods by local people.
We work with neighbours, local people, relevant organisations and interest groups.
35
Site Details
Old Wood
Location:
Sheringham
Grid reference: TG159412
OS 1:50,000 Sheet No. 133
Part of a larger area of continuous woodland on the
higher ground adjoining the southern edge of
Sheringham adjoining the Holt Road [A149]. A car
park forming part of the wood is located at the
south-west corner of the block of woodland.
County / District:
Norfolk
Area:
48.04 acres (19.44 hectares)
Designations:
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Heritage Coast
Old Wood Extension
Location:
Sheringham
Grid reference: TG160417
OS 1:50,000 Sheet No.
Part of a larger area of continuous woodland on the
higher ground adjoining the southern edge of
Sheringham adjoining the Holt Road
County / District:
Norfolk
Area:
28.1 acres (11.37 hectares)
Designations:
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Altitude:
Aspect:
Max (m)
Min (m)
Summary Site Description
Old wood is situated south Sherringham on the Holt Cromer ridge and is accessible from a
car park at Pretty corner, or from surrounding woodland own by the local authority and
Anglican water. The 82 acre (33.25 hectares) woodland is predominantly a mixture of
coniferous plantation and mature secondary woodland, which historically had been dominated
by a heath land and acid grassland mosaic, with scattered trees and woodland.
The whole site drops steeply to the North, giving a variety of undulating slopes and ridges,
none of which are south facing. The southern part of the site is at an altitude of 96 meters
making it one of the highest points in Norfolk. Good views are attainable from a number of
points within the wood to the town of Sherringham and the North Sea.
36
The flora within Oldwood is naturally diverse, with a mixture of heath land and woodland
habitats. Although being predominantly secondary woodland there has been identified areas
that are potentially remnant ancient woodland situated within the south-western part of the
wood. Within the heath land and acid grassland areas the previous restoration has developed
isolated communities of Calluna vulgaris (Ling Heather), Deschampsia flexuosa (Wavey hair
grass) Ulex europaeus (Gorse).
The fauna within Oldwood also supports a diverse range of species including the following
protected under the Wildlife and countryside act 1981. These are listed as follows: pipistrelle
bat, adder and slow worn.
Summary Description of Access Provision
The sites topography undulates and there are a lot of steep gradients within the site. The
Paths vary with all paths on top of the Hill remain relatively dry and in good condition all year
round, whilst minor paths and paths at the bottom of the hill can become muddy during the
winter.
Sheringham has a station and is 15 minutes walk to the wood in the two centre.
All train times can be accessed from www.trainline.com
There are a number of Bus services that serve Sheringham and there is a bus stop off the
B1082A
http://www.coasthopper.co.uk/
http://www.sanderscoaches.com
http://www.firstgroup.com
The Nearest public toilets are 15minutes walk in the centre of Sheringham. There is also
Pretty Corner tea rooms next to the wood which offers good food and refreshment.
Public Rights of Way
Type of ROW
Description of route
Facilities available
Facility
Yes/No
Woodland Trust car park at site
Parking nearby
Local parking difficult
Good views
Waymarked walk
Information board
Free leaflet available
Well worth a visit
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
37
Long Term Intentions
Oldwood will become a patchwork of heath land, acid grassland and broadleaf dominated
woodland. This mosaic of habitats will complement the surrounding landscape within the
north Norfolk AONB and Norfolk BAP habitat plan, whilst enriching the biodiversity of the site.
With the site having widely varying habitats the management will need to be looked at
separately, although interlinking to form a flowing patchwork of heath, wooded heath and
woodland.
Woodland (high forest)
The long term vision of the woodland areas will be to develop a structurally diverse
broadleaved high forest woodland, with good understorey and natural regeneration. A small
coniferous element will be retained as feature trees within the wood due to their grand
aesthetic nature within the landscape.
Open Ground
The long term vision for the open ground areas will be to develop a patchwork of heath land,
acid grassland and scrub habitat. Creating a diverse range of habitats that fit into the local
landscape mosaic and add to the diversity of habitats that reside within the site.
Public Access
Oldwood has been designated a Visitor Investment Programme site which will allow for the
development public access within the site, and to work with local partnerships to further
improve access and access links. The long term vision will be to maintain and develop the
access structure to a high level for the enjoyment focussing on the existing paths, entrances
and internal infrastructure.
38
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
Compartments and Sub-compartments
(Compartments are permanent subdivisions marked by permanent boundary features such as rides, streams etc. Sub-compartments are divisions of
compartments and are not necessarily permanent units; their boundaries may change as a result of management or natural processes.)
Sub
Cpt
No.
Sub Cpt
Area Ha
General Description
Management Regime
1
6
Compartment 1a Heath land and acid grassland Clear Fell - Heath land
areas containing Ling heather (Calluna vulgaris,
management
Wavey hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and
Gorse (Ulex europaeus) present coverage varying
greatly but main heath land species slowly
spreading. The heath land and acid grassland
areas were cleared of conifers in two stages in
2000 and 2005.
Very Steep
Informal Public
Slope,
Access, Open
Gullies/Deep
Ground Habitat
Valleys, Other Anglian water
pipe on ridge
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, Heritage
Coast
2A
0.99
Area of conifer plantation, Corsican pine with
High Forest
interspersed Douglas fir. Understorey dominated
by bramble.
Gullies/Deep
Valleys, Very
Steep Slope
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, Heritage
Coast
2B
3.24
Conifer plantation, Consisting primarily of
Corsican pine with Douglas Fir and Western
hemlock, Understorey dominated by bracken
(Pteridium aquilinum) with bramble (Rubus
fruticosus) and male fern (Dyryopteris sp).
Gullies/Deep
Valleys, Very
Steep Slope
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Heritage Coast, Area of
Outstanding Natural
Beauty
High Forest
39
Management
Constraints
Key Features
Present
Designations
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
2C
1.06
Conifer plantation on the higher areas of the ridge, High Forest
planted with beech, larch and Scots pine. Has
been heavily thinned previously Genarally very
species poor ground flora, primarily bramble
(Rubus fruticosus) and male fern (Dryopteris spp).
Very Steep
Slope
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Heritage Coast, Area of
Outstanding Natural
Beauty
3
53
Area thought to be of ancient origin presently
High Forest
Coniforised with a high proportion of mixed
broadleaves. Ground Flora includes Wood Millet
(Milium effusum) and common twayblade (Listera
ovata).
Very Steep
Slope,
Gullies/Deep
Valleys
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Heritage Coast, Area of
Outstanding Natural
Beauty
4A
5.87
Conifer plantation, Grand and Douglas fir with
High Forest
Western hemlock and Corsican pine. A green lane
runs through compartment leading down the slope
towards Sheringham. Understorey dominated by
bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) with bramble
(Rubus fruticosus) male fern (Dyryopteris sp) with
patches of wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)
interspersed throughout the area.
Gullies/Deep
Valleys, Very
Steep Slope
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, Heritage
Coast
4B
0.93
Plantation, primarily Beech, scattered Scot’s pine. minimal intervention
Understorey dominated by bracken (Pteridium
aquilinum) with bramble (Rubus fruticosus) male
fern (Dyryopteris sp)
Gullies/Deep
Valleys, Very
Steep Slope
Informal Public
Access
Heritage Coast, Area of
Outstanding Natural
Beauty
40
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
4C
0.4
Conifer plantation, Douglas fir and Grand fir
understorey contains bracken (Pteridium
aquilinum) with bramble (Rubus fruticosus) male
fern (Dyryopteris sp).
high forest
No Vehicular
Access Within
The Site,
Gullies/Deep
Valleys, Very
Steep Slope
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, Heritage
Coast
4D
0.38
Mainly broadleaf intersperse with some conifers
main species sycamore and silver birch.
Understorey contains bracken (Pteridium
aquilinum) with bramble (Rubus fruticosus) male
fern (Dyryopteris sp).
Minimal Intervention
good feature
trees
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, Heritage
Coast
5A
10.8
Mature secondary woodland area main species
minimal intervention
being Sycamore, silver birch, sweet chestnut, oak,
rowan, Understorey contains bracken (Pteridium
aquilinum) with bramble (Rubus fruticosus) male
fern (Dyryopteris sp), bluebell (Hyacinthoides nonscriptus). Three ponds and a water channel are
situated within the compartment.
, Very Steep
Slope
Informal Public
Access,
Secondary
Woodland
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, Heritage
Coast
41
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
Key Features
(The Key Features of the site are identified and described in the table below. They encapsulate what is important about the site, and which site management
is aimed at conserving.)
Key Feature
Name
Ref.
No.
Key Feature Description
Constraints and opportunities
Evaluation - Why is it important?
Open Ground
Habitat
f1
A patchwork of ling heather dominated areas
with areas of acid grassland interspersed and
isolated patches of woodland scrub on the
inaccessible slopes. Heath land and open
ground habitat restoration took place during the
winter of 2000 and 2005. This has resulted with
heath land and grassland species beginning to
return, whilst it has been impossible to manage
the open ground habitat on the inaccessible
steep slopes and are now being allowed to
return to woodland scrub.
Opportunities - to further increase presence of
heath land on the Holt-Cromer ridge. Beeston
common, a SSSI and PSAC is only 500 m
away. Heath land recreation at Old wood will
greatly contribute towards the conservation of
this habitat in North Norfolk.
Constraints – Complete succession back to
woodland.
Heath land used to be a common
1A
land use in North Norfolk. Most
have been lost and is now a
threatened habitat. Heath land is a
BAP priority habitat in Norfolk.
Suffering from fragmentation, heath
land has the largest numbers of
RDB and BAP species, and
therefore supports an important
Biota, particularly invertebrate
fauna.
Secondary
Woodland
f2
Mature Secondary woodland predominantly
Corsican pine interspersed with areas of mixed
conifer (Douglas fir, grand fir and western
hemlock) and native and naturalised broadleaf
species (oak, birch, rowan, sycamore and
sweet chestnut)
Constrains - Steeply undulating topography.
Opportunities - economically viable conifer
crop. Reversion to a dominance of broadleaves
suited to the light glacial sands.
Within a site that is to be fairly open, 2A, 2B,
areas of High forest will provide
2C, 3A,
good cover, increasing the diversity 4A, 4A,
of habitats present on site.
4C, 4D,
5A
Informal Public f3
Access
Oldwood is open to the visiting public and there
is a diverse well used ride system within the
wood. A small car park for up to four cars is
situated in the South West corner of the wood.
Opportunities – Old wood is a visitor
investment site with the opportunity of further
improving access within Oldwood and North
Norfolk District Councils neighbouring
The Woodland trust maintains an
open access policy for the general
public
42
Cpt No.
Whole
Site
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
Currently there is a joint way marked walk with woodland creating a large are of free open
North Norfolk District Council.
public access.
Constraints – Steep topography
Management Objectives for each Key Feature
Section 7 provides a concise non technical statement of the overall long term intentions for the whole site. In this sub section are the long and short-term
objectives applying to each key feature.
Key Feature
Name
Ref.
No.
Vision
Factors causing change
Prediction / Short term objective
Open Ground
Habitat
f1
To manage and develop a
patchwork of heath land, acid
grassland and scrub
Natural succession to
woodland, Invasive
Woody species, Fire, , , ,
To maintain existing areas of open ground as a patchwork of heath land,
grassland and woody scrub. Assess of heath land regeneration through Flora
surveys by monitoring the presence or absence of key communities using
DAFOR scale. Prevent ground flora deterioration by controlling invasive
woody species (Rhododendron, Western Hemlock) and Bracken.
Work Programme: Invasive woody species control by cutting and herbicide
application May, June and August
Secondary
Woodland
f2
To reduce the current dominance Deer damage, Other of the planted conifer species,
Poor natural regeneration
whilst creating a diverse multi
structure woodland with abundant
understorey and deadwood
structure
43
Maintain and develop the broadleaf woodland characteristics of Oldwood
wood by gradually removing the remaining conifers and managing light levels
appropriately to allow natural regeneration ground flora and to flourish, whilst
preventing invasive woody species (Rhododendron, Western Hemlock).
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
Informal Public f3
Access
Enhance public access and
enjoyment of Oldwood, whilst not
reducing the woodlands
biodiversity, and enhance joint
management of public access with
North Norfolk District council
To maintain site as an area of public open access, with ride system cut to a
minimum of 2m to allow unhindered access for the public. Maintain all internal
structures in a safe usable condition. Maintain and develop the partnership
with NNDC and develop further links and investment to benefit users of both
sites.
Work Plan: Cut all paths April, June and September
44
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
Twenty Year Silvicultural Plan
This summarises felling, harvesting and restocking operations for the whole wood over the next 20 years
Year of operation
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2A
Thin
Thin
2B
Thin
Thin
3A
Thin
Thin
4A
Thin
Thin
4C
Thin
Thin
2010
2011
2018
2019
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
Year of operation
2020
2021
2A
2B
3A
4A
45
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
4C
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
46
2026
2027
2028
2029
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
8.5 Monitoring Program of Key Feature Objectives: Subsequent Actions
All Recordings Will Be Held On Live Database
Key Feature
Cpt No.
Prediction/Short Term Objective (SMART) (years)/rationale
Ref
No.
Observation
Planned Obs. Date
(month – year)
Informal
Public
Access
Whole
Site
To maintain site as an area of public open access, with ride system
cut to a minimum of 2m to allow unhindered access for the public.
Maintain all internal structures in a safe usable condition. Maintain
and develop the partnership with NNDC and develop further links
and investment to benefit users of both sites.
35
Visually survey every two
years that all rides, open
space, internal and entrance
structures meet the shortterm objectives and health
and safety criteria.
01/09/2010
32
Monitor spread of heath land
communities using DAFOR
scale. Mapping areas of
successful colonisation.
01/06/2010
31
Monitor with walk through
survey the success of control
of invasive woody species
(Rhododendron, Western
Hemlock) and Bracken, and
define areas that need
01/03/2011
Work Plan: Cut all paths April, June and September
Open
Ground
Habitat
1A
To maintain existing areas of open ground as a patchwork of heath
land, grassland and woody scrub. Assess of heath land
regeneration through Flora surveys by monitoring the presence or
absence of key communities using DAFOR scale. Prevent ground
flora deterioration by controlling invasive woody species
(Rhododendron, Western Hemlock) and Bracken.
Work Programme: Invasive woody species control by cutting and
herbicide application May, June and August
47
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
continued control
Secondary
Woodland
2A, 2B,
2C, 3A,
4A, 4A,
4C, 4D,
5A
Maintain and develop the broadleaf woodland characteristics of
Oldwood wood by gradually removing the remaining conifers and
managing light levels appropriately to allow natural regeneration
ground flora and to flourish, whilst preventing invasive woody
species (Rhododendron, Western Hemlock).
48
34
Monitor with walk through
survey the success of control
of invasive woody species
(Rhododendron, Western
Hemlock) and Bracken., and
define areas that need
continued control
01/03/2011
33
Using Walk through survey
Monitor natural broadleaf
regeneration and amount of
conifer regeneration within
woodland.
01/09/2015
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
8.6 Monitoring Progress of Key Feature Objectives: Formal Quantitative Monitoring
st
Feature / cause
of change to be
monitored
Sub cpt
Attribute to be
measured
Target
Value
Upper
limit
Lower
limit
Method
1 observation
date
Observation
interval
(months)
Open Ground
Habitat
1A
%Cover of Ling
Heather
75
100
50
Randomly thrown
standard
Quadrats, 50 per
Ha.
01/06/2003
60
Open Ground
Habitat
1A
canopy cover %
of tree species,
not to include
gorse
0
10
0
Estimation by
eye, record by
Fixed point
photography.
Back up with arial
photographs
when availiable.
01/06/2005
0
49
File ref.
If applic.
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
Appendix One - Summary of available information
and surveys
Type of
Information
Details of Contents
Part of site Supplied by Author /
Recorder
Date of
record
Wildlife Conservation
Biological survey
Biological Survey and
Whole Site Norfolk
Management Reccomendations
Wildlife
Trust
Robert
Yaxley
01/08/98
biological survey
Management Proposals for
Heathland re-creation
Whole Site Suffolk
Wildlife
Trust
Steve
Clarke
01/02/99
Species List
Plant species List
Whole Site Francis
Farrow
as above
01/01/97
Species List
plants, Birds, Butterflies
Whole Site Mike
Panfield
as above
01/01/97
Report
Conservation strategy for Norfolk Whole Site Jerry Barns Norfolk
County
Council
01/07/94
Report
North Norfolk Natural area
Profile
01/06/97
Whole Site English
Nature
Peter
Lamley
Recreation and Access
Landscape, Geology, Geomorphology, Soils, Hydrology
Management History
Maps and Photographs
stock Map
Planting year and YC of conifers Whole Site Forest
enterprise
Archaeology
map - unknown
location of green lane in 18th
Whole Site
century ( date below is 1797, not
1997)
Community
50
01/01/1797
Old Wood Management Plan 4750
Plan period: 2010 to 2015
This copy printed on: 20 April 2010
Date
Subject/Information Sought
Who
Involved
Cost
Outcome/Comments
Survey and Consultations planned and ongoing
01/08/98
Survey of wood
Norfolk
Wildlife
Trust
1000
Importance of heathland
on site, identification of
BAP species and
protected species under
sec 5 Wildlife and
Countryside act 1981.
01/02/99
Proposals for heathland
recreation,
Steve
Clarke,
Suffolk
Wildlife
Trust
300
Identification of areas for
sustainable heathland
re-creation, in line with
Woodland Trust
management Principles,
future management.
Increasing heathland
aspect to the site with as
little impact on the
woodland Habitat.
51
Appendix Two – detailed sub compartment composition
Sub
cpt
Sub
cpt
Area
(Ha)
Tree species
Estimated %
canopy cover
Existing structure Estimated year
establishment
Understorey
species
Understorey
structure
Abundance
1A
6
Corsican Pine
95
High Forest
1960
Mixed
Broadleaves
Multi Age
O - Occasional
2A
0.99
Western Hemlock
50
High Forest
61
Mixed
Broadleaves
Multi Age
R - Rare
2A
0.99
Douglas Fir
50
High Forest
61
Mixed
Broadleaves
Multi Age
R - Rare
2B
3.24
Mixed Conifers
95
High Forest
1961
Mixed
Broadleaves
Multi Age
R - Rare
2C
1.06
Mixed Conifers
95
High Forest
1966
Mixed Conifers
Multi Age
R - Rare
3A
53
Mixed Broadleaves
80
High Forest
1962
Hazel
Coppice
O - Occasional
4A
5.87
Corsican Pine
100
High Forest
1962
Mixed
Broadleaves
Multi Age
R - Rare
4B
0.93
Mixed Conifers
80
High Forest
1966
Mixed
Broadleaves
Multi Age
R - Rare
4C
0.4
Beech
60
High Forest
1940
Beech
Scrub
O - Occasional
4D
0.38
Grand Fir
100
High Forest
66
Mixed
Broadleaves
Multi Age
R - Rare
52
Summary Age Structurependix Three – detailed silvicultural operations
Sub
Cpt
Operation Description
Ha affected Year of
Operation
Est.
vol/Ha
How estimated
Est Total
vol.
1A
Clear Fell
2
2006
0
2A
Thin
0.85
2002
93
2A
Thin
0.85
2007
0
0
2A
Thin
0.99
2010
0
0
2A
Thin
0.85
2017
0
2B
Thin
1.6
2003
93
2B
Thin
1.6
2007
0
0
2B
Thin
3.34
2010
0
0
2B
Thin
1.6
2017
0
0
2C
Thin
1.15
2002
30
2C
Thin
1.15
2007
0
3A
Selective Fell
0.45
2002
20
3A
Thin
0.53
2010
0
0
3A
Thin
0.53
2017
0
0
4A
Thin
0.9
2005
0
0
4A
Thin
5.87
2010
0
0
4A
Thin
5.87
2017
0
0
4B
Thin
3.6
2005
0
0
4C
Thin
0.6
2005
0
0
4C
Thin
0.4
2010
0
0
4C
Thin
0.4
2017
0
0
Type of Produce
0
Guess
79.05
Fencing
0
Abbreviated Tariff
Guess
148.8
34.5
Fencing
Bars, Fencing
0
Guess
53
9
Fencing, Bars
54
Glossary
Ancient Woodland
Ancient woods are defined as those where there has been continuous woodland cover since at least
1600 AD. In Scotland ancient woods are defined strictly as sites shown as semi-natural woodland on the
‘Roy’ maps (a military survey carried out in 1750 AD, which is the best source of historical map evidence)
and as woodland all subsequent maps. However, they have been combined with long-established woods
of semi-natural origin (originating from between 1750 and 1860) into a single category of Ancient SemiNatural Woodland to take account of uncertainties in their identification. Ancient woods include Ancient
Semi-Natural Woodland and plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (see below). May support many
species that are only found in ancient woodland.
Ancient Semi - Natural Woodland
Stands in ancient woods defined as those consisting predominantly of native trees and shrubs that have
not obviously been planted, which have arisen from natural regeneration or coppice regrowth.
Ancient Woodland Site
Stands in ancient woods that have been converted to plantations, of coniferous, broadleaved or mixed
species, usually for timber production, including plantations of native species planted so closely together
that any semi-natural elements of the understorey have been suppressed.
Beating Up
Replacing any newly planted trees that have died in the first few years after planting.
Broadleaf
A tree having broad leaves (such as oak) rather than needles found on conifers (such as Scots pine).
Canopy
The uppermost layer of vegetation in a woodland, or the upper foliage and branches of an individual tree.
Clearfell
Felling of all trees within a defined area.
Compartment
Permanent management division of a woodland, usually defined on site by permanent features such as
roads. See Sub-compartments.
Conifer
A tree having needles, rather than broadleaves, and typically bearing cones.
55
Continuous Cover forestry
A term used for managing woods to ensure that there are groups or individual trees of different ages
scattered over the whole wood and that some mature tree cover is always maintained. Management is
by repeated thinning and no large areas are ever completely felled all at once.
Coppice
Trees which are cut back to ground levels at regular intervals (3-25 years).
Exotic (non-native) Species
Species originating from other countries (or other parts of the UK) that have been introduced by humans,
deliberately or accidentally.
Field Layer
Layer of small, non-woody herbaceous plants such as bluebells.
Group Fell
The felling of a small group of trees, often to promote natural regeneration or allow planting.
Long Term Retention
Discrete groups of trees (or in some cases single trees) that are retained significantly past their economic
felling age. Operations may still be carried out within them and thinning is often necessary to maintain
stability.
Minimum Intervention
Areas where no operations (such as thinning) will take place other than to protect public safety or possibly
to control invasive exotic species.
Mixed Woodland
Woodland made up of broadleaved and coniferous trees.
National vegetation classification (NVC)
A classification scheme that allows an area of vegetation to be assigned to the standardised type that
best matches the combination of plant species that it contains. All woodlands in the UK can be described
as being one of 18 main woodland types (W1 - W18), which principally reflect soil and climatic conditions.
For example, Upland Oakwoods are type W11, and normally occur on well drained infertile soils in the
cooler and wetter north and west of Britain. Each main type can be subdivided into numerous subtypes.
Most real woods contain more than one type or sub-type and inevitably some woods are intermediate in
character and can't be properly described by any sub type.
Native Species
Species that arrived in Britain without human assistance.
Natural Regeneration
Naturally grown trees from seeds falling from mature trees. Also regeneration from coppicing and
suckering.
56
Origin & Provenance
The provenance of a tree or seed is the place where seed was collected to grow the tree or plant. The
origin is the geographical location within the natural range of a species from where seeds/tree originally
derives. Thus an acorn collected from a Turkey oak in Edinburgh would have an Edinburgh provenance
and a southern European origin.
Re-Stocking
Re-planting an area of woodland, after it has been felled.
Shrub Layer
Formed by woody plants 1-10m tall.
Silviculture
The growing and care of trees in woodlands.
Stand
Trees of one type or species, grouped together within a woodland.
Sub-Compartment
Temporary management division of a compartment, which may change between management plan
periods.
Thinning
The felling of a proportion of individual trees within a given area. The remaining trees grow to fill in the
space created.
Tubex or Grow or Tuley Tubes
Tubes placed over newly planted trees or natural regeneration that promote growth and provide
protection from animals such as rabbits and deer.
Weeding
The control of vegetation immediately around newly planted trees or natural regeneration to promote tree
growth until they become established. Either by hand cutting or with carefully selected weed killers such
as glyphosate.
Windblow/Windthrow
Trees or groups of trees blown over (usually uprooted) by strong winds and gales.
Assessment
57
Appendix 2 Risk
Appendix 3
Risk Assessment
Service
Date
Activity
Assessor(s)
Hazard
Countryside and Parks owned and managed by NNDC
Countryside and Parks
20.01.14
District Assessment
Paul Ingham
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Slips, trips and
falls
General
Public,
staff,
contracto
rs
Existing Controls
No trailing leads, or covered in
buildings
General awareness, removing
trip and slip hazards, including
entrances to buildings
General housekeeping and
maintenance
Paths and hard
surfaces in
formal parks
and open
spaces
Public,
staff,
contracto
rs
Formal inspection twice a year
for high amenity and once a
year for general amenity areas
as part of grounds maintenance
contract monitoring and ad-hoc
informal inspection (records
kept)
Repairs implemented as
necessary
Paths, hard
surfaces,
boardwalks etc
in woodland
and countryside
sites
Public,
staff,
contracto
rs
Monthly recorded inspections
undertaken by rangers
Repairs implemented as
necessary
Natural and
unsurfaced
paths, public
rights of way
Public,
staff,
contracto
rs
Monthly recorded inspections
undertaken by rangers
Repairs implemented as
necessary
ad hoc
Public
No formal inspection or
58
Further
Justification
Action
Required
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
shortcuts
maintenance
Problem areas blocked or
allowed to grow over
Fallen trees and Staff
branches
Public
Trees adjacent to public areas
inspected and maintained to a
high standard – failures
minimised
Specialist tree surgeon
contracted
Waterside –
ponds, rivers
etc
Staff
Public
Avoid unseen hazards (deep
water near gathering points,
uneven surfaces)
Life ring at Holt Country Park
No controls at Thwaite Common
- inaccessible
Steps
Staff
Public
Regular inspection – monthly
and annual (as bove)
Tower at Holt Country Park
inspected by Renosteel
quarterly – remedial works as
appropriate
Ditches
Staff
Public
Keep ditch free flowing and not
overgrown
Lynfield Rd and Manor Road
North Walsham – regular
maintenance in residential area.
Thwaite Common – minimal
maintenance - inaccessible
staff
Edge protection
Handrail to all steps up tower.
Monthly inspection, repairs via
Property services and contractor
Periodic structural inspection by
Property Services
Falls from
height
Observation
tower
59
Further
Justification
Action
Required
Holt Country
Park high
level use
Replace
ment as
this
feature is
reaching
the end
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Further
Justification
Action
Required
of its life.
(capital
bid for
replacem
ent
submitted
Sept
2013)
Regular
informal
inspectio
ns
High level work
staff
No climbing permitted
Safe use of ladders instruction
Ladder and steps inspected
before each use. Only used for
short duration work (20mins)
Ladders and
stepladders
staff
Staff instructed in safe use of
ladders and stepladders
Ladders inspected before and
after use
Ladders set up in stable
position.
Ladders securely footed and/or
tied in. Colleague to stand at
bottom if added security
required.
Do not overreach.
Maintain three points of contact
for stability.
Do not climb over 2m in strong
wind
Falling objects
60
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Staff
public
Existing Controls
Flagpole
Staff
public
Annual inspection to ensure
secure
Tree failure
Staff
public
Formal and informal tree survey
Regular inspection and routine
management
Protect at risk areas
Specialist contractor surveys
trees every 18 months –
remedial action taken
Remove dangerous trees
Rangers trained to identify
dangerous situations. Survey
on daily basis as part of general
duties.
 See NNDC Tree policy
Building
disrepair
Environmental
Hazards
Extreme issues
Flooding
High winds –
woodlands
Further
Justification
Action
Required
Regular inspection
Maintenance / repair contract
via Property Services
Signage
Trees within
falling
distance of
designated
paths, private
property,
roads car
parks.
Gathering
points
inspected
and
maintained to
a higher
standard than
where the
likelihood of
damage /
injury is low
Staff
public
Affected
areas
closed off
to public
with
barriers
and signs
Staff
public
Affected
areas
closed off
to public
61
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Further
Justification
Action
Required
with
barriers
and signs
Hot weather
(Heat
exhaustion,
sunburn)
Opportunity to take breaks in
shade
Take cold drinks
Staff aware about risks of sun
burn (sunscreen available)
Poisonous
Public,
plants and wild dogs
animals
Warning / educational notices
about specific plants and
animals in relevant areas e.g.
adders , weever fish (advance
info for organised events)
Remove or control invasive and
poisonous plants e.g. Giant
Hogweed
Zoonoses
Leptospirosis
E. coli
Staff and
public
Warning / educational notices
about specific zoonoses.
Hand washing facilities at
events.
Cleansing materials (hand gels)
available during group activities
Good hygiene practices
Dog fouling bins and signs
General waste bins at meeting
points
Machinery
equipment and
vehicles
Agricultural
(tractors,
chainsaws etc)
Strimmer and
brushcutter
Staff and
public
Only trained and certificated
persons to operate equipment.
Refresher training every 2-3
years, to maintain competence.
Equipment serviced and
maintained by competent and
trained operatives.
PPE must be worn – generally
footwear, gloves goggles and
hearing protection.
Usual transport hazard warning
signs in areas of high activity
62
Fence off
forestry
work
Temporar
y warning
signs
Noise of
agricultural
activities
obvious in
immediate
vicinity.
Onus on
workers for
safe working
practices
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Work site sectioned off with
barriers and warning signs.
Paths rerouted where
practicable
Refer to manual handling
guidance to avoid upper limb
and back injuries.
Chainsaws,
brushcutters
etc.
As above
Trained and certificated to
minimum of CS30 (?) NPTC &
C&G
Refresher training every 2-3
years
No climbing trees (ladders used
only for short duration only with
assistance.
No lone working
PPE to include eye, hearing and
leg protection with boots, gloves
and hard hat. (see indg317)
Large scale work contracted out
with site cordoned off and paths
diverted.
Brushcutter,
strimmer
As above
If area cannot be cordoned off,
awareness of proximity to
members of public and stopping
to allow them to pass – no lone
working
Eye and face protection must be
worn (boots standard)
Mini tractor and
mower
As above
Trained and competent
operators for use of equipment
and attachments.
Remove keys when leaving
equipment.
Use only with extreme caution
on steep slopes in accordance
with training.
Use approved ramps to load
onto trailer.
63
Further
Justification
Action
Required
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Knapsack
sprayer
As above
Trained to NPTC PA1 & PA6
Gloves, eye protection and face
mask must be worn
Stop spraying in windy
conditions or near members of
public or other persons.
see also CoSHH assessment
Generators
Staff
Instruction provided in
accordance with maufacturers
guidance
Maintainded by competent
engineer
Not to be used in confined
space – ventilation for exhaust
fumes
Two persons required to lift
portable generator (manual
handling assessment)
Hand tools
Staff
User group
conflicts
Walkers
Dogs
Cyclists
Horses
Public
Dogs
Wildlife
Inspect tools before use – repair
or replace defective equipment.
Appropriate tool used for job in
hand
Tools kept clean and sharp
Care to be taken of blades and
cutting edges
Instruction provided to new
operatives
Volunteers under supervision
PPE to be worn where
appropriate (eg gloves, eye
protection)
Segregate work area from public
or be mindful of their presence.
Designated areas (skateboard
parks)
Dogs on leads in certain areas
Careful management and
forethought to avoid overuse by
one interest group at the
64
Further
Justification
Action
Required
Informati
on
notices in
segregat
ed areas.
Room for
everyone with
sensible
management
Designated
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Neighbours
Skateboarders
Site furniture – All
disrepair
Gates and stiles
Seating
Existing Controls
Further
Justification
Action
Required
expense of others
Avoid rapid changes that cause
discontent
Colour coded map in Holt
Country Park
Maintenance programme for
seats in formal areas
Monthly inspection of fixtures in
countryside and woodlands
Fence set back to prevent
accidental contact
Warning signs every 10m
Only top wire electrified
Electrocution
Electric fences
– Thwaite
Common
All
Vehicular
movement
Car parks,
access points
General
public or
any non
vehicular
traffic
Car parks clearly signed and
demarcated
Separate designated walkways
from vehicles – fixed
barriers/fencing or informal
obstructions
Vehicles and
trailer
As above
Stationary vehicles have keys
removed and brakes applied.
Trailer wheels chocked if on
uneven or sloping ground
Appropriate license to be held
by operative.
Instruction in use of trailer.
65
routes
signposted.
Handling
possible
power
surge
Determin
e current
and likely
cause of
injury.
Regularly
inspect
signage
for
damage
and effect
repairs.
(by
Rangers
every
quarter –
see
records)
Containment
of livestock at
Thwaite
Common
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Existing Controls
Cuts,
abrasions and
needlestick
injuries
General
activities
Litter picking
Gloves to be worn when picking
litter and sharps. Litter picking
tool to be used as much as
possible.
Regular inspection and picking
to reduce exposure.
Reduce litter by public
information and regular
emptying of bins.
Sharps box for safe containment
of sharps.
Appropriate storage and
removal of refuse.
Risk areas (eg Pill boxes)
inspected regularly (or prevent
access)
Hazardous
substances
Fuel storage,
pesticides
CoSHH assessment.
PPE provided and must be worn
Storage secured, restricting
access to authorised operatives
(camouflaged)
Store maintained in tidy
condition.
Minimal quantities kept in store,
using only approved and
properly labelled containers
Group
Activities
Trips and falls
Getting lost
Child protection
Injuries from
vegetation /
insects etc.
Zoonoses
Weather
Injuries from
equipment
Participa
nts
Qualified leader
Adequate supervision of
children
Parents to be responsible for
children
Advice and information provided
prior to activity.
CRB checks for those taking
activities for children
Fire
Visitors
Yellow fire hydrants
66
Further
Justification
Action
Required
Warning
Hazard
Who
might be
harmed
& How
Forest / Heath
fires
Fuel storage
Existing Controls
Further
Justification
Action
Required
Bins for rubbish, emptied
regularly by contractor (either
weekly or upon request)
Inspect at risk areas for fire
hazards - remove debris in high
risk areas
Manage sites
signs
Educatio
nal /
informatio
n for
public.
Draft fire
plan
Lone working
Personal safety
Staff
Staff do not work alone where
possible and certainly not when
using power equipment
Other staff know where others
are working
‘Skyguard’ personal safety
system in use.
Welfare
Staff
PPE includes wet weather
clothing, to keep warm and dry.
Access to visitor Centre when
weather prevents work
Access to cold or warm drinks.
Sunblock available in summer
67