Stanley Wood

Stanley Wood
MANAGEMENT PLAN - CONTENTS PAGE
Introduction
Plan review and updating
Woodland Management Approach
Summary
1.0
2.0
Site details
Site description
2.1 Summary Description
2.2 Extended Description
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Public access information
3.1 Getting there
3.2 Access / Walks
Long term policy
Key Features
5.1 Informal Public Access
5.2 Planted Ancient Woodland Site
5.3 Ancient Semi Natural Woodland
Work Programme
Appendix 1: Compartment descriptions
Glossary
Access
Conservation Features
Management
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Stanley Wood
The Trust’s corporate aims and management approach guide the management of all the
Trust’s properties, and are described on Page 4.
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 as possible.
The Trust also has available Policy Statements covering a variety of woodland management issues.
The information presented in this Management plan is held in a database which is continuously being amended and updated on our website.
Consequently this printed version may quickly become out of date, particularly in relation to the planned work programme and on-going monitoring observations.
Please either consult The Woodland Trust website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
or contact the
Woodland Trust
( wopsmail@woodlandtrust.org.uk
) to confirm details of the current management programme.
The Trust’s management plans are based on the identification of Key Features for the site and setting objectives for their management. A monitoring programme (not included in this plan) ensures that these objectives are met and any necessary management works are carried out.
There is a formal review of this plan every 5 years and a summary of monitoring results can be obtained on request.
Any legally confidential or sensitive species information about this site is not included in this version of the plan.
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Stanley Wood
The management of our woods is based on our charitable purposes, and is therefore focused on improving woodland biodiversity and increasing peoples’ understanding and enjoyment of woodland.
Our strategic aims are to:
• Protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future
• Work with others to create more native woodlands and places rich in trees
• Inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
All our sites have a management plan which is freely accessible via our website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
. Our woods are managed to the UK Woodland Assurance Standard
(UKWAS) and are certified with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) through independent audit.
In addition to the guidelines below we have specific guidance and policies on issues of woodland management which we review and update from time to time.
We recognise that all woods are different and that the management of our sites should also reflect their local landscape and where appropriate support local projects and initiatives. Guidelines like these provide a necessary overarching framework to guide the management of our sites but such management also requires decisions based on local circumstances and our Site Manager’s intimate knowledge of each site.
The following guidelines help to direct our woodland management:
1.
Our woods are managed to maintain their intrinsic key features of value and to reflect those of the surrounding landscape. We intervene when there is evidence that it is necessary to maintain or improve biodiversity and to further the development of more resilient woods and landscapes.
2.
We establish new native woodland using both natural regeneration and tree planting, but largely the latter, particularly when there are opportunities for involving people.
3.
We provide free public access to woods for quiet, informal recreation and our woods are managed to make them accessible, welcoming and safe.
4.
The long term vision for our non-native plantations on ancient woodland sites is to restore them to predominantly native species composition and semi-natural structure, a vision that equally applies to our secondary woods.
5.
Existing semi-natural open-ground and freshwater habitats are restored and maintained wherever their management can be sustained and new open ground habitats created where appropriate.
6.
The heritage and cultural value of sites is taken into account in our management and, in particular, our ancient trees are retained for as long as possible.
7.
Woods can offer the potential to generate income both from the sustainable harvesting of wood products and the delivery of other services. We will therefore consider the potential to generate income from our estate to help support our aims.
8.
We work with neighbours, local people, organisations and other stakeholders in developing the management of our woods. We recognise the benefits of local community woodland ownership and management. Where appropriate we allow our woods to be used to support local woodland, conservation, education and access initiatives.
9.
We use and offer the estate where appropriate, for the purpose of demonstration, evidence gathering and research associated with the conservation, recreational and sustainable management of woodlands.
In particular we will develop and maintain a network of long-term monitoring sites across the estate.
10 Any activities we undertake will conform to sustainable forest management principles, be appropriate for the site and will be balanced with our primary objectives of enhancing the biodiversity and recreational value of our woods and the wider landscapes.
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Stanley Wood
This public management plan briefly describes the site, specifically mentions information on public access, sets out the long term policy and lists the Key Features which drive management actions.
The Key Features are specific to this site – their significance is outlined together with their long (50 year+) and short (5 year) term objectives. The short term objectives are complemented by a detailed Work Programme for the period of this management plan. Detailed compartment descriptions are listed in the appendices which include any major management constraints and designations. A short glossary of technical terms is at the end. The Key Features and general woodland condition of this site are subject to a formal monitoring programme which is maintained in a central database. A summary of monitoring results is available on request.
Site name:
Location:
Grid reference:
Area:
Designations:
Stanley Wood
King's Stanley
SO805019, OS 1:50,000 Sheet No. 162
38.29 hectares (94.62 acres)
Ancient Semi Natural Woodland, Ancient Woodland Site, Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty
2.1 Summary Description
Part of the fantastic network of woods along the Cotswold escarpment, the origins of this wood can be traced back to the Domesday Book. The whole area is criss-crossed with well used footpaths and the area is very popular with locals and visitors. Great views in all directions make this a most enjoyable area to visit.
2.2 Extended Description
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Stanley Wood
Stanley woodland was recorded as Buckholt wood in the Doomsday book, a name that reflects a large number of beech trees. Part of the adjoining woodland, outside of Stanley wood is still named
Buckholt wood today. The western half of the woodland is surrounded by a number of archaeological sites (Scheduled Ancient Monument 32367; SMR79 and SMR’s 4110, 4111, 4112,
5134, 5216, 16931 and 21059). These do not appear to continue into the woodland. Within the woodland there are two well preserved sunken trackways, historically used as routes to and fro market in Kings Stanley and Leonard Stanley; the wheel ruts can still be seen worn into the bedrock.
Stanley woodland is contiguous with the Woodland Trust’s Penn Wood and located along the
Cotswold scarp above Kings Stanley and Leonard’s Stanley, Gloucestershire and overlooking the
Severn valley. Despite clear felling of much of the site in the 1950’s and 60’s, and subsequent conifer and beech planting, a robust native mix of semi-mature broadleaves originating from plantation, natural regeneration and coppice currently dominate; the main species are Ash, Beech and Sycamore. In 2000 areas of conifer plantation had been infiltrated by natural regeneration of broadleaves by as much as 50%. Restoration efforts over the intervening 10 years mean that conifer canopy has been reduced to around 25% and is no longer thought to be impacting negatively on the habitat value of the wood.
Internally the site is a pleasure to walk through displaying a wide variety of shapes, forms and colours. The aforementioned hugely deep sunken tracks, still cloaked in mature beech are impressive features.
NVC W12 is a woodland community associated with free draining, base-rich calcareous soils; the base Jurassic Oolitic limestone is exposed in some areas, both naturally and through quarrying.
The ground flora diversity was exceptionally high in a survey of 1987 (129 species); in 2003 a management observation noted that ground flora appears limited both in its abundance and diversity and this is a fair observation for 2010 also. Historically some notable species of invertebrate, mollusc and flora have been recorded within Stanley.
Within the landscape Stanley forms part of a mosaic of semi-natural habitats. Penn Wood ASNW is contiguous and the busy B4066 divides Stanley from Woodchester Park SSSI. Gloucestershire
Wildlife Trusts manage the neighbouring Coaley Peak picnic facilities and view point and this includes semi-natural grassland habitat. The privately owned Buckholt ancient woodland is contiguous on the northwest boundary. Further along the scarp to the west lies Coaley Wood, another Woodland Trust semi natural ancient woodland property.
Set within a well facilitated and busy landscape for public amenity and recreation, there are a plether of differing public right of way dedications such as RUPP, bridleway and footpath. Most notably the
Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the site. All of them are well used (despite the gradient of many of them) and visits to the site are facilitated by a parking facility located opposite the Gliding
Club entrance off the B4066. A significant length of permissive bridleway was surfaced (circa 1996).
As with all sites along the Cotswold scarp Stanley is a geologically diverse site. Many geological horizons can be found from top to bottom; quarrying, ranging from small delves to workings on an impressive scale has revealed an extent of these. In 1999 Gloucestershire Geo-Conservation were responsible for some exposure of the rock and lower sand strata for future interpretation and conservation.
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Stanley Wood
3.1 Getting there
Parking facilities extending to 10 cars is available off the B4066 opposite the Glider Club entrance.
Alternatively the site can be accessed via the PROW networks connecting it to the villages of Kings and Leonard’s Stanley, Selsley and Woodchester. Other areas of public open space are nearby, notably Selsley Common and Penn Woodland (owned by the WoodlTrust) and both of these are served with parking facilities.
Set within a well facilitated and busy landscape for public amenity and recreation, Stanley is served with a RUPP (72), two Bridleways (14 and 28) and one permissive, linking bridleway and public footpaths (12, 33 and 75) including the Cotswold Way National Trail. All of them are well used
(despite the gradient of many of them) and visits to the site are facilitated by a parking opposite the
Gliding Club entrance off the B4066 at NGR SO 8060601912. A permissive bridleway route has been created adjacent to the B4066 for the length of the site, this si the flatteest route through the site. Horse and vehicle barriers prevent unauthorised access from this bridleway route.
The paths through Stanley wood are all freely draining and have a moderate level of natural stone making them suitable for year round access. All of the paths have steep sections although contours are followed where possible. The natural stone that improves drainage and wear on the tracks can become dislodged making the surface rough; This impacts on it's suitability for wheelchair access.
Public transport services currently (2007) link Stroud with Nympsfield via the road adjacent the site.
The nearest stop is located at the public house in Nympsfield just 1.5km from Stanley Wood.
There are no known public toilet facilities within easy reach of the site. Stroud District council publish a list of the services open to the public which can be accessed at http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/faq.asp?faqid=384.
3.2 Access / Walks
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Stanley Wood
Public access
The Woodland Trust is committed to continue free informal public access through Stanley woodland on the same basis that it has done since ownership. It is expected that the existing network of paths and tracks will be maintained but not extended. Entrances should display our ownership signage and visitor safety measures will be implemented. The Trust is seeking to engage with users and local communities and will be pleased to work towards mutually beneficial aims with interest groups.
SNAW
We will be promoting natural development of the semi-natural areas of ancient woodland (the majority of the site). Letting nature take its course should result in an increase in woodland species over time. Management operations will be required to manage tree safety along the margins of the
B4066 where dangerous individuals and some sections of encroaching trees will be removed. Over the long term maintaining younger more stable and predictable trees along the road side edge is the aim.
PAW
Stanley wood has 11.2Ha of conifer plantation on ancient woodland. The threats conifers pose to ancient woodland communities have been reduced through restorative thinning (removal) of conifers between 2002 and 2005. The 2010 PAW survey revealed that the remaining ancient woodland components are secure. Over the long term it will be the Woodland Trust vision that all remnant AW components will be secure and improving in condition and monitoring to ensure that is built into this plan.
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Stanley Wood
The Key Features of the site are identified and described below. They encapsulate what is important about the site. The short and long-term objectives are stated and any management necessary to maintain and improve the Key Feature.
5.1 Informal Public Access
Description
A diverse range of dedicated and permissive access routes traverse Stanley woodland.
Public access is facilitated through the Woodland Trust’s Estate Management Contract which includes cutting vegetation back from path and track edges. Ownership signs are present on the many entrances and management access gates are kept locked.
Set within a well facilitated and busy landscape for public amenity and recreation, Stanley is served with a RUPP (72), two Bridleways (14 and 28) and one permissive, linking bridleway and public footpaths (12, 33 and 75) including the Cotswold Way National Trail. All of them are well used
(despite the gradient of many of them) and visits to the site are facilitated by parking located opposite the Gliding Club entrance off the B4066 at NGR SO 8060601912. Since the surfacing of a significant length of permissive bridleway the impact of public access on the track surfaces has been minimal. Unauthorised access has historically been prevented with internal horse and motorbike barriers but in recent years these have become un-functional through age. Replacement has not been deemed necessary given the very low levels of unauthorised use. The potential for access damage and visitor disruption through unauthorised use is high given the length of un-surfaced track that could easily be damaged through unauthorised use.
Stanley wood can be accessed via the PROW networks connecting it to the villages of Kings and
Leonard’s Stanley, Selsley and Woodchester. Walks through the landscape surrounding Stanley woodland are complimented by informal access of the Woodland Trust’s contiguous and nearby properties Penn and Coaley woods. Public Open space on Selsley Common is available and this is easily accessed in its own right or from Penn or Stanley Woods.
The Cotswold Way National Trail office periodically undertakes the replacement of gates, steps and way-marker posts. A 150m stretch (centre NGR 80300190) crossing the steep slopes of compt. 1a) has been re-vetted with sawn timber works (2005). The National trail does bring with it visitors that may not otherwise visit Woodland Trust properties. There may also be some local community interest and potential engagement opportunities relating to the geological interest of the site.
Located in 1b some geological exposure work has been completed.
Significance
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Stanley Wood
The Woodland Trust believes that everyone should recognise that trees and woods are an essential part of a healthy environment and that there should be a wood with open access close to everyone’s home. We aim to achieve that through the provision of public access to Stanley wood.
The general public and in particular the local residents have contributed to the purchase of Stanley woodland.
Within Cotswold AONB.
Opportunities & Constraints
To engage new visitors.
Visitation levels are high
Steep slopes.
Competition from other very local sites offering outdoor recreation.
Near by and adjoining Woodland Trust sites.
Cotswold Way National Trail.
Geological interest.
Factors Causing Change
Changes in visitor numbers and types of usage, Change in PROW networks.
Long term Objective (50 years+)
Continued informal public access as described in the Key Feature description is the aim at Stanley
Wood. The site should be safe and welcoming in terms of signage and/or interpretation. It is not expected that the existing public and permissive path network will be extended. Improvement to path surfaces may be undertaken should the impetus come from the local community or visitors as there is a presumption against surfacing our footpaths and bridleways. Given the potential for damage to the un-surfaced tracks horse access will be limited to the permissive bridleway and unauthorised use by motor vehicles should not occur. The monitoring of such use should be built into this plan. Altering of existing entrances may be required to prevent such use if monitoring reveals it.
Good potential exists for visitor and community engagement given moderate visitation and a large local population. It could be advantageous to improve community links as a strategy to improve use of the site. Visitors walking the Cotswold Way National Trail could provide a focus for further engagement.
Opportunities to engage with local communities and interest groups in furthering mutual aims will be taken. Geological site management may be one example of this.
Short term management Objectives for the plan period (5 years)
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Stanley Wood
Aim: To provide the best possible resource for existing users of the site, wider local communities and new visitors to the site.
Strategy: To ensure that Stanley Wood is clearly signed as an accessible Woodland Trust wood including contact details providing a link between visitors and owners/managers. To act on development ideas arising through public contact/networking. To prevent unauthorised access where it detracts from the enjoyment of authorised visitors.
Measure of Success: 1) Continued public visitation and appreciation gauged through signs of visitor use such as footpath wear and tear, numbers seen during management visits. 2) The absence of unauthorised access 3) The number of initiatives developed through public interest that attract new user groups or improve conditions/accessibility for visitors.
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Stanley Wood
5.2 Planted Ancient Woodland Site
Description
The PAWS strategy map for this key feature identifies that all remnant ancient woodland communities are secure from conifer threat.
Three islands of poorly stocked conifer plantations within a complex assemblage of aW12 woodland community. Conifer species present are Scots and Corsican pine, Larch and Western Red Cedar.
No conifer regeneration has been noted (1999-2010).
The conifer areas (compt’s. 1b, 1d and 1e) vary greatly in density ranging from 30% to under 10% canopy. The main likeness between the areas is the development of the vigorous naturally regenerating native woodland (resembling W12). It is reasonable to assume that the vigorous nature of the regenerating broadleaves indicates a functioning woodland ecosystem unaffected by the conifer canopy. Thinning to waste of the conifers occurred cyclically through 2002-2005 which has removed any perceptible threat to the Ancient Woodland Communities. Like the regenerating broadleaves the remnant ground flora appears robust throughout with only slight improvements towards the edges of compartments and along ride edges.
Broadleaves are present in the canopy (mostly ash and Sycamore) and in the prolific sub-canopy
Beech, Ash, Sycamore, Hazel, Yew and Field maple abound. Despite the presence of conifers the ground flora is abundant throughout consisting of Ivy, Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), Hartstongue fern and sedges. Roe and muntjac are resident in the wood and browsing can be seen on ride sides or on recent coppice stumps.
Few remnant mature broadleaved trees remain from the precursor semi natural ancient woodland cover.
Machinery access through the conifer plantation areas is largely restricted due to steep slopes. 1B does have a level track suitable for tractor access and 1d has internal access provided by a management access track, this is very steep and not suitable.
The presence of deadwood is good following restorative ring barking and thinning to waste.
Archaeology within the woodland is restricted to sunken track ways. Geological interest on the northern boundary of 1B has prompted some small geological management of a feature in partnership with Gloucestershire Geological Trust.
Significance
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Stanley Wood
The Woodland Trust believes that there should be no further loss of ancient woodland and that restoring our plantations on ancient woodland sites is the most significant opportunity open to use for improving the UK’s biodiversity and would be one of the most significant contributions the UK could make to worldwide nature conservation. Continued resilience of ancient woodland communities at Stanley wood can help the Trust deliver its aim to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future.
The woodland forms an important landscape feature of the Cotswold escarpment.
Within Cotswold AONB.
Opportunities & Constraints
Constraints:
Very steep slopes and difficult management access.
Ancient woodland site throughout places a constraint on the creation of new management access routes to serve this key feature.
Concentrations of ancient woodland indicator species constrain management operations.
Opportunities:
Ensure the survival and enhancement of the AW components.
To enable species abundance and diversity to increase through natural succession.
Improve the geological sites through management.
Steep slopes.
Factors Causing Change
Long term Objective (50 years+)
The Woodland Trust management of PAW at Stanley reflects our commitment to ensuring the survival and enhancement of Ancient woodland components. Over the long term it will be the
Woodland Trust vision that all remnant AW components will be secure and improving in condition.
Over the short to medium term management should aim to identify and act decisively on conifer regeneration as this is seen as having the potential to reverse the restoration process.
Short term management Objectives for the plan period (5 years)
Aim: To ensure remnant ancient woodland flora and native trees in the canopy and sub canopy are secure from conifer threat.
Strategy: Monitor woodland for presence of conifer regeneration and remove by pulling or cutting as required. Removal of seed trees may be required in more extreme cases.
Measure of Success: The absence of viable conifer regeneration. Continuation of ‘secure’ status assessed through PAWS assessment surveys.
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Stanley Wood
5.3 Ancient Semi Natural Woodland
Description
Compartments 1a and 1c and 1f totalling 30.04 Ha. Although 1f is clearly a plantation of beech the
Woodland Trust management principles for broadleaved plantation on ancient woodland is the same as for Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW).
Historically some notable species have been recorded within Stanley including 2 species of hoverfly,
2 species of molluscs, and for flora the limestone fern and the red helleborine.
A complex assemblage dominated by semi-mature, even aged broadleaved canopy of circa 50 years . Beech has been assessed to be the dominant species by canopy but the distribution is variable within a complex mix of ash and sycamore. Holly, field maple, Whitebeam and hazel are all present within the understorey; the vigorously developing woodland resembles a NVC W12 community. It is suspected that the main body of the woodland was subject to conifer plantation in the 1950’s. The areas characterised as semi natural ancient woodland today are probably a result of the failure of this plantation. Whatever the cause of the loss of conifers from these areas it was certainly to the benefit of profuse naturally regenerating native broadleaved species.
Today the even aged structure of the developing W12 community is interspersed with a matrix of mature trees, notably beech but including sycamore, oak and ash. Concentrations of these (notably in the mid western section) come close to creating mature high forest canopy. Here an understorey of coppice origin is still perceptible but the scale is very small. Where mature beech occurs like this it is impossible to tell if this is a result of planting or not.
With the exception of the beech plantation in 1f regeneration levels are prolific throughout; dominated by ash and beech but sycamore and field maple are also present. Flora is abundant throughout; dominatedby Ivy (Hedera helix), Dog’s mercury (Mercurialis perennis), Sweet woodruff
(Galium odoratum), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) and
Hartstongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium).
The only active management that provides structural diversity is carried out beneath the power lines through cutting on a circa 5 year cycle.
Management access to the area is provided by trackways that in the main run along flatter terrain along the top and the bottom of the scarp. There are a number of steep interlinking tracks between the two.
Deer are present but are not thought to be at a level that would impact on the woodlands ability to regenerate.
Significance
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Stanley Wood
Native woodland is an important component of ecologically functioning landscapes for woodland biodiversity. Through our management and ownership of Stanley wood we aim to achieve our aim to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future
The woodland forms an important landscape feature of the Cotswold escarpment.
Within Cotswold AONB.
Opportunities & Constraints
Constraints:
Very steep slopes and difficult management access.
Ancient woodland site places a constraint on the creation of new management access routes to serve this key feature.
Opportunities:
To enable species abundance and diversity to increase through natural succession.
Factors Causing Change
Long term Objective (50 years+)
The opportunity for natural development (succession) of ASNW at Stanley will be taken. It is expected that woodland species and abundance will increase over time. The course and speed of succession is dictated by many factors, at Stanley wood these appear relatively uniform as the site is developing and regenerating vigorously throughout.
The trees forming the woodland along the northern boundary with the B4066 will be managed to reduce the long term tree safety concerns. Removal of road side sections with the highest proportion of Beech should be prioritised. Once cut sections should be re-cut at a frequency of no longer than 25 years.
Short term management Objectives for the plan period (5 years)
Aim: To permit the natural process of succession of native broadleaved woodland. (Note this aim cannot be achieved along road side boundaries where tree removal may be required for safety reasons).
Strategy: To avoid intervention that may inadvertently arrest natural succession such as wholesale increases in light levels that could bring about domination of competitive ground flora capable of out competing sensitive woodland species.
Monitor woodland for presence of conifer regeneration and remove by pulling or cutting as required.
Removal of seed trees may be required in more extreme cases.
Measure of Success: Management intervention limited to vegetation growing on ride and track sides and for site safety reasons.
The absence of viable conifer regeneration
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Stanley Wood
Year Type of Work
2012 SL - Safety Inspections / Reports
2012 AW - Visitor Access Maintenance
2012 AW - Visitor Access Maintenance
2012 SL - Routine Safety Work
2012 AW - Visitor Access Maintenance
2012 SL - Tree Safety Works - Zone A
2013 SL - Safety Inspections / Reports
2013 AW - Visitor Access Maintenance
Description
As per your quotation recieved 14th
June 2012: Stanley SAfety fence works:
Due By
Zone A Tree Safety Report (see site's
Hazard and Risk Assessment map for
Zone A areas).
AUGUST PATH CUT - 1) cut central line of all green routes highlighted on
EMC map. 2) Complete Entrance
Maintenance Inspections at all entrances marked P, M or MP on the
EMC map. 3) Report on extent of rubbish at glider club entrance point.
Cutting back encroaching vegetation against path as directed by Site manager at site meeting.
28/08/12
28/08/12
25/09/12
Replace safety fencing along quarry as per the Quotation sent 14th June to site manager Jeremy Evans. This to include a new safety fence of 120m along the perimeter of the west flank of the quarry.
28/09/12
31/10/12
290 meters of restoration: £2844+ VAT
Cutting back vegatation and getting materials to site, using access via
Coaley Peak picnic site as discussed:
£365+ VAT
Tree safety works required along
B4066
Zone A Tree Safety Report (see site's
Hazard and Risk Assessment map for
Zone A areas).
AUGUST PATH CUT - 1) cut central line of all green routes highlighted on
EMC map. 2) Complete Entrance
Maintenance Inspections at all entrances marked P, M or MP on the
EMC map. 3) Report on extent of rubbish at glider club entrance point.
30/11/12
28/08/13
28/08/13
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Stanley Wood
2013 AW - Visitor Access Maintenance
2013 SL - Tree Safety Works - Zone A
2014 AW - Visitor Access Maintenance
2014 SL - Tree Safety Emergency Work
2014 SL - Safety Inspections / Reports
2014 SL - Tree Safety Works - Zone A
2014 AW - Visitor Access Infrastructure
For the provision of gate latches as per email 15 October 2013 16:47 to Jed
Wragg.
For the annual TS priorities following report and for lowering the long term issues relating to TS should the report not detail any priority work.
31/10/13
01/12/13
4123-1 AUGUST PATH CUT - 1) cut central line of all green routes highlighted on EMC map. 2) Complete
Entrance Maintenance Inspections at all entrances marked P, M or MP on the
EMC map. 3) Report on extent of rubbish at glider club entrance point.
28/08/14
31/10/14 Emergency removal of several trees down in Stanley Wood
Zone A Tree Safety Report (see site's
Hazard and Risk Assessment map for
Zone A areas).
30/11/14
For the annual TS priorities following report and for lowering the long term issues relating to TS should the report not detail any priority work.
12/12/14
For the cutting back of ride side vegetation in coupes to satisfy ewgs
V11 grant requirements. Prioirty area is
12/12/14 along the top ride parrallel to the top track.
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Stanley Wood
Cpt
No.
Area
(ha)
Main
Species
Year Management
Regime
Major
Management
Constraints
Key Features
Present
Designations
1a 26.30 Mixed broadlea ves
1950 No/poor vehicular access within the site,
Very steep slope/cliff/quarry/ mine shafts/sink holes etc
Informal Public
Access
Ancient Semi
Natural
Woodland, Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty
This large sub-compartment runs the whole length of the wood some 2.3 km along the north-facing
Jurassic limestone escarpment. At its widest it is 400m and at its narrowest 120m wide and throughout the slopes are steep. The average gradients vary between 20 and 66%. Compartment
1a incorporates all the pedestrian and management access points. Parking for up to 10 cars is available opposite the glider club entrance at NGR 8060601912. This entrance point doubles for management access, it links the area with the stoned permissive bridleway route via a track through a small portion of land owned and retained by the Glider club. A condition for the right of this access is to maintain a post and wire fence around a septic tank within the Glider Club land ownership. The
Woodland Trust has an obligation with the County Council to maintain a vegetation free zone to the north of the parking area to facilitate views over the estuary. The third party access right across glider club ownership is also subject to the installation of a vehicle barrier to stop unauthorised motorised access. The details of these obligations are held within the management plan reference files. Compartment 1a also includes an area leased from the Glider club in this vicinity. This is demarked on the maps with an ownership boundary and referred to as Stanley Wood (lease). In management terms this leased area is not to be differentiated and therefore forms a part of compartment 1a. The boundary of the lease area on the ground is demarked with a series of strainer posts. Supplementing this external access point are 11 other pedestrian access points, those that are on one of the two bridleways are suitably equipped to facilitate this access type. Two further combined management and pedestrian access points are located at NGR SO7965901567 off the B4066 and SO8049702075 at the end of the county road named Woodside Lane on the northern boundary of the site. Routes within the woodland suitable for management access include the permissive bridleway route that the Woodland Trust created (running the entire east-west length of the site); the two lengths of designated PROW bridleways and the RUPP; the section of the
Cotswold Way National Trail within the eastern end of the woodland; a steep PROW footpath route linking the Cotswold Way to the permissive bridleway route; a steep PROW footpath route linking the RUPP/Bridleway intersection to the permissive bridleway; a steep spur section of permissive trackway from the permissive bridleway that dissects the western side of compt. 1d. Given the steep gradient of the slopes this network is extensive, yet it dominates the flatter section along the top and bottom of the scarp and still leaves pockets of very inaccessible woodland. Much of the southern external boundary of compartment 1a is demarked with post and wire fencing; this is in state of disrepair and some sections can no longer be made out on the ground.
Overhead power lines used to dissect 1a close to its western boundary but these were removed in
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Stanley Wood
2010 along with the pylon supporting them. A dog leg section of power lines dissect the site’s mideastern section. The power companies are responsible for the clearance of developing scrub beneath these lines, clearance operations were carried out in the spring of 2003, and this entailed the removal of nearby branches only. These areas under cyclic coppice management are the only examples of routinely managed open space within the compartment.
The strip of woodland bordering the B4066 county highway is 2.5km long and has been designated a Tree Safety Zone A. This has been zoned into priority areas for preventative tree safety work and in the period 2005 – 2007 the top priority areas were treated by cutting back and removing roadside trees.
There are variations in the density and structure of the canopy but the dominant species is Beech and the dominant structure is semi-mature high forest. The main concentrations of beech appear to have been planted at 1.5m spacing, it is thought that some early thinning has taken place and these stands are now at a stage where self thinning will occur. It is not known if beech occurring in intimate mixtures with other naturally regenerating broadleaves is a consequence of natural regeneration of planting. There are a number of spectacular beech specimens both along the ancient boundaries/sunken tracks and within the matrix of the wood. In addition to Beech there is
Ash and some localised Sycamore, these species are thought to be a consequence of natural regeneration. Following the clearance of much of the woodland during the 1950’s there appears to have been some planting of conifers (Larch and Corsican pine) during the 1950s but nowhere does this exceed 5% in this sub-compartment.
Again the character of the understorey is variable. In some locations Hazel dominates whilst in others Yew, Hawthorn, Beech, Holly and Hazel form a sub-canopy.
The most common ground flora species are Ivy (Hedera helix), Dog’s mercury (Mercurialis perennis), Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Male fern
(Dryopteris filix-mas) and Hartstongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium).
Footpaths and tracks tend to be confined to the upper and lower margins. However in the central section the slope is traversed by two sets of ancient hollow-ways, (one designated a RUPP and the other a bridleway).
Throughout the sub-compartment are a number of quarry workings of varying scale.
1b 4.05 Mixed broadlea ves
1950 No/poor vehicular access within the site,
Very steep slope/cliff/quarry/ mine shafts/sink holes etc
Informal Public
Access
Ancient
Woodland Site,
Area of
Outstanding
Natural Beauty
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Stanley Wood
This sub-compartment has very similar characteristics to 1a but has fewer large Beech trees and in addition to Ash contains a scattering of Larch and Corsican pine forming circa 10-15% of canopy where it is densest. Following restoration thinning 2002-2005 it is not thought that they are impacting negatively on the habitat value of the ancient woodland site, the threat level imposed by the conifers is low and it is thought that the ancient woodland communities are secure. The understorey and ground flora are similar to that of 1a.
Management access is via the RUPP to the east and the permissive bridleway route to the south.
Ground conditions throughout are very steep. Overhead power lines used to cross very closely to the western end of the compartment but these were removed in 2010. The permissive bridle path goes through 1B parallel to the B4066 and the RUPP forms the compartments southern boundary.
Sections of the RUPP are steep. The removed power lines form the western compartment boundary.
1c 1.74 Mixed broadlea ves
1980 No/poor vehicular access within the site
Informal Public
Access
Ancient Semi
Natural
Woodland, Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty
This compartment is bounded by the B4066 to the south and the permissive bridleway track at the crest of the escarpment; it is comparatively flat. It was thinned in 2001 during which a number of potentially hazardous trees were removed. Beech was favoured for removal during this operation as it is notoriously difficult to assess the risk they pose to traffic on the B4066. The thinning was also seen as an attempt to increase the stability of the woodland along the top of the scarp.
Ash, Oak, Larch, Silver birch and some Sycamore now form the semi-mature open canopy. All the sub-canopy and larger regeneration was coppiced to facilitate thinning; this has since grown back as a developing shrub layer despite deer browsing evidence.. . In the higher light environment bramble dominates the ground flora although Dog’s mercury and Sweet woodruff are occasionally present. Recent regeneration is largely of Ash.
1d 4.38 Mixed conifers
1970 Very steep slope/cliff/quarry/ mine shafts/sink holes etc
Informal Public
Access
Ancient
Woodland Site,
Area of
Outstanding
Natural Beauty
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Stanley Wood
This sub-compartment lies in the mid-portion of the scarp slope and has its eastern boundary delineated by the electricity power lines. It is a complex assemblage of both broadleaved and coniferous trees. The proportion of conifers (Corsican and Scots pine, Larch and Western red cedar) varies considerably only becoming more dense in small isolated pockets. It was apparent in
2003 that the vigour of some of the pines is reduced by an attack by Pine-shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda). The conifers were thinned as part of restoration works over the period 2002-2005. The threat level imposed by the conifers is today (2011) low and it is thought that the ancient woodland communities are secure.
Broadleaves are present in the canopy (mostly ash and Sycamore) and in the prolific sub-canopy
Beech, Ash, Sycamore, Hazel, Yew and Field maple abound. Despite the presence of conifers the ground flora is abundant and throughout consisting of Ivy, Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum),
Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Wood spurge
(Euphorbia amygdaloides), Hartstongue fern and sedges.
Some of the broadleaves may be pre-cursor trees growing from stumps of the former ancient woodland but on the whole the strong broadleaved element is derived from regeneration.
1d is served with a steep track (that may be suitable for management access) along its western section and can be reached via a winch rope from the permissive bridleway route along the top or southern boundary of the compartment.
1e 2.77 Mixed conifers
1970 No/poor vehicular access within the site,
Very steep slope/cliff/quarry/ mine shafts/sink holes etc
Informal Public
Access
Ancient
Woodland Site,
Area of
Outstanding
Natural Beauty
This sub-compartment lies to the west of the electricity power lines and is very similar in character to
1d but contains a higher proportion of Western red cedar. It is thought that the scattering of small, sub canopy WRC is a consequence of suppression rather than seeding.
The strong remnant communities of regenerating broadleaves and ancient woodland flora species are present throughout as per compt. 1D
The conifers were thinned as part of restoration works over the period 2002-2005. The threat level imposed by the conifers is low and it is thought that the ancient woodland communities are secure.
The sub-canopy and ground flora are similar to those of 1d.
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Stanley Wood
1f 2.00 Beech 1970 No/poor vehicular access within the site,
Very steep slope/cliff/quarry/ mine shafts/sink holes etc
Informal Public
Access
Ancient
Woodland Site,
Area of
Outstanding
Natural Beauty
An area of closely planted beech plantation established circa 1950. Forming a full and dense canopy that has been thinned previously and is now beginning to self thin. Ground flora is dominated by ivy and ferns reflecting the low light levels since canopy closure. There are rare hazel shrubs notably along the edge but not other shrub or understorey. NO viable regeneration is found.
Self thinning is problematic on the northern end of the compartment where the trees on very steep slopes overhang the Cotswold way and regularly pull out of the shallow soils and fall to block the path.
There are no internal tracks, machinery access is not possible due to very steep slopes.
1g 0.00 Beech 1970 Informal Public
Access
1h 0.00 Beech 1970 Informal Public
Access
1i 0.00 Beech 1970 Informal Public
Access
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Stanley Wood
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 Semi-Natural Woodland to take account of uncertainties in their identification. Ancient woods include Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland and plantations on Ancient
Woodland Sites (see below). May support many species that are only found in ancient woodland.
Ancient Semi - Natural Woodland
Stands in ancient woods defined as those consisting predominantly of native trees and shrubs that have not obviously been planted, which have arisen from natural regeneration or coppice regrowth.
Ancient Woodland Site
Stands in ancient woods that have been converted to plantations, of coniferous, broadleaved or mixed species, usually for timber production, including plantations of native species planted so closely together that any semi-natural elements of the understorey have been suppressed.
Beating Up
Replacing any newly planted trees that have died in the first few years after planting.
Broadleaf
A tree having broad leaves (such as oak) rather than needles found on conifers (such as Scots pine).
Canopy
The uppermost layer of vegetation in a woodland, or the upper foliage and branches of an individual tree.
Clearfell
Felling of all trees within a defined area.
Compartment
Permanent management division of a woodland, usually defined on site by permanent features such as roads. See Sub-compartments.
Conifer
A tree having needles, rather than broadleaves, and typically bearing cones.
Continuous Cover forestry
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Stanley Wood
A term used for managing woods to ensure that there are groups or individual trees of different ages scattered over the whole wood and that some mature tree cover is always maintained.
Management is by repeated thinning and no large areas are ever completely felled all at once.
Coppice
Trees which are cut back to ground levels at regular intervals (3-25 years).
Exotic (non-native) Species
Species originating from other countries (or other parts of the UK) that have been introduced by humans, deliberately or accidentally.
Field Layer
Layer of small, non-woody herbaceous plants such as bluebells.
Group Fell
The felling of a small group of trees, often to promote natural regeneration or allow planting.
Long Term Retention
Discrete groups of trees (or in some cases single trees) that are retained significantly past their economic felling age. Operations may still be carried out within them and thinning is often necessary to maintain stability.
Minimum Intervention
Areas where no operations (such as thinning) will take place other than to protect public safety or possibly to control invasive exotic species.
Mixed Woodland
Woodland made up of broadleaved and coniferous trees.
National vegetation classification (NVC)
A classification scheme that allows an area of vegetation to be assigned to the standardised type that best matches the combination of plant species that it contains. All woodlands in the UK can be described as being one of 18 main woodland types (W1 - W18), which principally reflect soil and climatic conditions. For example, Upland Oakwoods are type W11, and normally occur on well drained infertile soils in the cooler and wetter north and west of Britain. Each main type can be subdivided into numerous subtypes. Most real woods contain more than one type or sub-type and inevitably some woods are intermediate in character and can't be properly described by any sub type.
Native Species
Species that arrived in Britain without human assistance.
Natural Regeneration
Naturally grown trees from seeds falling from mature trees. Also regeneration from coppicing and suckering.
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Stanley Wood
Origin & Provenance
The provenance of a tree or seed is the place where seed was collected to grow the tree or plant.
The origin is the geographical location within the natural range of a species from where seeds/tree originally derives. Thus an acorn collected from a Turkey oak in Edinburgh would have an Edinburgh provenance and a southern European origin.
Re-Stocking
Re-planting an area of woodland, after it has been felled.
Shrub Layer
Formed by woody plants 1-10m tall.
Silviculture
The growing and care of trees in woodlands.
Stand
Trees of one type or species, grouped together within a woodland.
Sub-Compartment
Temporary management division of a compartment, which may change between management plan periods.
Thinning
The felling of a proportion of individual trees within a given area. The remaining trees grow to fill in the space created.
Tubex or Grow or Tuley Tubes
Tubes placed over newly planted trees or natural regeneration that promote growth and provide protection from animals such as rabbits and deer.
Weeding
The control of vegetation immediately around newly planted trees or natural regeneration to promote tree growth until they become established. Either by hand cutting or with carefully selected weed killers such as glyphosate.
Windblow/Windthrow
Trees or groups of trees blown over (usually uprooted) by strong winds and gales.
The Woodland Trust, Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL.
The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales no. 294344 and in Scotland no. SC038885.
A non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 1982873. The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark.
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