Surrey is the most wooded county at 22.4% woodland cover equating to 37,564 hectares with the Surrey Hills AONB at 40% woodland cover, which is 16,270 hectares, amounting to almost half the total.
The current growing demand for wood fuel now makes much of the Ancient Semi Natural Woodland of commercial interest, often with yields of up to 150 tonnes per hectare on a 16 to 25 year sustainable rotation of coppiced timber species, not including hazel.
Environmental benefits of Woodland Management - The Rio Summit of 1992 prompted the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and 'Results from the England Biodiversity strategy show a worrying trend for the decline of wild flowers. The survey reports a decline of 34% of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland indicator species between the period 1990 and 2007.
The Deer Society and Government figures advise an annual cull in the U.K. of 250,000 per annum with 74,000 Road Traffic Accidents directly related to deer annually.
The Rio Summit of 1992 prompted the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and 'Results from the England Biodiversity strategy show a worrying trend for the decline of wild flowers. The survey reports a decline of 34% of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland indicator species between the period 1990 and 2007'.
The Deer Society and Government figures advise an annual cull in the U.K. of 250,000 per annum with 74,000 Road Traffic Accidents directly related to deer annually.
The character of English woodland has consequently changed dramatically over the last 100 years. Traditional management, very often coppice with standards has largely died out and the woodland structure, which is so important for birds has changed.
Neglected coppice has developed a simple structure, and deer browsing which is probably the biggest single issue for woodland management, is degrading both shrub and field layers.
'A guide to managing for declining woodland birds in England' explains woodland bird conservation in context. The need for sustainable management of the earth's resources, including timber, is recognised by global treaties, especially the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity of 1992. Our government response was the creation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Rules and regulations have shown few positive results as the woodland bird populations fell by 15% between 1970 and 2002 with a decrease of 3% between 1998 and 2002.
The case for butterflies has gained greater public awareness, and secures higher E.E.C. Funding via Forestry Commission grants.
Leader bid - Summer 2009 a Leader bid was won with a 40% grant towards investment in a barn, a telehandler with timber grapple and log deck for the firewood business. The telehandler facilitates lengths of cordwood to be handled safely & efficiently off the stacks for processing, and stack the bulk bags of cut and split seasoned for seasoning in the barn three high on extra large pallets constructed in house. These seasoned logs are available for delivery to the purchaser's home.
Deer fencing - temporary deer fencing is imperative for woodland regeneration. This is due to the devastation caused on newly planted trees by deer, if they are not kept under control. By implementing temporary fencing to keep deer at bay, ensures that the woodland gets a chance to regenerate.
Quercus robur, English oak grown on the Weald is reputedly the best timber for construction. This timber is historically used for ships, buildings and bridges.
It is essential to maintain good management of our countryside, not just in Surrey, but all over the United Kingdom. Without which we would see a negative effect on employment in the rural areas, the loss of a much needed natural resource, and nowhere close by for the stressed out town folk to get some much needed rest and recuperation.
Charles Edwards, academic, sportsman, and entrepreneur. for more information about our woodlands and the production and distribution of seasoned logs [http://www.seasoned-logs.com] be sure to click on the link within this bio.
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