Woodland

Farm woodlands account for a significant proportion of woodland cover in the UK and are often one of the richest wildlife habitats on the farm.

What

Good management of woodland for wildlife involves considering the range of conditions they offer wildlife. This includes:

• Maintaining or creating a diverse structure to cater for the widest range of wildlife needs
• Retaining dead and decaying wood whether fallen or standing
• Retaining wet areas and features
• Using native species when replanting areas
• Buffering the woodland edge
• Ensuring connectivity within the woodland and with other wildlife habitats

How

Create a diverse woodland structure

Where farm woodlands have a dense, even-aged stand, sensitively thin the trees in parts of the woodland to encourage regeneration of the ground flora and understorey. Dependant on the type of woodland, consider reinstating coppicing where this has ceased by cutting small areas on a rotation. It is important to be aware of the existing wildlife likely to be present in the area and take their needs into account. Deer browsing and grazing can simplify the understorey vegetation and prevent woodland regeneration therefore fencing may be required.

To protect species which are more sensitive to disturbance, ensure that there are refuges which are only given minimum management. Remember that some species, dormouse for example, have special protection - you must conduct proper checks for their presence. Where present, your management plans must avoid harming them or their habitat. If in doubt seek advice from a specialist.

Leave 10 - 20% of tree cover to develop into mature trees, either to follow on from the current mature and over-mature trees present, or to plan future provision of this important resource for wildlife.

Selective thinning of trees along the woodland edge will encourage the shrub layer to develop a dense layer to retain shelter and humidity inside the wood, and will also provide nesting and feeding areas for wildlife. It is important to retain tree root systems, root holes, and rotted tree stumps as these are often used by amphibians, reptiles and dormice as hibernation areas.

Rides and glades can be managed to form a graduated edge from tall canopy woodland, through thick scrub and grassland. Rides running on an east-west line are best for wildlife, creating sheltered, sunny conditions. A wavy ride edge will produce much more beneficial results for wildlife. Widen in places by creating a series of scallops alternating between the ride edges. Avoid wide rides causing fragmentation for some species by retaining occasional trees and shrubs within the herb zone and scallop. Mow rough grassland in alternate years and manage open areas annually.

Retain dead and decaying wood

Retain old and damaged trees as deadwood will develop even if the trees remain healthy, and trees with damage or rot are vital for a range of wildlife including roosting bats. Leave fallen trees and branches wherever possible, or where it is necessary to keep a clearway consider stacking it on site. Standing deadwood has great value for wildlife and should be retained wherever possible. Retain dead wood in both the sun and shade as they will support different species.

Retain wet areas and features

Wet areas can support a wide range of insects, so avoid management that will lower the water table. Naturally high proportions of deadwood are common in wet woodlands and should be encouraged. Avoid clearing natural debris from woodland pools and streams.

Use native species when replanting areas

It is always best to allow woodlands to naturally recolonise, but where replanting is necessary, restock with native species found in the local area, and use local sources wherever possible. Progressively remove non-native species and replace with local native species.

To reduce the risk of introducing tree pests and diseases, purchase trees that are UK and Irish Sourced and Grown Assured.

Enhance roosting and nesting opportunities

If you know of a tree that has a bat roost (legally protected), mark it to prevent it being damaged, disturbed or destroyed by future management. If your woodland has few trees that would offer roosting or nesting opportunities for bats or birds, supplement these by providing boxes for that purpose.

Buffer the woodland edge

The interface between different habitats, such as woodland and grassland are especially important for some species including reptiles, due to the diversity of vegetation structure present. Create 6m buffer strips around the woodland edge, and encourage a graduated edge of scrub, rough grassland, tall herb and short grass to develop. Maintain rotationally by occasional cutting to maintain structure that benefits a wider range of wildlife. Try not to compact the soil, in order to retain loose soil needed for some invertebrates and slow-worms to burrow.

Connectivity

Ensure that in managing your woodland you don't fragment it. This would diminish its value for less-mobile wildlife that avoids open areas. Try to ensure that your woodland connects to hedgerows, wildlife field margins and buffer strips or other natural features that wildlife can use as corridors to link to other habitat patches.