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| ==== Tenure, management arrangements, | ==== Tenure, management arrangements, | ||
| - | The site is owned in freehold by Kirkbymoorside Town Council, having been purchased from Mr.J.H.Holt in April 1993 with grant aid from Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire County Council. | + | The site is owned in freehold by Kirkbymoorside Town Council, having been purchased from Mr.J.H.Holt in April 1993 with grant aid from Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire County Council. |
| Following acquisition of the site, a Management Committee was established comprising representatives of Kirkbymoorside Town Council, Ryedale District Council, Ryedale Naturalists' | Following acquisition of the site, a Management Committee was established comprising representatives of Kirkbymoorside Town Council, Ryedale District Council, Ryedale Naturalists' | ||
| - | An initial draft management plan was produced in 1993 (see Appendix 2). This divided the wood into three compartments. Compartment 1 is the area west of the road, Compartment 2 is the area East of the road and Compartment 3 includes Low Knoll. To avoid confusion this report uses the same compartment boundaries. | + | An initial draft management plan was produced in 1993 (see Appendix 2). This divided the wood into three compartments. Compartment 1 is the area west of the road, Compartment 2 is the area East of the road and Compartment 3 includes Low Knoll. To avoid confusion this report uses the same compartment boundaries.(see map 2 for details) |
| The sporting rights to the wood are held by the Ravenswick Estate. Kirkbymoorside Golf Club holds responsibility for the upkeep of the road and, by mutual agreement, periodic cutting of the road verges. Short-term use by the club of a small area of open ground for overflow car parking has been agreed by the Manor Vale Management Committee. | The sporting rights to the wood are held by the Ravenswick Estate. Kirkbymoorside Golf Club holds responsibility for the upkeep of the road and, by mutual agreement, periodic cutting of the road verges. Short-term use by the club of a small area of open ground for overflow car parking has been agreed by the Manor Vale Management Committee. | ||
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| Manor Vale is one of a series of valleys cutting north to south through the southern foothills of the North York Moors, known as the Tabular Hills. The underlying rocks are Corallian formations of the Upper Jurassic period, laid down in warm, shallow seas over 150 million years ago (Rayner & Hemingway, 1974). These consist of inter-bedded limestones and sandstones, which can give rise to quite complex stratification of the overlying soils, especially on valley slopes. The vegetation in Manor Vale suggests that the soils are predominantly lime-rich (calcareous) although there are distinct areas on the upper slopes where acidic and lime-deficient soils overlie outcrops of sandstone. Quarried (and natural?) rock exposures occur in several places. | Manor Vale is one of a series of valleys cutting north to south through the southern foothills of the North York Moors, known as the Tabular Hills. The underlying rocks are Corallian formations of the Upper Jurassic period, laid down in warm, shallow seas over 150 million years ago (Rayner & Hemingway, 1974). These consist of inter-bedded limestones and sandstones, which can give rise to quite complex stratification of the overlying soils, especially on valley slopes. The vegetation in Manor Vale suggests that the soils are predominantly lime-rich (calcareous) although there are distinct areas on the upper slopes where acidic and lime-deficient soils overlie outcrops of sandstone. Quarried (and natural?) rock exposures occur in several places. | ||
| + | The valley side slopes are very steep aprroximaltey a 50-76 degree angle in most places. There are a number of cliff sections in both the eastern and western valley sides where the chalk has been quarried in the past. At its widest the valley is 100m wide. | ||
| The valley bottom is located at around 80 m. AOD with the top of the slopes at around 110m. AOD. | The valley bottom is located at around 80 m. AOD with the top of the slopes at around 110m. AOD. | ||
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| Most of the site supports semi-natural (ie.unplanted) woodland. Ash is the dominant canopy tree with common oak and wych elm more patchily distributed. Field maple is widely but thinly scattered whilst sycamore is mainly confined to the southern and northern ends of the wood, although saplings occur more widely. Self-sown beech saplings occur very locally. Oak tends to become more frequent towards the top of the valley slopes, often with some holly in the understorey, | Most of the site supports semi-natural (ie.unplanted) woodland. Ash is the dominant canopy tree with common oak and wych elm more patchily distributed. Field maple is widely but thinly scattered whilst sycamore is mainly confined to the southern and northern ends of the wood, although saplings occur more widely. Self-sown beech saplings occur very locally. Oak tends to become more frequent towards the top of the valley slopes, often with some holly in the understorey, | ||
| - | The structure of the woodland is variable, ranging from 'high forest' | + | The structure of the woodland is very variable, ranging from 'high forest' |
| + | |||
| + | A number of veteran trees occur throughout the wood many of which are in excess of 3m in girth. In addition there is a wide range of standing and fallen dead wood throughout the site. | ||
| Dog's mercury is the most abundant herb with wood anemone, pignut, enchanter' | Dog's mercury is the most abundant herb with wood anemone, pignut, enchanter' | ||
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| A second pocket of acidic woodland is located towards the brow of the slope in Compartment 2 (Area E). This comprises a mixture of common oak and silver birch, some holly, honeysuckle, | A second pocket of acidic woodland is located towards the brow of the slope in Compartment 2 (Area E). This comprises a mixture of common oak and silver birch, some holly, honeysuckle, | ||
| - | Small areas of limestone grassland are found adjacent to Low Knoll (within the golf course boundary) and alongside the footpath following the eastern edge of the wood (Area D). An additional area occurs just north of the site boundary, on a bank adjoining to the footpath leading towards High Park Farm. Species characteristic of this type of grassland include lady's bedstraw, cowslip, common birdsfoot trefoil, salad burnet and quaking grass. | + | Small areas of limestone grassland are found adjacent to Low Knoll (within the golf course boundary) and alongside the footpath following the eastern edge of the wood (Area D -Finches Fork). Species characteristic of this type of grassland include lady's bedstraw, cowslip, common birdsfoot trefoil, salad burnet and quaking grass. |
| - | A clearing occupies the valley floor at the northern end of Compartment 1 (area C on Map 2). This supports coarse grassland with cocksfoot, false-oat, tussock grass, hogweed, stinging nettle and spear thistle. | + | A clearing occupies the valley floor at the northern end of Compartment 1 (area C on Map 2). This supports coarse grassland with cocksfoot, false-oat, tussock grass, hogweed, stinging nettle and spear thistle, part of this is under regular mamanegment as amenity grassland |
| An old hedgerow runs along part of the eastern boundary of the wood, containing wych elm, hazel, field maple, blackthorn, holly, ash and oak. | An old hedgerow runs along part of the eastern boundary of the wood, containing wych elm, hazel, field maple, blackthorn, holly, ash and oak. | ||
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| Further survey is required to update this information, | Further survey is required to update this information, | ||
| - | Little information seems to be available on mammals. Roe Deer are reported to pass through occasionally. Species noted in 1998 include Mole, Grey Squirrel, Bank Vole and Rabbit. | + | Little information seems to be available on mammals. Roe Deer are reported to pass through occasionally. Species noted include Mole, Grey Squirrel, Bank Vole and Rabbit. |
| Mr. D.H. Smith has compiled species lists for several Orders of invertebrates (see Appendix 4). Most notable amongst these is the flower beetle //Oedemera virescens//, | Mr. D.H. Smith has compiled species lists for several Orders of invertebrates (see Appendix 4). Most notable amongst these is the flower beetle //Oedemera virescens//, | ||
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| Although there are a number of old hazel stools within the wood, there is no evidence of coppicing during the recent history of the site. | Although there are a number of old hazel stools within the wood, there is no evidence of coppicing during the recent history of the site. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Since the town councils acquisition of the wood, access has been improved by the construction of steps and interpretive panels have been installed. The management of the woodland has been limited intervention with action only being undertaken when it was judged that individual trees posed a threat, if it was possible old trees would be retained as dead wood habitat, Natural processes have taken hold within the majority of the wood compartments with tree recruitment limited to natural regeneration of self sown saplings occurring when gaps occur in the canopy and self selection of older saplings through natural competition in sunny gaps. The areas D now known as Finches Fork has been regularly mown and raked to increase grassland biodiversity. Part of area C and the road verges are regularly mown during the growing season. | ||
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| === Nature conservation === | === Nature conservation === | ||
| - | Part of Manor Vale Wood (including Spring Wood to the north west) is mapped as Ancient Semi-natural (ie. unplanted) Woodland in English Nature' | + | Part of Manor Vale Wood (including Spring Wood in Tenterdale |
| - | In April 1995, Ryedale District Council included Manor Vale Wood amongst a list of Nature Conservation Sites of District Importance in the draft Ryedale Local Plan. This does not confer statutory legal protection (as in a site of Special Scientific Interest) but Local Plan policies aim to protect such ' | + | In April 1995, Ryedale District Council included Manor Vale Wood amongst a list of Nature Conservation Sites of District Importance in the draft Ryedale Local Plan ( SINC). This does not confer statutory legal protection (as in a site of Special Scientific Interest) but Local Plan policies aim to protect such ' |
| === Archaeology === | === Archaeology === | ||
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| === Size === | === Size === | ||
| - | Small sites may be vulnerable to the effects of neighbouring land use (e.g. intrusion of urban development, | + | Small sites are vulnerable to the effects of neighbouring land use (e.g. intrusion of urban development, |
| === Diversity === | === Diversity === | ||
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| Although most of the woodland is calcareous ash wood (NVC community W8), small areas of acidic woodland, limestone grassland, scrub and the clearing south of Spring Wood add to the diversity of habitat within the site boundaries. There is considerable diversity of woodland structure which reflects the varied landform of Manor Vale and the absence of commercial forestry management, which tends to create uniformity. Important features which contribute to habitat diversity are marked on Map 2. | Although most of the woodland is calcareous ash wood (NVC community W8), small areas of acidic woodland, limestone grassland, scrub and the clearing south of Spring Wood add to the diversity of habitat within the site boundaries. There is considerable diversity of woodland structure which reflects the varied landform of Manor Vale and the absence of commercial forestry management, which tends to create uniformity. Important features which contribute to habitat diversity are marked on Map 2. | ||
| - | //The existing range of habitats and vegetation structure should be maintained. This requires minimal management of the woodland but periodic mowing of the grassland areas is necessary to prevent these becoming overgrown and eventually reverting to scrub. Occasional cutting or at least removal of invading scrub will be necessary to maintain the open glade below the golf club (Area C).// | + | //The existing range of habitats and vegetation structure should be maintained. This requires minimal management of the woodland but periodic mowing of the grassland areas is necessary to prevent these becoming overgrown and eventually reverting to scrub. Occasional cutting or at least removal of invading scrub will be necessary to maintain the open glade in Tenterdale(Area C).// |
| //A small area of open, rocky slope toward the northern end of Compartment 1 (area B on Map 2) has been identified as supporting a particular diverse flora. Occasional removal of saplings is necessary to maintain this feature.// | //A small area of open, rocky slope toward the northern end of Compartment 1 (area B on Map 2) has been identified as supporting a particular diverse flora. Occasional removal of saplings is necessary to maintain this feature.// | ||
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| //The ' | //The ' | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| //Large scale felling and replanting is inappropriate and natural regeneration will ensure the continuity of the habitat for the foreseeable future. If natural regeneration of individual species is considered poor, seedlings can be protected with tree tubes or rabbit guards to promote survival and competing vegetation can be cut back.// | //Large scale felling and replanting is inappropriate and natural regeneration will ensure the continuity of the habitat for the foreseeable future. If natural regeneration of individual species is considered poor, seedlings can be protected with tree tubes or rabbit guards to promote survival and competing vegetation can be cut back.// | ||
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| //Trees should be allowed to age naturally since aged trees provide one of the most important habitat features in woodland. The presence of dead and decaying timber is part of this natural process and should not be removed except where it presents a safety hazard. Where removal of hazardous timber is necessary, lopping, crown reduction, pollarding or leaving a standing bole should be considered in preference to felling.// | //Trees should be allowed to age naturally since aged trees provide one of the most important habitat features in woodland. The presence of dead and decaying timber is part of this natural process and should not be removed except where it presents a safety hazard. Where removal of hazardous timber is necessary, lopping, crown reduction, pollarding or leaving a standing bole should be considered in preference to felling.// | ||
| - | //Thinning of dense hawthorn growth on Low Knoll will help restore a more balanced vegetation structure and allow canopy trees to re-establish as well as benefiting the ground flora.// | + | //Thinning of dense hawthorn growth on Low Knoll and on the golf club road margins |
| //Areas thinned within the past few years are already supporting a rich and attractive ground flora.// | //Areas thinned within the past few years are already supporting a rich and attractive ground flora.// | ||
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| There seems to be little information on the wildlife of Manor Vale until quite recently, although Henry Baines' | There seems to be little information on the wildlife of Manor Vale until quite recently, although Henry Baines' | ||
| - | Local naturalists have kept records of wildlife during 1980s and 1990s, which have been compiled by Mr.D.H. Smith (see Appendix 2). Formal vegetation-based surveys have been undertaken in 1989 (Ryedale Phase 1 habitat survey) and 1993 (Ryedale Woodland Survey). Further botanical survey | + | Local naturalists have kept records of wildlife during 1980s and 1990s, which have been compiled by Mr.D.H. Smith (see Appendix 2). Formal vegetation-based surveys have been undertaken in 1989 (Ryedale Phase 1 habitat survey) and 1993 (Ryedale Woodland Survey). Further botanical survey |
| //Research into the history of Manor Vale should be encouraged. Further biological survey should be encouraged to provide additional information on the nature conservation interest of the site, guide management and monitor ecological changes. Specific needs include an up to date survey of breeding birds.// | //Research into the history of Manor Vale should be encouraged. Further biological survey should be encouraged to provide additional information on the nature conservation interest of the site, guide management and monitor ecological changes. Specific needs include an up to date survey of breeding birds.// | ||
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| On a more local scale, Manor Vale Wood adjoins Spring Wood as well as small areas of limestone grassland and scrub on the golf course boundaries. These add to the ecological interest and diversity of the site and provide additional areas of semi-natural habitat on its periphery. | On a more local scale, Manor Vale Wood adjoins Spring Wood as well as small areas of limestone grassland and scrub on the golf course boundaries. These add to the ecological interest and diversity of the site and provide additional areas of semi-natural habitat on its periphery. | ||
| - | |||
| - | In addition, the golf course itself contains extensive areas of limestone grassland, scrub, hedgerows and fragments of ancient woodland which provide valuable wildlife habitats to the north of Manor Vale. A nature conservation plan for the golf course is currently in preparation. | ||
| // | // | ||
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| - | a) Mowing of limestone grassland in Compartment 2 (area E): 50% should be cut and raked in September each year. | + | a) Mowing of limestone grassland in Compartment 2 (area E Finches Fork): 50% should be cut and raked in August/September each year. |
| //Note: cutting with a reciprocating blade or similar mower will make raking easier. A flail mower should not be used. Prompt removal of cuttings reduces the build-up of nutrients (thus discouraging rank grasses) and prevents smaller wildflowers becoming smothered by the mulch.// | //Note: cutting with a reciprocating blade or similar mower will make raking easier. A flail mower should not be used. Prompt removal of cuttings reduces the build-up of nutrients (thus discouraging rank grasses) and prevents smaller wildflowers becoming smothered by the mulch.// | ||
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| //Note: Japanese knotweed has established on tipped material on the embankment below the golf club car park in Compartment 2. Cutting and/or herbicide treatment should be considered to prevent further spread.// | //Note: Japanese knotweed has established on tipped material on the embankment below the golf club car park in Compartment 2. Cutting and/or herbicide treatment should be considered to prevent further spread.// | ||
| - | d) Cutting of encroaching vegetation along footpaths should be carried out each summer where necessary. | + | d) Cutting of encroaching vegetation along footpaths should be carried out each summer where necessary. |
| - | //Note: at present footpaths are well used and more or less self-maintaining.// | ||
| e) Hazardous timber should be dealt with on an ongoing basis as necessary. An inspection of potentially hazardous timber should be taken annually and appropriate action taken. | e) Hazardous timber should be dealt with on an ongoing basis as necessary. An inspection of potentially hazardous timber should be taken annually and appropriate action taken. | ||
