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manorvalemanagementplan [2012/02/20 14:23] davies [Ecology] |
manorvalemanagementplan [2018/08/28 17:45] (current) |
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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. | ||
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| + | 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. | ||
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| - | 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. | ||
