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manorvalemanagementplan [2012/02/20 14:40]
davies [Conservation status]
manorvalemanagementplan [2018/08/28 17:45] (current)
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 === Size === === Size ===
  
-Small sites may be vulnerable to the effects of neighbouring land use (e.g. intrusion of urban development, drift of agricultural chemicals). At around 6.5 hectares, Manor Vale is a relatively small woodland but its location in a valley limits the impact of adjoining land use+Small sites are vulnerable to the effects of neighbouring land use (e.g. intrusion of urban development, drift of agricultural chemicals). At around 6.5 hectares, Manor Vale is a relatively small woodland and has a long thin shape which gives it a relatively long perimeter in relation to its area. Its location in a valley limits the impact of adjoining land use to some extent
 === 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 'naturalness' of Manor Vale Wood contributes much to the character of the site, its appeal to local people and its value to wildlife. Maintaining its natural qualities should be a key consideration in all management decisions.// //The 'naturalness' of Manor Vale Wood contributes much to the character of the site, its appeal to local people and its value to wildlife. Maintaining its natural qualities should be a key consideration in all management decisions.//
  
-<sub>3</sub> Ash regeneration is abundant with holly seedlings locally frequent on the upper slopes. Regeneration of wych elm and oak is localised. Small numbers of saplings or young plants of field maple, hazel, sycamore and beech were noted in 1998.+<sub>3</sub> Ash regeneration is abundant with holly seedlings locally frequent on the upper slopes. Regeneration of wych elm and oak is localised. Small numbers of saplings or young plants of field maple, hazel, sycamore and beech are also noted.
  
 //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 will help restore a more balanced vegetation structure and allow canopy trees to re-establish as well as benefiting the ground flora.//
  
 //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' __Flora of Yorkshire__, published in 1840, mentions frog orchid at this locality. This would suggest that there was some open limestone grassland within the site in the early 19<sup>th</sup>century. There seems to be little information on the wildlife of Manor Vale until quite recently, although Henry Baines' __Flora of Yorkshire__, published in 1840, mentions frog orchid at this locality. This would suggest that there was some open limestone grassland within the site in the early 19<sup>th</sup>century.
  
-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 has been carried out during the preparation of this report (see Appendix 3).+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 were carried out in 1998 (see Appendix 3).
  
 //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. 
  
 //Conservation of adjoining areas of semi-natural habitat should be encouraged. Patches of limestone grassland within the golf course boundary at Low Knoll are in urgent need of clearing to prevent scrub invasion.// //Conservation of adjoining areas of semi-natural habitat should be encouraged. Patches of limestone grassland within the golf course boundary at Low Knoll are in urgent need of clearing to prevent scrub invasion.//
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  ===Annual tasks ===  ===Annual tasks ===
  
-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. This includes overhanging scrub to be cut by flail mower
  
-//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.
manorvalemanagementplan.1329748817.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/08/28 17:40 (external edit)
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