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THE RURAL STEWARDSHIP SCHEME 28. Management of
Native or Semi-Natural Woodland
| Aim: To enhance and extend areas of native
or semi-natural woodland, which will also help the survival of the associated
flora and fauna. Some BAP species that may benefit: (Upland
oakwood) Red squirrel, Black grouse, Pearl bordered fritillary; (Native pine woodland)
Scottish crossbill, Capercaillie, Scottish wood ant, Juniper, Twinflower; (Wet
woodland) Great crested newt, Dark-bordered beauty moth, Pale bristle moss. Eligible
sites: Existing native or semi-natural woodland (where Forestry Commission
assistance is not appropriate to the site). | Management
Requirements: - No grazing to be allowed except with the
prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. Such permission will only be given
in circumstances that will encourage regeneration of woodland or understorey and
is not likely to apply more than once every 3 years.
- Standing dead timber
must not be felled and dead timber must be left in the woodland.
- Individual
young trees should be provided with tree shelters where necessary.
- Rhododendron
growth must be controlled.
- Where they are detrimental to the character
of the woodland non-native tree species should be felled, and removed (if it is
practical to do so), and any regrowth from the stumps suitably controlled in subsequent
years,
| Woodlands & Grazing |
box 3.20 | |
 Pearl
Bordered Fritillary
Inhabits woodland edge and clearings in
open, mainly deciduous woodland. It is also found in open unimproved grassland/bracken
habitats. Violet leaves provide food for pearl bordered fritillary caterpillars.
The Highlands, Argyll and Perthshire are particularly important for this butterfly.
A decline in traditional woodland management practices, such as coppicing, has
led to the loss of the open areas or clearings that are favoured by this species.
This loss of habitat has led to a rapid fall in the population and distribution
of this butterfly. However, in a number of Scottish glens with grazed open birch/oak
woodlands and some bracken, it is locally common.
Photo: Butterfly Conservation Grazing
within woods generally inhibits natural regeneration; often seedlings appear only
to be repeatedly grazed off. The woodland will gradually thin out as old trees
die and eventually disappear. Heavy grazing in woods for long periods will also
affect plants growing on the woodland floor, bringing about changes in the insect,
animal and bird populations. However in the early stages of management
for natural regeneration, cattle grazing can be used to break up the sward and
create sites for seeds to germinate. This should be carried out in the first year
of management preferably just before seed-fall. It may be beneficial to reintroduce
stock again a few years later to create more disturbance to allow seeds to germinate
better. Livestock may also assist regeneration on sites with light to moderate
bracken cover. Fencing off areas adjacent to the existing woodland could encourage
woodland expansion outwith the current woodland boundary. Where growth has been
held in check by grazing, stock exclusion may initiate rapid and prolific regeneration.
Judging whether a site will regenerate naturally and what management may
be required needs close observation and experience. Where there is doubt, it is
usually best to seek advice (refer to Part 1, Section 5
of this booklet). | Also... - Where the
planting of small trees will serve to extend or enhance this habitat, native species
appropriate to the site must be used and, where possible, local provenance stock.
- individually planted young trees should be provided with tree shelters
where necessary.
- If the woodland is to continue to serve the dual purpose
of providing shelter and enhancing biodiversity, long-term and skilled management
is essential. It may, for example, be necessary to carry out selective coppicing
or thinning work in order to allow sunlight to penetrate the woodland canopy and
ensure the survival of understorey and shrub layer plants. Please refer to Section
5, headed "Advice?" in Part 1 of this booklet for sources of specialist advice
on woodland management.
- Any thinning or felling of trees will require
a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission.
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