South Downs National Park

Forestry Partnership, Heathlands Reunited and Woodland Bats Project

Emily Brennan, Biodiversity Strategy Lead

South Downs Forestry Partnership

• 3 year project (jointly funded)

• Partnership with Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority.

Project Aims

• Establish the condition and ownership of the woods within the National Park

•Map and conserve habitats with priority woodland species

•Work with project partners and land owners to develop continuous management of woodland in particular PAWS

•Deliver a joint package of targeted advice and support for landowners and local businesses

• Stimulate a local woodland business network by linking landowners with local enterprises

•Reinvigorate the ‘wood culture’ of the South Downs National Park.

Project Outcomes

•Confirmed mapped data of woodland ownership, management and key sites of biodiversity

•Using GIS data for a targeted approach to owner engagement

• Greater uptake of woodland management schemes

• Increased public awareness of the benefits of woodland management for conservation and biodiversity

• Vibrant woodland based enterprise network

•Well managed woodland and a vibrant woodland economy becoming an integral feature of the National Park identity.

•Pride in a thriving ‘wood culture’.

Progress to date GIS mapping of woodland ownership

Total area of woodland 37,238ha (NFI data)38,420ha including woods under 2ha

Priority WoodlandsTotal areas not in stewardship:PAWS = 1,865haBOA = 6,801haSAC = 852haSSSI = 1,641haSINC = 3,757ha

Local Forest Enterprise Database

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the local supply chain.

• Identified over 90 woodland orientated businesses within the SDNP to date

• Facilitate better links between raw timber supply, processors and end users.

Next Steps•Environmental: Continue to develop the GIS mapping of woodland

Prioritise PAWS restoration and woodland with EPS species

•Economic: Facilitate the online database of local enterprises with myForest

Host a Business Skills Development Course for coppice sector Explore options for an apprenticeship scheme

• Social: Engage with the Grown In Britain Initiative

Wests Woodfair – exhibit local woodland enterprises

Timber construction in the local vernacular.

Heathlands Reunited

Project Aims

•Bigger – expanded areas of heathland

•Better – enhanced, sustainably managed heaths

•More heathland sites

•Improved ecological connectivity of heathland sites

•Stronger links with local communities and more responsible use of heathlands

Project Map

Heathland Opportunity Mapping

Progress to date

• South Downs Heathland Landscape Partnership set up and expanded

• Extensive research, evidence gathering and community engagement work delivered

• External funding streams explored and evaluated

• HLF Heritage Grant application initially submitted August 2012

• First application unsuccessful however bud revised and resubmitted October 2013, and funding approved

• Funding of £1.6m conditionally secured from HLF; development phase started April 2014 and delivery phase due to begin mid to late 2015.

Development Phase Actions

• Carry out audit of heathland interpretation

• Develop a skills training programme• Engage with heathland owners and

local communities• Draw up formal agreements with

partners and landowners• Carry out further habitat modelling• Undertake Phase 1 habitat survey work• Corridor survey using GIS• Site user survey and assessment of

learning and participation needs of current and new audiences.

Delivery Phase ActionsPeople•Develop a suite of interpretation materials•Deliver a series of engaging events•Deliver learning and outreach programmes•Hold workshops on land management skills •Provide training and support for local groups

Heritage•Carry out heathland restoration•Improve the age structure of vegetation•Introduce extensive grazing•Expand and link heathland sites •Machinery purchase e.g. biomass baler•Invasive species management e.g. rhododendron

South Downs Woodland Bats Project

Project Aim: To conserve and enhance populations of woodland bat species by restoring a network of high-quality bat habitats across the project area

Project Map

Priority habitatsSemi-natural woodlandVeteran treesHedgerowsBuildings suitable for roostsBat foraging habitat e.g. floodplain grassland, field margins

Potential partnersNational Trust (lead)SDNPA, Wildlife Trusts, BCT, local bat experts, Woodland Trust, landowners, Biodiversity Records Centres, NE, FC