The results of a survey like this could be very useful for us! Please consider getting involved if you live in the areas as outlined below. thanks!
Private Woodland Owner Survey
Investigating whether private woodland owners are getting all the information they need to manage their woodlands effectively is to be the subject of a study in south-east England.
The aim of the exercise, undertaken by Julie Urquhart at the University of Gloucestershire as part of her PhD research, is to find out the attitudes of private woodland owners towards their woodland and its management.
Woodland ownership is changing, with more and more private, non-forestry, individuals buying small plots of woodland for their own use. The reasons for woodland purchase are varied, ranging from an investment for the future to having a private place to go for camping and picnics, to the warm glow of contributing to the conservation of the natural environment.
The study will comprise a questionnaire survey sent to woodland owners in three case areas: the High Weald AONB, the Lake District National Park and Cornwall. The survey will ask woodland owners why they own woodland, what woodland management activities they carry out (if any) and what helps or hinders them achieving their objectives.
Julie Urquhart believes that “forests and woodlands today are under pressure to deliver multiple benefits to society, including recreation, biodiversity, landscape values, pollution absorption and the production of biofuels, as well as supplying timber and other wood products. There are plenty of grants and incentives available to woodland owners, but often the small private owner misses out.”
It is hoped that the study will inform providers of grant aid, such as the Forestry Commission, with valuable information about the private woodland sector to enable wider public support for woodlands in England. By knowing more about the objectives and experiences of private woodland owners, public agencies will also be able to help make the most of what private woodlands contribute to wider public benefits, such as wildlife conservation, scenery and recreation.
If you are a private woodland owner within the case study area and you would like to be involved in this survey, please contact Julie Urquhart on 01732 882087 or email: [email protected]