by oldclaypaws » Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:33 am
I understand the area size eligible for grants is under review and is likely to be reduced shortly. (heard that from an FC officer). This will apply to items such as cost of management plans (current grant £1000).
Sounds like you have a similar set up to myself, only difference being mine is a small stand alone wood, not part of a bigger forest. Having gone through this myself very recently, I'll repeat what I think the key recommendations are from the various sources who've given me advice.
Spend a year or two carefully observing to get a feel for the wood. See if any ecology surveys have been done by past owners. As part of a management plan, do a map detailing each section of the wood, recording the particular species and observations such as density of trees, light levels, access, evidence of any problems. Use a SWOT approach (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunites, Threats). This should form a base of knowledge to progress your management plan. You don't have to pay a fortune to do a management plan for a small wood; you can do it yourself using the information available from FC leaflets, books, online resources and various visiting experts.
What you need to try and do is see where the wood will be in 50 or 100 years and try to help it towards a healthy balance, depending on your objectives. If you want a thriving understorey of Hazel, there is an optimum number of standards. Perhaps they've reached a size where the canopy is restricting light. You should be looking at about 30m between big standards. As part of any thinning plans, check out Bats with a local bat group (they are protected).
Nobody likes to fell trees, but if the wood is neglected then its good for the woods long term health to get in more light and ensure a mix of tree species and ages. What might surprise is the market value of good big oaks, which is high. Careful selective thinning should not only leave the wood in a better state but recoup a portion of what you paid for it. Don't go overboard on the thinning though, if something has taken 100 years to grow and is valuable habitat, its a decision that should be given careful thought.
Rather than spending a large amount on deer fencing, an alternative might be to talk to your neighbours and discuss a deer management (culling) plan. There are too many of them and they don't have predators to keep their numbers down, so they are depleting the forests. - You could say the same about the human race.
Good luck !
