PRS003 WORLDS WONDER
OVERVIEW
The planting area is currently rough grassland, grazed by sheep.
The planting will transform the degraded farmland into a native, mixed broadleaf copse that links into the surrounding habitats. The new copse will more than double the area of the existing woodland and further help to improve the local soil quality, as well as providing a new habitat for wildlife. By connecting the fragmented habitats, the planting has the potential to bolster the local landscape’s resilience to threats such as climate change, as the habitat becomes bigger, better and more joined up. The woodland will also boost the delivery of localised ecosystem services. The trees will lock-up carbon as they grow, improve local water quality and water retention as their roots absorb and filter rainwater, increase the soil fertility as their leaves fall, adding to the organic matter, replenishing the lost soil quality.
The woodland will also be managed to provide a long-term sustainable supply of timber. Regular thinning of the trees will ensure the parents are constantly making way for their children, creating a diverse mix of tree species at varying ages. The ongoing management will also maintain the woodland’s other habitats such as open glades and paths which are often wildlife hotspots as they can support a mix of both wooded and non-wood flora. Designed to have 3 separate compartments, divided by grassy paths with herbaceous edges; the new woodland will incorporate 10 different native trees species, all of which provide different wildlife benefits.
Expert Provider
Key Aims
2,700 Trees
2.7 ha
250 CO2 sequestered
Additional Benefits
Community
Visual landscape
Ecosystems & biodiversity
Air quality
THE SITE
The new area of woodland will link up areas of ancient semi-natural woodland and contain additional open space linkage through a ride network for invertebrate species. The land sits at the headwaters of a tributary of the Teise which is a priority catchment for flood risk management. Woodland planting and rough vegetation associated with the establishment phase of woodland development will reduce runoff and slow ground water flow. Climate change mitigation through species choice and planned ultimate usage for on site renewable heating.
TREES
The new woodland will incorporate 10 different native trees species. Some of the carefully chosen species will sequester carbon at a rapid rate. Once the trees are established and some reach maturity, regular, selective removal of individual trees for timber production, which have locked in their carbon, will simulate the natural cycle within a woodland. This natural cycle, simulates the creation of open pockets within the woodland that will encourage the natural regeneration of the woodland, diversifying the woodland structure as new saplings establish and will also allow the surrounding trees to grow quicker and larger, locking up even more carbon.
CARBON
The conversion of low-production farmland to woodland will not only mean the woodland will be locking away carbon into the timber and soils but the transformation will instantly reduce their carbon footprint as land will be taken out of pasture, which otherwise releases soil carbon and emits carbon in the use of chemicals and machinery.
The Grown in Britain Canopy Metrics ensure that all of our projects are independently audited, designed and delivered to exemplary standards.
BIODIVERSITY
The previous land use, lacked in species diversity but have some features that will be assimilated into the planting scheme. The already established hedgerows will be allowed to grow out and expand, the wildflowers of the richer grassland to the south will be encouraged to colonise new glades and rides. The long-term woodland management will maintain these open habitats within the woodland to enhance the site’s overall biodiversity.
WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY
The land conversion instantly reduces the chemical input and mechanical activity on the site which can impact local water quality as chemicals can leach into watercourses and machines compact the soil which can cause run-off. Trees will intercept rainfall and will help retain water on the site, increasing the time it may take rainfall to enter local water courses and reduce the chances of flooding. The roots will also help rainwater infiltrate into the ground, reducing run-off, and will help draw up water in periods of drought.
PEOPLE AND ACCESS
There is a public right of way currently running through the north west of the site. This footpath has been incorporated into the scheme design and the ongoing maintenance of rides will allow visitors to explore the connecting permissive paths around the compartments, and watch the woodland grow.
