Native Woodland Establishment and Restoration for Nature Conservation
Monday 12 May 2008
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Participant Standard: Intermediate
Tutor(s): Paul Lunt CEnv MIEEM
Woodland establishment and restoration of forest plantations often involve making difficult decisions on management and species composition. This workshop investigates approaches used to create near natural woodlands, which are compatible with regional and national nature conservation objectives. The day will look at the nature conservation value of British woodlands, the JNCC guidance on common standards monitoring for woodland habitats and include a practical exercise showing how to use National Vegetation Classification to select appropriate species mixes. Consideration will be given to soils, climate, cost and the different approaches used to establish new woodlands. The afternoon will include a visit to managed ancient Atlantic oak woodland located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Further details about the workshop
As well as discussions on the ecology and management of the woodland there will be a practical group exercise involving a nature conservation condition assessment. You will be shown how to recognise ancient woodland indicator species and carry out an assessment of the species composition and structure of the woodland.
The workshop will be held in the Yealm Committee Room on the fourth floor of the Babbage Building on The University of Plymouth city centre campus. Travel by public transport is possible with the main train and city bus station within easy walking distance. For those arriving by car, parking on the University campus is not possible but car parks at Regent Street, Mayflower East and Drake Circus are all within a five minute walk.
Who should attend this workshop?
The workshop will be of most relevance to environmental consultants, woodland managers and conservation officers. In particular individuals who are involved in woodland management and establishment, who wish to share ideas on best practice.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Aim to arrive at 09.45 for a 10:00 start. If your plant identification is a little rusty it may help to bring along a guide to trees and woodland flowers of North West Europe. If you have not got your own guide do not worry as there will be some available.
The woodland is a ten minute drive from the University. We will need to make our own way to the woodland, using shared cars (volunteers requested). The tutor will have a car for those arriving by public transport.
Please bring along a packed lunch, water proofs, drinking water, boots with ankle protection, a hand lens, day rucksack and a warm layer of clothing.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- Which tree species are native to the UK
- What types (NVC) of semi-natural woodland we have in the UK
- How to assess woodland condition
- How to recognise ancient woodland indicator species
- How to maximise the nature conservation value of plantation woodland
- How to devise a planting list and establish new areas of locally native woodland
Programme:
10.00 Introductions/Aims of the course.
10.15 Part 1 - Native British woodlands (National VegetationClassification).
11.00 Part 2 – Establishment of near natural woodlands
11.30 Tea and coffee break.
11.45 Part 3 – Practical exercise - selecting appropriate locally native tree species.
12.15 Part 4 – Discussion woodland restoration and management
LUNCH IN THE FIELD (bring along water proofs and a packed lunch)
13.30 Part 5 – Field visit to a local managed ancient semi-natural oak woodland)
16.00 Workshop feedback and depart
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.