PM 4 - Create and restore wood pasture and parkland
- Measure
- Create and restore wood pasture and parkland
- Description
-
Wood pasture and parkland are key historic habitats within Herefordshire, often supporting ancient and veteran trees surrounded by open grassland which is grazed and fundamental to its existence. They support many rare species of fungi, saproxylic invertebrates, lichen, bryophytes, birds and bats. Their extent should be restored through sustainable grazing and traditional tree management practices such as pollarding and replacement planting. New parklands and wood pastures should also be planted. The wood meadows habitat between the trees should also be managed as this can be an area of high biodiversity.
- Wider environmental benefits
-
Increasing woodland cover Improving air quality Improving water quality Increasing flood risk management Reducing climate change impacts Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health Promoting nature friendly farming Controlling invasive species Supporting food provision
- Links to additional information and guidance
- Priority
- Herefordshire’s woodlands are well-managed and restored with woodland corridors created across the landscape
- Priority description
-
Trees and woodlands hold significant biodiversity value and support wider benefits such as reduced flood risk, carbon sequestration and improved air quality. Herefordshire has approximately 19% woodland and tree cover, which is concentrated in areas such as the Malvern Hills or Wye Valley National Landscapes. It also has a significant number of isolated ancient woodlands, wood-pasture and parkland, and traditional orchards, a form of wooded habitat; all are of high importance in Herefordshire and are subject to separate priorities and measures. Approximately two thirds of the county’s woodlands are managed. Sustainable timber production can support woodland ecology and play an important role economically and environmentally in providing locally sourced timber. Sustainable woodland management is therefore critical for the longevity of wooded habitats in good ecological condition across Herefordshire as they face threats from pests, diseases, damage by grey squirrels and overgrazing by deer. Having a woodland management plan will support woodland owners to review their aims and objectives. The creation of new woodlands and corridors will also further support the climate resilience of these habitats, increase local timber production and enable species with poor powers of dispersal to commute, forage and migrate.
- Mapped