PM 5 - Create and restore wet woodlands
- Code
- PM 5
- Measure
- Create and restore wet woodlands
- Description
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Wet woodland is an important yet rare habitat in Herefordshire and the UK. It is home to many specialist species and can also reduce pollution and flood risk. Species to plant should be carefully selected to ensure they can cope with fluctuations in water levels and sites should also be carefully chosen as those which are wet for significant parts of the year.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Increasing woodland cover Improving air quality Improving water quality Increasing flood risk management Reducing climate change impacts Improving soil health Promoting nature friendly farming
- Links to additional information and guidance
- Priority
- Herefordshire’s woodlands are well-managed and restored with woodland corridors created across the landscape
- Priority description
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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