PM 8 - Enhance species and structural diversity of woodlands
- Code
- PM 8
- Measure
- Enhance species and structural diversity of woodlands
- Description
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A diverse mix of species and structural variety within a woodland increases resilience to climate change and supports a more biodiverse, higher quality habitat. This is important for wildlife but also provides wider benefits for flood reduction and recreational benefit. Measures will include coppicing, ride and glade creation and management, appropriate planting and thinning.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Increasing woodland cover Improving air quality Reducing climate change impact Improving soil health Controlling invasive species
- 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, with the remaining woodland un-managed. 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. The creation of new woodlands and corridors will also further support the climate resilience of these habitats and enable species with poor powers of dispersal to commute, forage and migrate.