Archers Wood - Sawtry

Long term intentions

The overall objective is to sustain the various plants, animals and other features that make Archers Wood of special interest through the maintenance and where possible the enhancement of woodland structural and species diversity throughout the site.

- To manage the majority of the wood as broad-leaved high forest, with ash as the dominant species but maintaining the present diversity of other species in the canopy and understorey

- To ensure that the above areas are stocked with a proportion of over mature, dying and dead trees (both standing and fallen)

- To maintain and enhance the species rich and diverse shrub and herb layers by appropriate ride management and ride side coppicing

- To preserve features of archaeological interest

Coppice, the determining factor in this woods character and makeup has long since been abandoned. The length of time since much of the wood was so managed is at least 60 to 100 years and as a result areas with a recognisable coppice structure are restricted. It is not proposed to attempt to re-establish a coppice regime over the whole wood. Coppicing will be maintained on a limited scale where it is beneficial for ride enhancement or habitat maintenance in identified areas most recently felled. These areas would include where there is still a good understorey and ground flora, compartment 4 which is already at the thicket stage, compartment 3b which was cut over in 99-00 and narrow areas adjacent to the main ride in compartment 1a, 3a and 2a. In addition the mowing of Main ride will be altered to increase biodiversity by taking two cuts of a central strip every year and cutting the ride margins on a biennial rotation all cuttings to be removed from the rides.

Where natural regeneration is unsuccessful this may be supplemented by planting stock raised from seed collected within the wood.

The high deer population and their effect on tree regeneration and ground flora composition are extremely important. The deer population and these effects will be monitored and action will continue be taken to control excessive browsing through culling and fencing. Further survey work on the woods flora and fauna is to be encouraged using volunteers and or consultants to build up an accurate picture of the woodland community and its importance for wildlife. New information on the habitat and species of the woodland may require subtle changes in how the wood is managed in the future.

The Trusts corporate objective of no loss of ancient woodland will be achieved by continuing the coppicing programme on the ride edge, by designating compartments 2 as limited a intervention zone and through the management of the remaining woodland under a continuos cover high forest system.

The Trusts corporate objective of Improving wooodland biodiversity will be achieved by continuing the coppicng programme within compartment 4 and by designating compartment 2 as limited intervention zone.

The Trusts corporate objective of increasing enjoyment of woodland will be achieved by maintaining the ride system, ensuring safe access and providing on site interpretation.