Avon Valley Woods - Woodleigh

Long term intentions

Following creation and subsequent establishment of Secondary Woodland by planting and natural regeneration the creation areas will be left to develop and grow. First thinning operations are likely to be required within 15-25 years and will favour the best formed, native trees.

An increase in the structure and species diversity of the existing Semi Natural Ancient Woodlands by utilising natural wasteage and storm gaps to regenerate areas over a long term period (200 years). Where these opportunities do not occur in a 10 year period, physical intervention may need to be taken. An increase in the amount of deadwood will be a desireable product of this type of operation. Significant older trees and future replacements will be identified.

The conversion of Aveton wood back to native woodland cover will be complete by 2020. This involves clear-felling areas of existing conifer cover and gradually thinning the remainder on 5 year cycles. This combination of techniques allows for an immediate start in the floristically poorer areas whilst manipulating the canopy structure where regeneration is more likely. A combination of planting and natural regeneration methods will be employed and it is intended that this will complement the desire to diversify the structure of Semi Natural cover within the valley.

Hedges feature as a component of the land and local area. Where hedges exist adjacent to open ground, these will be managed by both steeping (laying) and mechnical trimming on a long term rotational basis to suit regional priority wildlife species.

Permanent Open Ground will be sustained as long as practicably possible. Management regimes for these areas will be guided by viable land management methods and may involve long term setaside, rotational cutting, grazing by stock or a combination of the these options. Areas of open ground within the woodland creation areas will be cut on a rotational basis and as such will only be enhanced above this regime where they coincide with public access.

Low key informal public access throughout the site will continue, with links between woodlands and also the wider rights of way network being improved as appropriate, if opportunity allows. Additionally opportunities to rationalise the very wet paths in the Avon and Torr Brook Valley will be pursued in the long term. Overall an extensive woodland experience is desired based on a network managed paths, open ground and woodland exploration.