Friezland Wood - Tunbridge Wells
Long term intentions
A long term management regime of minimum intervention will allow Friezland Wood and it's natural key features (High Rocks and ancient semi-natural woodland) to develop naturally by processes of natural succession. Management on the site will concentrate on the provision of public access, with annual maintenance of paths, entrances and other structures and periodic opening up of sections of the path network by ride-side coppicing of hazel etc.
High Rocks SSSI
All work in this area (subcpt 1c) must be approved by English Nature before commencing. There is limited scope for management works in this area. The key aim is to maintain light and humidity levels suitable for the continued growth of the lower plant flora (ferns, mosses, liverworts and lichens) associated with the rocks. Removal of some dense holly growing close to the base of the rocks can be carried out at the same time as ride-widening in that area. This will need re-cutting in 5-10 years time depending on growth rates. Annual checks for rhododendron seedlings will be necessary to prevent spread of this invasive and heavily-shading shrub from the neighbouring property where it is present.
Protection of the rocks and their associated geological features and flora from physical damage will be by continuing to enforce a ban on rock climbing.
Ancient semi-natural woodland
The wood currently has a good mixture of species and a good structural diversity following at least 40 years of little management. In continuing with this policy the wood will change very slowly over a period of decades as trees and coppice stools die or are windblown, creating gaps in the canopy which will lead to patches of natural regeneration. These gaps will be colonised by prolific seeding species such as ash, birch and alder which are present on the site. In the very long term these species may be replaced by oak which is much longer lived. Browsing by rabbits and deer and bark stripping by squirrels will also alter species composition of the regenerating trees. At present the rich ground flora is favoured by ash being frequent in the canopy with it's light shading and late flushing habits. The ground flora will change in composition and abundance as the canopy changes but will not be threatened unless there is a significant increase in heavy shading species such as oak and beech. However the unchecked spread of Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) should be controlled annually to prevent shading out of summer-flowering ground flora species. Other changes to the composition of the wood may be due to the spread of species such as sycamore. This is unlikely to be a problem in terms of competing with species such as ash due to it's susceptibility to squirrel damage.
It is not proposed to carry out any work in the area with the earthworks associated with the Iron Age hill fort (SAM).
Informal public access
The path network will be maintained by biannual strimming and periodic ride-widening by coppicing hazel etc along shaded sections. This ride-side coppicing will allow sunlight and wind to dry out paths more quickly after wet weather as well as creating a varied habitat which will favour invertebrates, birds and ground flora. The coppice will be re-cut on an approximate 5 year rotation depending on growth rate.
Due to the ongoing problems of the misuse of the site by local motorcycle riders regular maintenance and repair of entrances and fences will be necessary. This may involve replacing squeeze gaps with stiles. Due to the location of the wood and it's terrain this is unlikely to inconvenience most legitimate users of the site.
