Old Lodge Warren - Rotherfield
Long term intentions
The management of the wooded areas of Old Lodge Warren will largely be by minimum intervention as this will enable the processes of succession to continue as they appear to have done for the last 150 years. This has resulted in a site with a good variety of habitats supporting a large number of species of flora and fauna, some of which are of local and national importance. In particular mosses, liverworts and lichens that are abundant due to the warm, moist microclimate of the wooded river valley are best favoured by minimum intervention which will maintain a predominantly closed canopy with occasional natural disturbances such as windblow. The exception to this policy will be the annual control of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens gladulifera) along the river bank in cpts 1a, 1b, and 1c. This will be by strimming close to ground level prior to seeding in July. Eradication of this exotic species is not possible due to lack of control by neighbouring landowners, however annual cutting helps reduce it’s spread and prevents native ground flora from being shaded out during the summer. In addition paths and rides are kept open for public access.
Management of open areas will be carried out to benefit ground flora and invertebrate fauna such as small pearl-bordered fritillary which is now very rare in Sussex. This will consist of the control of bracken, Himalayan balsam and scrub by tractor mowing at appropriate times of the year. While low intensity grazing would be the optimum management regime for the meadow in cpt 1b it is not practical or cost effective at the moment due to the small number of animals required (2-3) and the problems of management access. Areas of bracken and Himalayan balsam within the meadow will be mowed in early summer (June/July) and the whole area mowed later in the year (September/October). This will reduce the vigour of the bracken and prevent seeding of the Himalayan balsam. This is the basis for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement with DEFRA.
The relic open heathland areas in cpt 1d (approx 0.5-1ha) will be mowed at the same times to reduce the bracken cover and favour ground flora such as violet spp which are the food-plant for the fritillary caterpillars. Coppicing along the ride in this area will also link and extend these open areas as well as improving public access.
Low-level public access will be maintained by annual or biannual path cutting (depending on growth) and maintenance of infrastructure such as sleeper bridges within the site and maintenance of the footbridge link to Hornshurst Wood to the east (in conjunction with the managers of Hornshurst). The fencing and deep water signs around the old settling tanks in cpt 1c will be inspected annually and maintained or replaced as necessary. Pill-boxes considered to be a hazard (particularly to children) will be sealed by the installation of a metal grill to keep people out but allow the structure to be used by roosting bats. There is a licensed route for members of the Rotherfield Woodlands Riding Club via a concrete horse bridge in cpt 1a. This is renewed every 3 years (due 2005). Maintenance of the bridge is the responsibility of the club.
Maintenance of the footbridges to the N and S of the site are the responsibility of ESCC Highways Dept. The fence along the river in cpt 1e is the responsibility of the neighbouring landowner, Mrs. Hoath.
