Pressmennan Wood - Stenton, nr Dunbar
Long term intentions
The long term intention is that Pressmennan will be semi natural woodland managed as high forest with a diverse species and age composition, primarily dominated by native species and with diverse, well developed typical shrub and field layers, all representative of the survival and extension of ancient woodland components from the pre restoration period. Scattered overmature conifer, larch and Scots pine will remain but not regenerating significantly.
Restoration will be gradual, creating conditions in which surviving ancient woodland components can recover, postponing the most disturbing management until they are more resilient. This will be a gradual phased approach.
Initially the ancient woodland components that have been identified will be secured; these include woodland specialist ground flora, precursor and veteran trees, deadwood and archaeological features. This will involve opening up shaded rides, tracks and paths and around the scattered hotspots in the wood as well as releasing mature trees currently being shaded out by the surrounding conifers. The threat of over shading will be gradually removed through thinning to secure and enhance the ground flora and encourage native broadleaf regeneration, progressively converting the existing woodland towards a more native broadleaved wood of NVC type W11 and W7. Scattered veteran broadleaves and scattered precursor hotspots will be halo thinned to gradually secure them and improve vigour. More open areas will be encouraged to regenerate naturally with native species. The patches of rhododendron throughout will be controlled and eradicated.
Once the remnant features are secure operations will concentrate on shifting the canopy gradually towards a species composition that is predominantly native. Ancient woodland features will continue to be opened up, releasing advanced native regeneration through continued gradual thinning throughout. A proportion of non native conifer will be retained for an extended period to continue to provide essential woodland habitat structure.
The effect of deer on natural regeneration is to be informally monitored. If deer are deemed to be a continuing factor in preventing regeneration then protection of regeneration in fenced enclosures, increasing deer control by culling or a combination of both will be utilised.
Existing on site access facilities will be maintained and enhanced to suit the existing local demand, which is classed as Grade A – high usage, responding reactively with changes in demand and with consideration to the development of East Lothian’s Core Path Network. In early 2007, the Core Path Plan for East Lothian is in its consultation stage, however The main track through the wood from east to west from the car park is a proposed route. Although it is very likely this will increase use of this paths and paths linking onto this network, no large scale upgrading or improvement of woodland paths is planned during the period of this plan. To date, access has been almost exclusively by walkers and the present path network is able to accommodate the level of activity with soft paths usually able to recover after wet periods. However with the introduction of the Core Paths, local horse riders and cyclists are expected to increasingly seek access.
The Trust will promote the woodland so that local users and visitors can gain an understanding of the woodlands importance in the landscape, the need for restoration and its rich wildlife habitat, which is irreplaceable. Promotion of the wood and the restoration work to a wider audience as an educative tool is also desirable.
