Sea Wood - Bardsea
Long term intentions
Sea Wood is designated ancient semi natural woodland meaning that woodland has been here for hundreds of years with records dating back to the 16th century. Prior to the Woodland Trusts ownership the wood was part of Bardsea Country Park and is an integral part of the landscape, revealing fine views out to sea. The character of the wood on acquisition resembled upland mixed broadleaved woodland (NVC W9) with discrete areas of planted beech, sycamore and larch. The lower wood, east of the Coast Road, more characteristic of NVC W8 lowland mixed broadleaved woodland. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Sea Wood is a rare example of woodland on boulder clay overlying limestone with diverse and uncommon vegetation communities.
It is the Trust’s objective to enhance the typical ancient characteristics of this woodland within the landscape and to maintain and improve the biodiversity of the whole woodland, as well as increase people’s awareness and enjoyment of this ancient habitat through the management of two dominant key features of the woodland:
1) Ancient semi natural woodland (NVC W9/W8)
Maintain and enhance the mature broadleaf appearance of the woodland within the landscape, retaining the strong characteristics of this upland mixed ash wood. This determines the maintenance of a continuous cover of woodland, the retention of old trees and the encouragement of natural succession. Promoting maturity and uneven aged structure within the woodland; the retention of standing and fallen dead wood and the conservation of the limestone geology; thereby improving biodiversity and promoting the ecology of the woodland.
2) Informal Public Access
Maintain the informal access to the woodland on over 3.5km of permissive footpath, including provision of five entrances with welcome signs and information boards. Public information posters will be used to inform and involve visitors with the woodland.
It is anticipated that these works will safeguard and enhance the existing environmental value of the wood and maintain the level of public access in the woodland.
