Project Title

WOODLAND MANAGEMENT NETWORK

Code

CM4

Project summary

Over twenty different woods of varying size and composition are found in the SRB5 area. The feasibility study looked at four of these in detail (where there was good public access but with little information and no management plans) - Ellen Cliff Wood, Hen Holmes Wood, Exchange Sidings and Wood Royd. Major owners of woodland within the SRB5 area are Forest Enterprise (Wharncliffe Wood), Yorkshire Water (southeastern part of Yew Trees Wood, Underbank Wood and Crawshaw Wood), Sheffield City Council (Newhall Wood [part], Pot House Wood [part], Yew Trees Wood [part], Firth Wood), Bitholmes Wood [part], Morehall Dam Woods and Fox Glen), Broomhead Estate (Windhill Wood, Millstones Wood and Broomhead Wood) and Woodland Trust (major part of Bitholmes Wood). Various forest plans are also in operation (South Yorkshire Forest and Forest Enterprise, for example) and these may not always be compatible across the area.

This diverse ownership means that a common approach to woodland management in the area may not be straightforward. Many of these woods are managed with different aims in mind. Some contain mainly conifers (such as Underbank and certain parts of Yew Trees Wood) and, therefore, are managed primarily for timber production. Others are managed for conservation interest and attract Woodland Grant scheme money. Woodland management in SRB5 should aim to establish a partnership (or a network) of major stakeholders and to encourage the take up of grant incentives (including funds that might be available under SRB) for conservation of ancient semi-natural woodland. This would help fulfil targets under the LBAP for Sheffield and Peak District National Park. SSVUDP are the agents of South Yorkshire Forest in Upper Don Forest Zone and are ideally placed to provide a co-ordinating role for all the different stakeholders in the SRB5 area.

Project management

Some administration in establishing the network and to maintain communication, exchange details of good practice, etc. SSVUDP already work with other bodies on implementing practical woodland management, such as SCC, Woodland Trust, Forest Enterprise and, outside SRB5 area, Bridons (owners of Sheephouse Wood), and there are now plans to work with Yorkshire Water on their woods.

Project locations

Large and small sites.
All woodland sites across the SRB5 area.

Planning permission

NO

Project links

Adopt an open/wild space (C8)
Woodland crafts centre (V1)

Economic Implications

Funding - set up costs

Administration costs involved in establishing contact, etc.

Sources of funding: South Yorkshire Forest, SCC small grants.

Funding - running costs

Routine administration.

Employment

Potentially several woodland workers, some seasonal.

Tourism

No direct benefits but the network would seek to manage woodlands to attract visitors and encourage appreciation of habitats.

Social Implications

Community involvement

Community consultation essential on any new proposals or updated management plans for woodlands (especially publicly owned).

Schools involvement

Educational potential of some sites already utilised by schools with scope for others to provide the same. Network could identify routes and woodlands that could be best used.

Recreational benefits

No direct benefits, but if the network works effectively, then good practice may be spread to encourage good management and access.

Environmental Implications

Local Agenda 21

Sustainable tourism promoted through woodland.

Wildlife

No direct implications, but network would lead to many potential improvements being made in development of management plans, exchange of good practice, etc.

Project viability

Constraints

Lack of interest in establishing a network.
Possible other ways of achieving the same goals.
Little progress in establishing a common approach.