A summary of information relating to the management of woodlands ...

The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beautyhas over 23,300 hectares of woodland, much of which isdesignated as important for wildlife or heritage.Woodland in the North Wessex DownsThe total woodland resource represents 13.5% of theNorth Wessex Downs AONB’s 1,730 km 2 area (see reverse).It can be characterised as mostly broadleaved with a highnumber of woodland units largely in private ownership.Perhaps most significantly, our research has identifiedthat only 44% of this woodland is under activemanagement.The contribution of woodland to the landscape of theAONB can be seen contrasting with the open downlandwhere clay-with-flint soils are found and on the woodedplateau containing Savernake Forest to the West.The Value of WoodlandsNative woodland is a valuable habitat for wildlife,containing remarkably diverse ecosystems. It is a sourceof timber, fuel and products such as spars used inthatching.Semi-natural habitats including woodland are nowrecognised for providing essential services such ascarbon storage, air and water purity and flood control.But above all, the value of woodlands for people can beseen in recreation and as part of a cultural identity.Why Manage Woodland?Woodlands require practical management to create andmaintain habitat diversity, to protect woodland heritageand to encourage responsible use by the public.Thiswill vary depending on ownership, site characteristicsand economic objectives.An exampleof managedwoodlandstructureThe AONB partnership is seeking to encourage a viableforestry sector that helps to deliver a wide range ofpublic benefits.If you are interested in finding out more about thewoodland management in the AONB or contributing tothis valuable work, please contact the North WessexDowns AONB office;Tel 01488 685440 Email info@northwessexdowns.org.ukState of the North Wessex Downs 2012— Woodland Management

Location of woodland in the North Wessex Downs AONBState of the North Wessex Downs 2012— Woodland Management