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HedgerowsIn the arable area to the west of the Chichester Road generally few hedgerows remain and those that do are in a poor state or are becoming defunct. The most extensive hedgerows, and some of the best, lie to the east of the road, especially in the Norton area. Here many appear to be species rich, although young elm trees are a major component which will in time be subject to Dutch Elm disease. In the urban area some remnants of old field boundaries survive. Overall, hedges suffer from a lack of appropriate management. Several new hedges have been planted, using native species, on arable land and along the northern boundary of the caravan site. Importance of Species Rich Hedgerows This is a critical habitat for many woodland and farmland species including several that are rare or in decline. In intensively farmed land they are a key habitat because they provide corridors between other features [Sussex HAP p.2]. Local Significance 17th and 18th century maps [1672 Survey, Yeakell & Gardner's map 1778] show a patchwork of small fields to the north and east of the parish, many probably divided by hedgerows. Much of the southern part was divided into large common fields. In the 1820s these common fields were enclosed and some remnants of these straight, hawthorn enclosure hedges survive - most noticeably in the Northcommon Farm area. In the 20th century intensive agriculture saw the removal of many hedges to the north of the village and the gradual loss of hedges in the urban area as the village rapidly expanded. Since the parish is so lacking in woodland the hedgerows are particularly important as refuges for wildlife. Threats · Dutch Elm disease · Lack of appropriate management · Development and 'tidying up' Objectives 1. Identify all ancient and/or species rich hedges. 2. Improve the quality of existing species rich hedges through the introduction of favourable management techniques. 3. Encourage the restoration of defunct or partly defunct hedges. 4. Encourage the planting of new mixed hedges using local native species. 5. Encourage the planting of hedgerow trees. 6. Raise awareness of the importance of species rich/ancient hedges. 7. Raise awareness of the importance of garden hedges for wildlife. |
ACTIONS
| Sussex HAP targets | Action proposed in Sussex HAP | Action proposed in Chichester District LBAP | Action proposed in Selsey Parish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halt the net loss of hedgerows by the year 2000, and loss of hedgerows which are both ancient and species rich by 2005 | Identify the extent of ancient and/or species rich hedges.Collate information on hedges of particular historical and conservation value for targetting of grants and advice. | Policy BE7 of the Local Plan states that the District Planning Authority will require proposals affecting hedges to include measures to protect existing hedges and may impose conditions on any permission to ensure adequate protection. Support local groups to map hedgerows. |
Identify all ancient and/or species rich hedges. Research, collate and make available information on hedges of particular historical and conservation value. |
| Achieve the favourable management of 25% of species rich and ancient hedges by the year 2000. Aim for the favourable management of 50% of species rich and ancient hedges by the year 2005 |
Highlight importance of species rich hedges in advice given to landowners. Organise events to show good practice and restoration techniques, especially coppicing. |
Involve local community in hedgerow management through the provision of training courses. Highlight hedgerow initiatives by landowners [Bunn Leisure, Home Farm] in local press and displays. |
Further Possibilities 1.Support Home Farm Management Plan through contact with FWAG. 2.Raise awareness of the importance of garden hedges by supporting wildlife gardening initiatives [see URBAN AREA].
For any opinions or feedback or any
other information please contact
telephone 01243 607104
or email ssavill@lineone.net
