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TREES, WOODLAND AND SCRUBHabitat Definition Current Status and Distribution The only significant area of woodland is found at Church Norton, mostly within the nature reserve. This is ancient woodland, as is the strip of woodland that runs along the back of houses south of the Severals. New planting of native species has taken place mainly around the ponds in the arable area and along the northern boundary of the caravan site, as well as in parks in the town. There is generally very little tree cover in the town. Few areas of scrub exist, the most notable being around the Severals and within the reserve. However small patches can still be found within the urban area. Importance Ancient woodland is of particularly high conservation value because of the diverse flora and fauna it supports, including many rare species. There is also growing evidence of the benefits of trees to people, such as the following: · in an urban environment trees can save up to 10% of energy consumption through their moderation of the local climate; · they stabilise soil, preventing erosion and reducing the effects of flooding; reduce air pollution; · have a positive impact on mental well-being, the incidence of asthma and skin cancer. [Sussex HAP p.13] People like trees! Local Significance Maps [1672 and 1778] show that much of the land was in agricultural use by the 17th century. Probably most of the woodland was cleared long before this time because of the highly productive and easily cultivated soils. The significant areas of woodland that survive today are the same as those that survived into the 17th century, all be it reduced in size. Aerial surveys since 1971[WSCC] show a slight reduction in woodland, mainly due to the deterioration of the strip south of the Severals, known locally as 'Adder Wood'. However this does not take account of the many mature trees that have been lost, especially along road sides, through Dutch Elm disease and also through development. Old photographs show a village with far greater tree cover. The aerial surveys show no net loss of scrub, mainly due to increases around the Severals but this does not reflect the loss of small areas due to development. Threats · Lack of management/care of urban trees · Lack of traditional management of ancient woodland reducing biodiversity · To scrub include : new developments, tidying up, dumping and planting of alien non-native species Objectives 1. Explore all possibilities for tree planting and substantially increase the numbers planted. 2. Gather survey information for all urban trees, important areas of woodland and scrub. 3. Retain and enhance all important areas of woodland and scrub. 4. Support the traditional management of the ancient woodland within Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. 5. Research the history of the remaining ancient woodland and raise awareness of its importance. 6. Establish potential sites for the planting of Black Poplar, either as individual specimen trees or as small riverine/linear woodlands. Further Possibilities Create a community orchard. · in an urban environment trees can save up to 10% of energy consumption through their moderation of the local climate; · they stabilise soil, preventing erosion and reducing the effects of flooding; reduce air pollution; · have a positive impact on mental well-being, the incidence of asthma and skin cancer. [Sussex HAP p.13] People like trees! |
ACTIONS
| Sussex HAP targets | Action proposed in Sussex Woodlands HAP | Action proposed in Chichester District LBAP | Action proposed in Selsey Parish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintain the existing area of ancient semi-natural woodland. Achieve favourable conservation status in over 70% of designated sites and 50% of the total woodland resource by 2010. Such measures to include: 25% of previously coppiced woods brought back into coppice management. | Support research on the past management of woodland. Encourage local use of woodland produce through support for community woodlands. |
To support and encourage the planting and aftercare of native tree species in appropriate places. [Objective]Support and promote existing campaigns like the Black Poplar Planting Campaign [PHLNR] and Seed Gathering Sunday to encourage planting of trees from seeds.Support and encourage tree wardens. Promote caring for existing trees. Encourage and support community groups to plant native species to enhance biodiversity and establish a commitment to the aftercare of trees. . |
· Encourage schools, other groups and individuals to gather local tree seeds, plant and care for them. · Set up a parish tree nursery. · Survey all street trees. · Set up an 'adopt a tree' scheme. · Develop a 'Tree Trail'. · Support tree planting and aftercare on Home Farm. · Explore the possibility of reviving the Selsey Trees Initiative [WSCC]. · Identify ownership of all important areas of woodland and scrub. · Conduct surveys where necessary. · Encourage and assist in the development of site management plans for important sites. · Support coppicing by local volunteers in the ancient woodland within the nature reserve. · Research the history of remaining areas of ancient woodland, especially their management , use and wildlife interest - publicise this through displays, local press and a booklet. · Explore the possibility of local people managing the willow on Home Farm and using it for craft, art and garden purposes. · Establish potential sites for the planting of Back Poplar. |
