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FOREWORD

Trees and Woodland are crucial to sustaining life on our planet. They take in carbon dioxide and return oxygen to us. They enhance the quality of our lives and environment with their richness and biodiversity, their colours and landscapes.

Trees are a unique component of the landscape: unlike man-made structures, they are living organisms which are vulnerable to damage by vandalism, development and pest and diseases. Many trees are long-lived, offering enjoyment and a diversity of benefits to residents and visitors both today and in the future. To ensure their huge contribution to the urban landscape continues it is essential that their needs and requirements are understood and planned for. Because of the long-term approach required for our trees and woodlands, it is essential that action is co-ordinated within a shared responsibility for the well-being of all of our trees in the Borough whether they are privately or publicly owned. By developing a strategic approach to tree management and new tree planting, it will be possible to identify those resources required to implement action and also to maximise grant aid and other income. Many of the actions necessary to implement the Tree and Woodland Strategy will require an increase in the range of individuals and organisations actively involved in the care of our trees and a structure for them to work in complementary ways. By building and strengthening links between people and trees and by fostering more positive public attitudes toward trees, it will be possible to provide opportunities for education, consultation and participation. Cllr Colin Charlwood Executive Member for Environment Services

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Benefits Trees are important to us for many reasons. However, we are not always aware of all the benefits that trees provide for us, or we take them for granted. Probably the greatest threat to our trees is lack of interest. Life

Trees are normally the largest living organism in an ecosystem and have many complex and essential links with other elements of the local wildlife such as birds, insects, fungi and bats. Trees grow, as all plants, utilising energy derived by a process known as photosynthesis. Here a tree's roots absorb water from the soil which is transported to its leaves, where carbon dioxide is absorbed through pores. In the leaf cells, water and carbon dioxide are combined, using energy from the sun, to produce oxygen and substances enabling the tree to grow. Thereby trees help to reduce the volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is the primary cause of the greenhouse effect, or global warming, that contributes to adverse climatic change.

Environmental Vitally important to people's health and well-being, trees are an environmental regulator. They can grow to become large parasols to provide shade from the sun and shelter from the wind and rain. They help to control temperature, wind speed, humidity, soil erosion and flooding, reduce noise, and regulate gases, dirt and dust and to reduce pollution.

Nature Conservation Trees can help provide habitats for wildlife and bring nature into the heart of our towns. Oak trees support up to 500 species of insects and invertebrate species, and more fungi are associated with oak than any other native tree. Trees are fundamental in achieving objectives for nature conservation which assists in conserving and enhancing bio-diversity, one of the key elements of stewardship in Local Agenda 21.

Recreation Trees provide an environment conducive to recreation, through parks, picnic sites, walking and cycle routes. They also provide leisure opportunities through initiatives such as community or donation tree planting.

Education For many children and adults, trees are becoming increasingly more important as an outdoor educational resource in the study of a wide variety of living organisms and processes. Activities such as tree-planting enable local communities to become custodians of the environment, empowering them with the responsibility to care for trees.

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Landscape

Probably the most obvious benefit for many is that trees

provide amenity and aesthetic value. They help to soften the built environment or screen unwanted views; they can complement historic buildings, provide landscape features such as avenues, vistas and focal points; they remind us of the seasons and provide colour and interest all year round; above all they can reinforce local character, distinctiveness and identity of an area, and provide a 'sense of place'. Mature trees provide a direct link with the past: the history of the landscape is revealed by their age and location. Some trees are of individual historical significance; commemorating some past event.

Economics

Trees are a renewable resource. As they are organic, most parts of a tree can be recycled or utilised. For example, leaves can be collected and composted; branches and tree prunings can be shredded to produce wood chips for footpaths or as a mulch; chemicals in the bark are used as dyes; small tree stems or heavier branches can often be used as fencing posts or tree stakes; larger tree trunks can be sold as timber for pulpwood or home produced charcoal, thereby reducing our requirements for timber from tropical or non-sustainable sources. Trees can also help to provide an environment that is conducive to economic growth through Eco-tourism and in attracting investment. Very often the presence of trees can actually enhance the value of land and property.

Difficulties and Nuisance Quite often in towns and urban areas, space is limited and people live in close proximity to trees. Consequently trees can be a source of nuisance and neighbour disputes. Common problems relate to overhanging branches, loss of light, litter from leaves, fruits or seeds, problems from birds fouling, honeydew deposits from aphids or brown tail moth caterpillars. Very often these problems are seasonal, lasting only a short time, and are a small inconvenience compared to the enormous benefits that trees provide.

Trees and Buildings There has, in recent years, been a greater awareness of the damage that trees can cause to buildings and structures. Consequently many home owners are concerned about tree roots and foundation damage. Much of the concern surrounding trees and building damage is unsubstantiated and claims against the Council for tree root damage remain low, especially in view of the huge number of trees under its care.

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Why a strategy?

Torbay Council is now an Unitary Authority, with responsibility for Highway trees in addition to those in Parks and Public Open Space (POS), woodlands, on other Council-owned land, and for decisions on privately owned trees protected by Planning legislation.

Torbay is geologically and topographically complex, and comprises urban areas of Victorian and later periods developed over ancient countryside, looking towards its most important asset- the sea. The aesthetic aspirations of our forefathers in the towns of Torbay, and their love of trees and landscape, is reflected in the rich variety of landscape types and qualities. Some of the most important natural elements of the local environment are trees. These trees, help define Torbay, and add to its attraction as the foremost UK Tourist resort. Trees, whether appearing as individuals, groups or as woodlands, have a significant effect on our quality of life by providing direct and indirect benefits. All local authorities have a duty to protect significant trees for their amenity value and most, Torbay Council being no exception, manage a large number of trees both directly and indirectly.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background 1.1.1 Torbay is one of the UK’s three richest Local Authorities in terms of biological diversity

and as such the Council seeks to ensure that its commitment to the environment is followed through with actions. The production of this document is such an action.

1.1.2 This document's origins lie in the recognition that long term commitment and consistency

are required if the Council’s ambitions for environmental enhancement and protection are to be realised. This strategy follows on from the production of the Woodland Management Strategy adopted in 1994, building on that initial work, and as such some of the background details are not revisited within this strategy. It is intended that the strategy should be reviewed every five years and it is hoped that it will continue to develop with each review. The strategy seeks to establish a point of reference for the public, Councillors, Officers and professionally interested people to enable informed discussion and to establish a clearer, more structured approach to the issues affecting trees in the area.

1.1.3 In view of the benefits that we receive from trees and the Council's responsibility for tree

management and protection it is fitting for the Council to set out its approach to these issues. The purpose of this strategy is to address fundamental issues by laying down the basis of management practices to ensure all those involved are working to the same basic principles. This will result in an overall improvement in the standards of tree care which will in turn result in a healthier tree population.

1.1.4 The definition of this Tree and Woodland Strategy is:-

“A plan for the overall management of all the trees and woodland in Torbay, both on public and private land, within Torbay’s responsibility, and for giving guidance to management practices which lie outside the responsibility of the Council, both now and in the future”

1.1.5 Torbay Council is committed to a Tree and Woodland Strategy which will:- “initiate and

review action to ensure that the Council’s trees and woodlands are adequately protected, managed, cared for so that their extent, quality, biological diversity and contribution to the character and appearance of the Bay, can be sustained and enriched for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents and visitors to Torbay”

1.2 Sustainability 1.2.1 In June 1992 the world’s largest gathering of world leaders was held in Rio de Janeiro,

Brazil. That meeting signalled the fact that environmental concerns have moved up the international political agenda. The central message of the summit is summed up in Article Four of the Rio Declaration: “In order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation from it”.

1.2.2 This means that international, national and local policy makers have to start re-

appraising their policies and practices to ensure that they are sustainable. This process has become widely known as Local Agenda 21. These have now reached the local level in the form of Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). Biodiversity is not just about special or

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rare species; there is a need to ensure that all species thrive throughout the town and countryside.

1.2.3 The Council is committed to act to conserve and enhance biodiversity within the Torbay

area. 1.2.4 The release of this strategy is a small part of that process. 1.3 The Importance of Trees 1.3.1 The value of trees cannot be overstated. As they grow they:-

♦ Contribute strongly both as part of the landscape and in their own right in an urban setting, contributing to people’s quality of life and sense of well-being.

♦ Contribute to the historical setting of the built environment, reflecting the horticultural fashions of the time.

♦ Create a sense of place characterising the English Riviera.

♦ Provide aesthetic value, improving the appearance of our environment, giving variety of scale, form, colour and shape.

♦ Release oxygen for us to breathe.

♦ Absorb carbon dioxide (thereby reducing the greenhouse effect).

♦ Filter air and absorb other pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxides, carbon monoxide, smoke, and dust.

♦ Provide varied habitats for wildlife, including, bats, small mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and lichens.

♦ Provide timber and wood products – a naturally renewable resources.

♦ Reduce wind speeds giving shelter and comfort.

♦ Reduce noise levels.

♦ Reduce everyday stress, particularly important in today’s environment. Research has shown that hospital patients recover more quickly when able to enjoy the view of trees.

♦ Provide shade from the sun and make areas more attractive to live and work in.

♦ Positively affect property values and help to attract investment. 1.3.2 There is increasing public awareness of these benefits and the need for trees. People

are beginning to place a higher priority on the environment in which they live. In urban areas this means that there is a desire for accessible recreational open space and pleasant, tree-lined streets.

1.4 Tree Problems 1.4.1 People often live in close proximity to trees, particularly in urban areas. These trees are

either their own, their neighbours’ or quite commonly belong to the Council. Inconvenience to residents can be caused by trees when they grow near dwellings. A

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dilemma often occurs when the tree makes an important contribution to the local environment but also causes inconvenience to those living nearby.

1.4.2 With any population of trees there are a number of common sources of complaint

including overhanging branches, shade, leaf/fruit/sap fall, obstruction and physical damage. Many such problems can be dealt with by the selection of appropriate species at the time of planting, but sometimes the problem is a result of later development too close to trees, and may be difficult or impossible to resolve in all parties’ favour. However where trees are important in the local or wider environment, the collective interest may override the interest of an individual.

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2.0 TREES ON COUNCIL LAND – MANAGEMENT ISSUES

2.1 The Overall Aim: 2.1.1 The aim for amenity tree management (Arboriculture) is to provide a sustainable amenity

for the benefit of the residents of Torbay and its visitors. Where large and mature trees exist, their visual and historic importance, coupled with the obstacles to successful replacement presented by Utilities’ service runs, and highway legislation, mean that extra effort should be made to maintain these trees as long as they are safe.

2.2 Council Owned Trees and their Management 2.2.1 This part of the strategy sets out the Council's approach to the management of trees for

which it is responsible. 2.2.2 The Holding

There are four major elements of the Council’s tree population :

♦ Trees in parks and open spaces. These are commonly the most significant trees in an area and have a profound effect on its appearance and on the leisure experience of users of the open space, as well as providing visual amenity for Torbay’s residents and visitors alike.

♦ Street trees. These are the trees planted in pavements, road verges, and occasionally in the roadway itself, along the roads and streets of the Bay. They help to filter traffic pollution, provide shade for car parking and improve the overall appearance of the street scene. In the older parts of Torbay they are often the most visual, or only, reminder of the natural world.

♦ Woodlands. Torbay Council owns approximately 300 Ha (800 acres) of semi-natural woodland. Part of this resource is managed by the Council’ Arboricultural section, whilst part is managed by the Coast and Countryside Trust, based at Cockington, under a 60-year lease. These woods are managed by the Trust according to the procedures laid down in the Council’s adopted Woodland Strategy, in liaison with the

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♦ Arboricultural section. All woods are managed according to the provisions of the Forestry Commission’s UK Woodland Strategy.

♦ Schools, Social Services, and other department’s trees. These can be significant in the landscape. The tree stock varies considerably from site to site in size, number, and style of maintenance, but provide a very valuable resource both in terms of the educational and social wellbeing of the pupils and clients, as well as their aesthetic impact on the general landscape. In addition, they can provide a habitat for wildlife and are important in bringing nature into an otherwise largely man-made environment.

2.2.3 Dealing with Customer Enquiries

The Council receives over 8000 enquiries per year concerning trees. Where an enquiry is for work to be done to a Council - owned tree, the intention is to inform the enquirer as to what if any action is planned and when work is due to be carried out. Requests may be refused, or a compromise may be sought where the tree in question causes inconvenience to someone whilst being of value in the surrounding area. Each individual case will be assessed on its merits.

2.2.4 Tree Surveys

The Council is progressing towards its goal of having its tree stock surveyed and recorded, to improve the quality of its safety inspections, and management systems. Specialised computer software will assist in this.

2.2.5 Management OF The Councils Tree Stock

Trees in Parks, Public Open Spaces and Highways are managed directly by the Arboriculture Section by using proactive and reactive inspections. Woodlands and other trees managed on behalf of the council by the Coast and Countryside Trust are inspected annually; there is a back-up arrangement where the Arboricultural Section carry out detailed surveys at their request. Trees on school sites are the responsibility of the individual school under LMS; The Council’s Education Section is commissioning a baseline survey of the trees on school sites; some schools have already had their trees surveyed. Trees on Housing sites (which are no longer owned by the Council) are now the responsibility of the Riviera Housing Trust.

2.2.6 Tree inspections and Liability

The Council as the owner of trees on its land, and employer of Arboricultural specialists, is considered to be responsible for the safety of all such trees.

In order to ensure public safety and limit the Council’s liability, annual, recorded inspections should be carried out on all Council owned trees for insurance purposes. All trees in Parks, Parks and Open Spaces, and Highways are visually inspected annually, and the results recorded. More frequent tree inspections are carried out on trees whose condition has given cause

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for concern. Trees which are large or have the potential to cause damage and injury are inspected twice a year at present in the above areas.

2.2.7 Financial Investment

In order for a pro-active tree strategy to be effective the Council will need to continue to invest financially in the inspection and management of trees and woodlands so as to maintain the stock in safe and healthy condition, and reduce the Council’s exposure to future claims.

2.2.8 Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust

The Council, and the Coast and Countryside Trust, will continue to work with residents, stakeholders, and the community, to increase appreciation and understanding of trees and woodlands. Where funding is available, the Council and the Trust will work with Community groups to foster a sense of ownership of local trees and woodlands.

2.3 Policies for the Management of Torbay Trees The proposed policies for all Torbay’s tree:

Policy 1: The Council will ensure that the tree population continues to be protected, developed and enhanced where appropriate.

Policy 2: The Council will aim to provide a sustainable, high quality tree population. Policy 3: The Council will aim to encourage and enable better understanding of the

management of trees in order to promote greater community pride and awareness of the tree stock.

Policy 4: The Council will aim to maintain the highest possible standards of tree care

and management in order to act as an example of best practice for others

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to follow. The council will ensure Tree works will be carried out to Current Best Practice standards – currently BS 3998, and the European Tree Pruning Guide.

Policy 5: The Council will take reasonable steps to fulfil their obligation to ensure the

safety of people and property. Policy 6: The removal of trees, and the carrying out of inappropriate or damaging

works to trees, will be restricted unless there are sound safety or arboricultural reasons to indicate otherwise.

2.4 Actions for the Management of Torbay Trees 2.4.1 Introduce a tree management system to enable accurate analysis of the tree population,

with facilities for contract management, resource management and access to past work schedules for Insurance Claims.

2.4.2 Ensure that plans for the long term management and development of the tree population

are an essential component of landscape planning and management. 2.4.3 Develop a tree planting plan to identify areas of need, with particular emphasis on the

replacement of missing trees in areas of mature and over mature trees. 2.4.4 Seek to supplement the council’s spending on new trees by investigating additional

funding, including sponsorship, donation, grant aid and adoption to allow greater investment in the tree population.

2.4.5 Consider the establishment and support of a voluntary urban tree warden scheme to

work with officers in encouraging and enabling community involvement in tree plantings and management.

2.4.6 Provide a series of information leaflets and web pages for residents on tree care issues. 2.4.7 Assist in the provision of a vandalism education programme in full liaison with the

Education Department. 2.4.8 Ensure that full consultation with residents takes place on work to be undertaken on

high-profile trees and woodlands, be it minor or major works. 2.4.9 Ensure that maintenance works make best use of resources and the recycling of by-

product material wherever possible. 2.4.10 Seek to develop and implement an effective management programme for trees

woodlands and hedgerows located on Education land. 2.4.11 Clearly set out Health, Safety, and Risk Management requirements for the tree

population. 2.4.12 Survey the Council’s tree stock with the aim of effectively managing the risk posed by it. 2.5 Parks and Open Spaces

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2.5.1 Trees are fundamental to the structure of parks and green spaces. The trees in parks and open spaces are not only important to regular visitors, they make very important contributions to the local environment of the area and to the wider landscape.

2.5.2 The nature of tree populations of different parks and green spaces is as variable as the

character of the sites themselves. At one extreme there are the older parks, with a population of mature trees including a number of rare and interesting specimens. At the other extreme are the newer parks, with a developing tree population, characteristic of the period in which they were laid out. Parks Tree management will be incorporated in each park’s Management Plan (under development). The existing parks tree stock is inspected bi-annually, and necessary work is programmed as a result of such inspections.

2.5.3 Some of the newer parts of Torbay contain little open space. The Council will ensure through the planning guidance that adequate open space provision and street tree planting be included in any new development proposals, to ensure a pleasant environment is created for residents.

2.6 Policies for Parks and Open Spaces Trees

Policy 7: The Council will seek to establish and

encourage new individual and area urban tree planting which offer multiple benefits to residents, wildlife and the landscape.

Policy 8: The Council will seek to maintain a

characteristic, varied and sustainable tree population in its Parks and Public Open Spaces.

Policy 9: The Council is developing long term

management plans for parks and open spaces in conjunction with CABE Space to address their decline and maintain for future generations.

Policy 10: The Council will complete the surveying

and recording of its Parks tree stock, to allow effective management and reduce its liability.

Policy 11 There will be a policy against the removal of, or carrying out of

inappropriate work to trees which are healthy but subject to complaint; unless the basis of the complaint is an overriding justification and no alternative management practice can be implemented.

Policy 12 The Council will seek to secure the donation of trees for appropriate sites to

augment its own tree planting budget; where such trees will enhance the area, and would be likely to survive without damage or vandalism.

2.7 Actions for Parks and Open Spaces Tree Management

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2.7.1 Secure funding for the surveying and recording of the current Parks tree stock, and for ongoing recorded surveys of the safety, condition, and work necessary to trees in Parks, twice-yearly.

2.7.2 Seek alternative sites and funding for tree planting.

2.7.3 Survey all relevant trees as part of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy development to prioritise replacement planting of declining tree populations. Replacement trees to be of appropriate species or varieties to maintain and enhance the design and character of the Park.

2.7.4 Continue to integrate tree management in parks and public open space into overall Parks management plans.

2.8 Street and Highway Trees

2.8.1 Torbay has approximately 6,000 street trees. The roadside environment is a tough place

for a tree to survive in. There is often intense pressure for space from underground cables and pipes, traffic, buildings, street lights, road signs, etc. In addition, the limited space is often polluted by car emissions, oil, road salt, and other pollutants that challenge the tree’s survival. Despite this, trees can and do survive, albeit with a sometimes limited life-expectancy.

2.8.2 The character of the street tree population varies considerably in different parts of the

Bay, from the Avenues of mature Plane, Lime and Chestnut in Chelston and Torquay, through the Cherries, Purple Plums and Whitebeams of 1960’s developments, to the very limited planting on the most recent housing estates. It has been the policy in recent years to target resources for replanting towards the renovation of existing avenues and street planting. It is envisaged that this process will continue, and be complemented by planting on new streets provided by their developers.

2.8.3 Many of our most notable tree-lined streets

have tree populations that are fully mature. Such trees can be vulnerable to climatic variations (such as drought), disease and damage. A mature population of street trees tends to erode gradually over a number of years as individual trees decline and have to be removed. This generally effects the older areas of Torbay. Where appropriate in the landscape, large species of tree will be planted to complement existing specimens, and maintain the character of the area.

2.9 Policies for Street Trees

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Policy 13: There will be a policy against the removal of, or carrying out inappropriate work to trees which are healthy but subject to complaint, unless the basis of the complaint has an overriding justification and no alternative management practice can be implemented.

Policy 14: The Council will place a priority on the replacement of missing or removed

street trees in historic parts of Torbay particularly where these adjoin major traffic routes, planting large growing trees where appropriate.

Policy 15: The Council will seek to plant new street trees in appropriate sites with

priority given to sites where street trees are currently or have in the past been located subject to meeting Highways Regulations.

Policy 16: The Council will endeavour to protect street trees and the growing

environment from threats such as: loss of and damage to verges, the activities of statutory undertakers and others excavating near trees, and inappropriate parking.

Policy 17: The Council will, where appropriate, consult with all interested parties of

proposed major tree work programmes. If objections are raised by the public, the decision will be referred to the Executive for a decision.

2.10 Actions for Street Tree Management 2.10.1 In streets with front gardens and few trees, local residents will be proactively encourage to plant suitable specimen trees 2.10.2 Seek to supplement the Council’s spending on new trees by the development of

personal and corporate tree sponsorship schemes. 2.10.3 Seek to release funds for planting in circumstances where currently funding does not

allow tree planting due to the cost of special construction and surfacing i.e. underground service protection, treegrills, guards etc.

2.10.4 Develop a method of consulting with residents on forthcoming work to street trees. 2.10.5 Advise Ward Councillors of work to be undertaken, outlining clearly what work is to be

undertaken and where this is to take place. 2.10.6 Work with and monitor undertakers/utility companies to ensure that damage to trees

during their work is kept to minimum. 2.11 Woodlands

The Council owns 300 Ha of woodland, which is partly managed by the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust under a 60 year lease.. The woodlands are managed according to principles agreed in the Woodland Strategy originating in 1994, and the UK Forestry Strategy.

2.11.1The majority of woodlands in the area are predominantly semi-natural woodland having

grown up with the reduction in grazing and agricultural pressure following the urbanisation of the Coastal areas.. These woods are described as semi-natural woodland because they have arisen naturally, and some form of active management has taken place.

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2.11.2These woods give the Council opportunities to display best practice in management in

pursuit of a number of objectives. The Council’s management objectives are landscape, nature conservation, access, education, and timber production. 2.11.3 Many of the woods in the area are of significant interest both nationally and locally. As

such several have been identified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR), County Wildlife Sites (CWS), or Local Wildlife Sites (LWS). The Trust is actively pursuing the inclusion of woodlands under their control as Local Nature Reserves (LNR). These designations indicate that some form of protection already exists. For instance, prior to carrying out management operations on an SSSI or NNR the consent of English Nature (EN) is required. In addition, EN requires that all SSSI’s be in a favourable condition by 2010.

2.12 Policy for Torbay Woodlands

Policy 18: The Council will ensure its woodlands have up to date management plans

in place and encourage the production of plans for woods in the private sector.

Policy 19: The Council will ensure that its woodlands are managed with landscape,

nature conservation, access, education, and timber production as the main objectives.

Policy 20: Natural regeneration will be supported on appropriate sites.

Policy 21: Where appropriate the Council will ensure dead and fallen wood is left on site unless there are sound conservation and safety reasons for its removal, and will leave arisings from management operations on-site in strolls or dead-hedges to encourage the biodiversity of the site.

Policy 22: The Council will encourage community involvement with woodland

management, and promote the education of the community to improve understanding of the principles of woodland management.

Policy 23: The Council will enhance any economic potential of woodlands through the

production of high quality timber and other woodland products. Policy 24: The Council will encourage expansion of the urban woodland in appropriate

locations ensuring that the layout and selection of species reflects the local woodland character.

Policy 25: The Council will manage woodland to fulfil its obligation as owners to

ensure safety of people and property whilst remembering that woodlands are natural places and the level of acceptable risk must reflect this.

Policy 27: The Council will encourage all major woodland owners to adopt best

practice in the care of their woodlands, especially where those trees contribute to the character of the District.

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2.13 Actions for Woodland Management 2.13.1 Investigate additional sources of funding for managing woodland open to the public. 2.13.2 Arrange Woodland open days/events for residents, to promote care and understanding

of woodlands, in association with nationally promoted events.

2.13.3 Establish and support a voluntary urban tree warden scheme to work with officers in encouraging and enabling community involvement in woodland management.

2.13.4 Explore the possibility of creating a Timber Station on Council land for recycling wood waste.

2.13.5 Where appropriate seek alternative sites and funding for the expansion of woodlands where this will not displace more valuable habitats.

2.13.6 Survey Council owned and managed woodland edges and woodland paths annually for ongoing Health and Safety purposes. 2.14 Schools, Social Services and Other Departments 2.14.1 Schools, Social Services, and other departments own and manage a considerable area

of land in Torbay. The trees on this land can be significant in the landscape. The tree stock varies considerably from site to site in size, number, and style of maintenance, but provides a very valuable resource both in terms of the educational and social wellbeing of the pupils and clients, and its aesthetic impact on the general landscape. In addition, they can provide a habitat for wildlife and are important in bringing nature into an otherwise largely man-made environment.

2.14.2 Because schools and their grounds are now managed by individual school’s governing

bodies, under LMS (Local Management of Schools), the council, which is the owner of school land, has no responsibility for the management, and safety of trees on such land. In addition, a number of schools in Torbay now have Foundation status; this effectively

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means that their sites are no longer part of the Council’s land-holding. The Council has, in liaison with Education Department, drawn these responsibilities to the attention of school’s governing bodies relating to the safe management of their tree stock.

2.14.3 Social Services manage a number of properties around Torbay, some of which have

trees on site. The responsibility for such trees rests with site managers. 2.15 Policy for Schools, Social Services and Other Departments

Policy 28: The Council will seek to assist School governing bodies in the safe

management of their tree stock. Policy 29: The Council will provide advice to schools regarding the planting and

maintenance of new trees on their sites. Policy 30: The Council will provide input to schools on the educational benefits of

trees, and how they can fit into the National Curriculum. Policy 31: Assistance and advise will be given to Social Services department in the

safe management of their tree stock. Policy 32: To provide a service, on request, to all other departments within the

Council in respect of the safe management of trees. 2.16 Actions for Schools, Social Services and Other Departments 2.16.1 The Council to promote the use of Arboricultural Services by schools, Social Services

and other Council departments in management of trees.

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3.0 STRATEGY FOR TREES ON PRIVATE LAND

3.1 Tree Protection 3.1.1 This part of the strategy sets out the Council's approach to the protection of privately

owned trees in the area. As the Local Planning Authority, the Council has a statutory duty to take steps to protect trees which it believes make an important contribution to the amenity of the area.

3.1.2 A large proportion of both the urban and rural tree population is privately owned. The

quality of private tree care is very variable and ranges from owners who are completely indifferent, through motivated but poorly advised owners, to those who take great pride in their trees and are anxious to seek the best advice and engage quality contractors to carry out required work.

3.1.3 Under the Town and Country Planning

Act 1990 (as amended) the Council has powers to make and enforce Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and designate Conservation Areas (CAs) within which all established trees are protected. It is usually only in cases of potential threat that a local authority will seek to legally protect trees by use of TPO. Resources currently restrict the proactive use of orders and desirable updating and re-surveying. The implementation of such statutory restrictions on the rights of a land owner is always a potential source of conflict and difficulty. However, it is undoubtedly true that many of our finest trees and woodlands would not be part of our landscape today if such protection did not exist.

3.1.4 Protection has not only been achieved through the statutory process. A substantial

number of trees have been saved from inappropriate pruning or premature felling by the offer of expert advice from the Council's officers. Advice is offered to the owners of protected trees and other tree owners, this advice is offered free and is seen as a valuable part of tree protection.

3.1.5 Tree protection can therefore be thought of as having two elements:

1: Protection by the use of statutory tools such as TPOs. 2: Protection by the provision of advice.

3.2 Statutory Protection 3.2.1 The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) makes it a duty of the Local

Planning Authority:

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(a) To ensure whenever it is appropriate that, in granting planning permission for any development, adequate provision is made by the imposition of conditions for the preservation or planting of trees.

(b) To make such orders (Tree Preservation Orders) under Section 198 as appear to the authority to be necessary in connection with the grant of such permission, whether for giving effect to such conditions or otherwise.

3.2.2 In support of Torbay Council’s duty as set out in the 1990 Act, it has incorporated

improved policies relating to Trees and Woodlands within its Local Plan through the review process. Current Local Plan policies in relation to trees are as follows:-

IN3 - Underground Services- their effect on trees L10 - Protection of Woodlands and Hedgerows L11 - Planting and retention of Trees L12 - Major Development and Landscaping NC1 - Nature Conservation Strategy BE3 - Landscaping and Development.

3.2.3 The Local Plan is enhanced by the provision of Supplementary Planning Guidance

(SPG), in the form of the Environmental guide annexed to the Local Plan. This supplementary guidance has been the subject of Public consultation, and a Council resolution confirming the status of the SPG is pending.

3.2.4 Torbay Council will also be guided as appropriate, by Department of the Environment,

Transport, and the Regions (DETR) publication: Tree Preservation Orders – A Guide to the Law and Good Practice(‘The Blue Book’)

3.2.5 While the most common form of statutory tree protection is the Tree Preservation Order

(TPO), Conservation Areas (CA), within which all established trees are protected, are also important. The Council currently has over 390 TPO and 23 CA. New TPO are being made all the time in line with its statutory duties. The Council receives more than 800 applications each year from people who wish to carry out work to protected trees. Applications are administered by the Council's Planning and Development Control section who are served by the Arboricultural Section, who provide the service of inspection and recommendation.

3.2.6 Before a TPO is served , the tree to be protected will be assessed against an objective set of criteria, and the order only served if the tree meets or exceeds the said criteria. This ensures that only trees which have or will have significance are protected.

3.2.7 Many of the Tree Preservation Orders in

Torbay, especially the older ones, are ‘Area’ orders; that is, they protect all the trees present in the designated area at the time the order was made. It is the Governments intention that such Area orders be phased out by re-surveying the Area, and protecting worthy trees within it by means of Individual, Group, or Woodland orders within the meaning of

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the Act. Legislation to bring this into practice has been delayed, but when made is likely to require that all area orders be surveyed and re-served within five years of the date of legislation.

The Council has had surveys of typical Area Orders carried out, and re-served, protecting appropriate trees; there is a need for this programme to continue.

3.3 Housing Trees

These are the trees found in and around what was public housing (‘Council Houses’). Torbay’s public housing stock is now owned and managed by Riviera Housing Trust.

3.3.1 It is considered that in areas such as the

Paffords, (where the original tree planting had the effect of highway trees, but were in general planted in the gardens of houses), that trees which have considerable importance in the landscape, should be protected by Tree Preservation Orders. Where appropriate, the Council will assist the housing Trust in providing policy and technical assistance regarding the management of trees and planting on land managed by the Housing Trust.

3.3.2 Policy for Housing Trees

Policy 33: Where trees are important in the landscape, and perceived to be under threat, will serve TPO’s to ensure the retention of such trees.

Policy 34: The Council will assist the Riviera Housing Trust, when invited, with

technical expertise regarding the health and safety of Housing Trust trees, and with expertise regarding the increase and improvement of their tree stock.

3.3.3. Actions For Housing Tree Management

Seek to protect important trees on Riviera Housing Trust land, by means of Tree

Preservation Orders.

Provide advice and technical expertise to Riviera Housing Trust.

Assist in providing maintenance services for Riviera Housing Trust trees, as requested.

3.4 Trees on Development Sites 3.4.1 One of the most common threats against trees (and therefore a common reason for

making a TPO) is the proposed development of land upon which trees are growing. Schemes are frequently amended to ensure that significant trees are properly retained,

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often through a process of working with the applicant to reach mutually acceptable solutions to the conflicts that can arise.

3.4.2 Developers often view trees as a

problem rather than an asset. It is common for planning applicants to fail to provide sufficient information to enable proper consideration of trees on a proposed development site. The council gives pre-application advice and guidance for developers, builders, and architects.

3.4.3 In order to ensure a tree will be successfully retained it is vital that the tree's root system

is properly protected from direct and indirect damage such as ground compaction. A protected zone will be created which is usually be large enough to ensure that no disturbance occurs within the crown spread of the tree.

3.5 Protection Through Advice 3.5.1 As indicated above, advice is given free by the Council and is seen as an important area

of work contributing to the general protection of the tree population. Both the Council and the Coast and Countryside Trust work to enhance the profile of trees, and the importance of their proper management.

3.6 Dangerous Trees in Private Ownership

Under the Local Government

(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Council is given discretionary powers in respect of dangerous trees in private ownership. The Council will, when requested by an owner or neighbour of a tree considered dangerous, assess the tree’s safety. If the tree appears to be imminently dangerous, the Council can serve a notice on the owner of the tree requiring that it be made safe, and, as a last resort, enter the land and make the tree safe itself, recovering the costs from the owner of the tree.

3.7 Policies for General Tree Protection

Policy 35: The Council will:-

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i) promote tree planting where it is considered that this will lead to significant amenity benefit ii) seek to protect trees of amenity and historic value; and iii) promote good standards of tree care and woodland management.

Policy 36: The Council will give consent for works to a trees or woodland protected by

a Tree Preservation Order provided it is satisfied that:-

i) the long term health and appearance of the tree will not be impaired. ii) the work will not unjustifiably inhibit or prevent the full and natural

development of the tree. iii) The work is necessary to its continued retention and consistent with good arboricultural practice, and that the work will be carried out to BS 3998 as a minimum standard. iv) in the case of a woodland, the proposed work is consistent with the principles of sound woodland management.

Policy 37: There will be a presumption against the cutting down, topping, lopping or uprooting of any tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order. The Council will not give consent to fell a tree or woodland protected by a TPO unless it is satisfied that this is necessary and justified. Generally, any such consent will be conditional upon appropriate replacement of the tree.

Policy 38: The Council will resist development which it considers makes inadequate

provision for the retention of trees, with their protection to BS 5837 as a minimum standard.

Policy 39: The Council will continue to make Tree Preservation Orders on individual trees and groups of trees which it considers contribute to the landscape or local amenity and are at risk.

Policy 40: Applicants for the development of land with existing trees will provide a

trees impact assessment which will include information on species, all relevant dimensions, and the condition of all trees on the site.

Policy 41: The Council will usually expect new site development to contribute to the

overall tree population either through on-site planting of appropriate species, or through the donation of funds dedicated to the planting of trees by the Council in the locality. Landscaping schemes for new developments will include the establishment of street trees where possible and desirable.

Policy 42: The Council will encourage all major tree owning organisations to adopt

best practice in the care of their trees, especially where those trees contribute to the character of the Borough.

Policy 43: The Council will not normally grant planning permission for any

development which would result in the loss of, or would be detrimental to, any areas on ancient or semi-natural woodlands or other established woodland or areas of tree cover of landscape or wildlife value.

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Policy 44: The Council will continue to use its powers under the Miscellaneous

Provisions (Local Government) Act 1976 to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in Torbay where appropriate.

3.8 Actions for Tree Protection 3.8.1 Carry out a reappraisal of older TPOs, especially those outside Conservation Areas, and

where necessary revoke out-of-date orders and serve new ones.

3.8.2 Protect significant trees which are considered at risk by means of TPO’s. Such trees will include those on land allocated for development under the Local Plan, and may include those on land identified as Omission Sites in the Local Plan. Other categories will include trees on windfall development sites, in woodland edges adjacent to housing, and those brought forward by members of the public.

3.8.2 Seek to involve all members of the community through a tree warden scheme for the

protection of trees through dissemination of information and positive encouragement. 3.8.3 Liaise with land/tree owning organisations and offer advice on the management of their

trees in order to encourage them to adopt the best practice in tree management. 3.9 Rural Trees 3.9.1 Hedgerows and associated trees have been lost in Torbay since the Second World War,

due to the extension of agricultural fields, Dutch Elm Disease, and the removal and non-replacement of hedgerow trees. Regular flailing of hedges prevents regeneration of trees, and ensures a gradual diminution of the number of hedgerow trees.

3.9.2 Most land in the rural area is privately owned. Many landowners take a positive view of

their influence over the quality of the landscape in the countryside, taking advantage of grant aid schemes and sources of advice to implement positive landscape management and enhancement schemes. Unfortunately, there are some that for a number of reasons do not or cannot undertake positive action and consequently, the landscape under their control often declines or reflects purely economic interests as primary.

3.9.3 Dutch Elm Disease (DED) took a significant toll of trees in the area in the 1970 's.

Considerable areas of relatively denuded landscape have not been repaired and still rely on Elm regeneration that will, inevitably succumb to the disease. The only real solution to the problem is regeneration or new planting with native species such as Ash, Oak, or local resistant Elm varieties. Unfortunately, intensive agricultural systems do not easily enable new rural tree planting without considerable financial incentives.

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3.9.4 DED remains a concern even today. The regrowth of suckers from the old Elm roots has become a significant feature in some places and this regrowth is now often at an age and size where it is re-infected. Losses of Elm in recent years have increased and over the next few years considerable loss of regenerating Elm will once again deplete the young tree population of our countryside.

3.10 Veteran Trees – Parkland and Pollards 3.10.1Torbay’s veteran trees are important. Ancient trees are known to support highly diverse

communities of invertebrates and lichens, including endangered (Red Data Book) species. The most important trees are over 200 years old with some more than 300 years old. New trees can be established but will not provide similar levels of conservation interest for many, possibly, hundreds of years.

3.11 Policies for Rural Trees and Private Woodland

Policy 45: The Council will encourage and support actions that will increase woodland cover in the area and will continue to take an active role in encouraging and commenting on Woodland Grant applications to the Forestry Authority.

Policy 46: The Council will encourage major woodland owners to adopt best practice

in the care of their woodlands, especially where those trees contribute to the character of the District.

Policy 47: The Council will promote the proper management of veteran trees by

provision of advice. Policy 48: The Council will promote the planting of trees and hedges to link existing

woodland to provide wildlife corridors. This will assist with the protection of biodiversity in the area

3.12 Actions for Rural Woodlands and Trees 3.12.1 Provide examples of existing woodland management undertaken and the existence of

woods which can act as examples of good practice.

3.12.2 Consult all interested individuals and organisations to discuss current concerns and opportunities over woodland management.

3.12.3 Secure closer liaison with the Countryside Commission, Forestry Commission and other organisations in order to discuss the targeting of grants.

Appendix - TBC

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Report No. : DAR/3/94 Title: TORBAY WOODLANDS : A WAY FORWARD Report By : DIRECTOR OF ARTS AND RECREATION To : LEISURE AND AMENITY COMMITTEE Date: 8th FEBRUARY, 1994 Executive Summary A report on the 750 acres of woodland owned by the Borough, giving an account of its history and development, its current status and proposals for its future management. The Borough has no overall strategy for its woodlands; such a strategy, set out in the action plan, is necessary for the effective management of this important landholding. Recommendation i) That, in order to render the Borough’s woodlands as safe and pleasant public open spaces, to

provide good landscape and wildlife value and to safeguard an improving timber crop, the measures set out in Report DAR/3/94 be adopted as an Action Plan for Woodland Management within the Borough.

ii) That in view of the favourable opportunity for funding a five year programme of silvicultural works

be drawn up in accordance therewith; and iii) That the Committee undertake a site visit to acquaint themselves with the effect of the measures

proposed. 1. Abstract 1.1 Torbay Borough Council’s woodland holding of 300 Ha, is described. The woodland’s value in

terms of public open space; as a landscape setting, which gives the Borough much of its character and enhances its attractiveness to residents and visitors; as valuable wildlife habitat, both on its own right and as a connection or corridor between other habitats; as an educational resource; and as a source of revenue and materials for the Borough Council, is outlined.

An overall policy towards the holding is outlined, touching on possible further expansion in addition to the treatment of the existing woods; this is then used to formulate management proposals followed by a review of sources of funding.

The report closes with appendices showing the woodland holding in the Borough, and giving a description of the work needed, with definitions.

2. Introduction

Due to the foresight of the Borough’s civic forefathers, Torbay Borough Council owns and manages a large and important woodland holding.

The bulk of the woodland has been managed in a very unintensive manner for a long time, with public safety and access the major priorities. Most of the woodland has been allowed to develop as high forest with little or no thinning; there is considerable invasion of weed tree species.

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The widespread devastation caused by the storms of January 1990 have forced a re—appraisal of the situation. This report aims to explain the proposals for the management of Torbay’s woods to maximise their value to the Borough, its residents and visitors. 2.2 The Setting

Torbay comprises 6270 hectares (15,500 acres) as a crescent shaped rind of coastal land around the bay itself, with a rural interior section bulging west into the South Hams.

It has a varied and rather extreme topography, ranging from rolling countryside through steep hill and valley land to extensive coastal cliffs. In addition there are low-lying areas of one-time saltmarsh, and beaches. The Borough has no rivers, but is traversed by many small streams running in narrow valleys.

The geology is complex, but the principal features are the limestone and other metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, with associated igneous material — Dolerites and Tuffs — which form the hard—wearing northern and southern headlands and the land running back west from them, with in between, the red sandstones and breccias of the centre of the bay, and the northern edge of the Borough.

These give rise to in general well drained sandy to sandy—clay calcareous loams, and it is these soils, together with the Bay’s topography and its mild maritime climate which gives the woodlands of Torbay their characteristic specification and interest.

2.3 A Description of the Holding 2.3.1 History

Devon and Cornwall were denuded of their primeval forest cover by man very early, in iron age times, so that by the time of Domesday Book (1086 AD) Devon had but 3.8% woodland cover, compared to a national average of 15%. The Torbay area once was even less wooded, with but 1.5% of its land area covered by woodland. (Rackham, 1976).

Things have improved since then; the Borough now has a total woodland area of 7.2%. This breaks down as 4.8% Borough owned, and 2.4% privately owned.

Some of the woodland can be classed as ancient/semi-natural woodland that is, land which has had uninterrupted tree cover for several centuries. Much of the Borough’s woodland is secondary woodland that is, it has arisen on land which was once something else; agricultural fields, quarries, coastal slopes, marshes, all of which are represented as woodland sites in the Borough. Because they are generally close to field hedgebanks or other remnant woodlands, these secondary woods quickly develop a rich flora. Lastly, a proportion of the Borough’s woodland comprises plantations; areas of land planted with exotic or non-native tree species. These may have been planted on previous woodland sites or on agricultural land. Appendix I lists the Borough’s woodlands.

2.3.2 The Borough’s holding comprises some 38 woodlands, ranging in size from the 108 Ha. of the

Torbay coastal woodland, to the 0.25 Ha. of Oxlea Copse.

Seven woodlands are large:- Torquay Coastal 108 Ha Manor Gardens/Lincombe Slopes 12 Ha Manscombe/Hellinghay 12 Ha Scadson/lO Acre Brake 37 Ha Round Down/Occombe 32 Ha Marridge/Elberry 11Ha The Grove/Ball Copse 26 Ha Total:- 240 Ha i.e 80% of the total

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The most heavily wooded areas are Coastal, North of Hopes Nose, and South of Elberry; and the valleys running inland from the sea —Cockington, Scadson, Occombe and the Grove. These woodlands are all associated at some point with agricultural or rural land, allowing them to act as important components of wildlife corridors or reservoirs.

The smaller woodlands are generally more associated with urban settings, and in some cases are entirely isolated by built up areas. Although this reduces their importance for wildlife, it increases their visual and public benefits.

2.3.3 Woodland Types

National Vegetation Classification (NVC)

A system of recording and classifying all the differing vegetation types found in the UK has been developed; the section relating to woodland types has been completed, and is a very useful tool, both for recording woodland types, and for providing the information necessary for choosing the correct speciation for a site. This is important both in terms of new and replanting, and in maintenance, since it allows decisions as to what species to favour to be taken correctly.

The NVC is coded, e.g. W8(A) refers to a particular sub—section of the W8 Ash—Hazel woodland type. Within the woodland surveys, the woodland type will always be referred to in NVC terms.

2.3.4 Torbay is the South—Western most example of a scarce and important class of woodland —

those growing on dry limestone geology. Other • Examples include the Mendips in Somerset, and the White Peak area of Derbyshire. The

characteristic tree cover of these woods comprises Ash—Field Maple, with a rich understorey and herb—layer. Other trees/shrubs associated with this type include Hazel, Elm, small leaved Lime, Spindle and native Privet. The type can include a very species—rich ground flora including orchids, spurge laurel, purple gromwell and woodspurge. Classed as W8a.

2.3.5 Other Woodland Types

The commonest woodland type in the Borough is also a NVC W8 — but W8d. This woodland is characterised by a species poor herb layer —primarily ivy — with Ash and Sycamore over as canopy species. Other species found in this type include Hawthorn and Hazel.

2.3.6 Also present in steep, long established woodland sites are areas of WlOe — Oak with some

Chestnut, occasional Ash/Sycamore, and an understorey including Hazel and Hawthorn, with an open feel, and a ground flora including violets, ferns, ivy, and grasses. On some sites this grades into WiOc, with bracken common in the ground flora, and Bramble/Honeysuckle present.

2.3.7 Wet Alder Woodland NVC W5c and W5b

Present on two sites, namely Stantor Linhay Woods and Ellacombe Plantation, Barton, shading into W8 communities in drier sections. A very rich herb layer, reflecting both the site’s previous speciation as a mire, before colonisation by trees, together with woodland species. A relatively fragile ecosystem, in the past valuable as a producer of Alder wood as coppice.

2.3.8 Recent Woodland

In much of the Borough there are areas of neglected/abandoned grassland which are going up into woodland, via a densely scrubby stage. In general these are characterised by Bramble/Blackthorn/ Elm scrub, converting to Ash/Sycamore or Ash/Sycamore/Thorn as a proper woodland develops. Elm may continue as a common component of the canopy.

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The herb layer is generally poor, but may contain relic species from its previous existence as grassland. 2.4 Condition of Holding

There are three viewpoints on the condition of our woodlands; Forestry, Nature Conservation, and Public Amenity. 2.4.1 Forestry

From this viewpoint, the Borough’s holding is neglected and in urgent need of work. There are some potentially good stands of timber —notably the Grove, Churston — both of broadleaves and conifers, but the majority of the stands are single—aged, underthinned and overmature; and if below maturity are often beyond the point where thinning would have any positive effects.

On younger stands, the canopy is again seriously underthinned, but there is the opportunity to respace the stands and improve their quality. There is a serious squirrel problem on some of the sites where sycamore is the dominant species.

Many sites have no usable access for extraction or forestry operations; and in some cases there is no possible access due to urban development and the sale of land at natural entrance points. On these sites, and on those with access, but with no usable material, the options would be thinning-to-waste, or firewood.

On sites with access, improving the quality of the stand may yield marketable material from thinnings, and this will defray the cost of the operation.

There are areas of coppice and coppice with standards — Ash/Oak with Hazel, and wet Alder coppice. These are overstored, and urgently need recoppicing; but there is little market for the available material. However, following a proper rotation, the Hazel will have a value for thatching spars, etc. Much of the coppice has too many standards over the Hazel. These need thinning out.

2.4.2 Nature Conservation

From the point of nature conservation, Torbay’s woodlands present a somewhat two-sided picture. One hand, they act as very important and valuable habitat, and often have a good speciation. For some creatures their neglect, and the resultant deadwood habitats, knot-holes, and old senescent hulks, are vital.

On the other hand, valuable grassland habitat is everywhere being threatened by natural conversion to species-poor secondary woodland, which is a trend that should be halted if possible; and many sections of woodland are dark, single-age stands with little understorey, and few glades or open areas.

Here the Forester and Nature Conservationist would be in harmony as to the need to thin some stands, carry out a programme of glading and opening out rides, cutting back the canopy, selectively felling coupes and replanting. In addition, some sections of the holding should be left unmanaged to provide the specialist habitats mentioned above.

2.4.3 Public Amenity

From this viewpoint too there is a dichotomy as regards our woodlands. One tendency would say that the woods are too dense — cut off views, not enough light underneath; but another tendency would protest loudly at the thought of cutting down trees in order to improve the holding. This latter viewpoint can generally be accommodated by public consultation or information prior to the work.

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A more serious, deep—seated viewpoint is that engendered amongst naturally tidy-minded people who feel that many of the woodland understorey and herb layer plants are ‘weeds’, and should be cleared away/cut back at regular intervals. This outlook is compounded by the Borough’s policy in the past of treating some woodlands as a type of urban park, and regularly carrying out such (unnecessary except visually, and often actually harmful in wildlife terms) cutting of grass and Bramble. A common remark is “you always used to cut so and so”. In time, education may reduce the strength of this attitude to some extent. Torbay’s woodlands, in general, being on calcareous and relatively fertile soils, naturally have a growthier, more unkempt appearance than woods on acid soils — such as Dartmoor Oak woodlands.

3. Current Problems 3.1 In a nutshell, the Borough’s woods are in urgent need of sensitive management; delay will

increase the problems highlighted above, and the cost of amelioration. Not actively managing our woodlands will mean that the Council is:

i) Failing in our duty as owners, to provide an interesting and varied amenity in conjunction with good quality wildlife habitat.

ii) Storing up problems of public safety, pest and disease damage, and large—scale loss of

woodland from windblow, with very high cost implications for the Borough.

iii) Presiding over the slow degradation of one of the Borough’s greatest landscape assets.

iv) Foregoing a potential source of income which will allow for further management, and an improvement in the quality of the Borough’s woods.

4. Objectives

As a reflex, everyone thinks woodlands are wonderful. Why? Why should the Council struggle to maintain this diverse holding? In blunt terms, what is in it for the Council?

The Council’s woodlands are important as and should be managed to provide:-

i) A landscape setting for the Bay and the Borough

ii) As open space for public and visitors

iii) As a habitat for wildlife - both plants and animals; and as a corridor between one habitat

and another (a wildlife corridor).

iv) As an educational resource for all ages, but especially for young people growing up in an increasingly urbanised world

v) As a source of material - timber, wood, coppice products, and woodchip for our own use

and for sale to offset some of the cost of the work of management.

In a broader context, our woodland acts as a sink for CO2. acting locally to combat a world-wide problem. 4.1 A Landscape Setting

Torbay is unusual in landscape terms in that, set out around a bay, much of the Borough is visible from a wide area within the Bay. In this context, a cursory glance shows the importance of the Borough’s woodlands in defining the setting of the Bay. In addition, specific sites - such as Chapel Woods - give an accent to the Borough when entering the town (although the principal landmark - the Chapel - is obscured by trees).

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4.2 Open Space

With the increase in casual recreation, and in public perception of the desirability of wildlife, the Borough’s woodlands, an important component of open space, will become more heavily used, and more valuable as a consequence.

Habitat for Wildlife 4.3. According to English Nature, Torbay is in the top ten British Districts in terms of the range and

variety of its specification. While much of this relates to grasslands, our woodlands include sites of outstanding wildlife interest — relics of a once more widespread flora. In addition, even recent secondary woodland acts as valuable and effective corridors between habitats, and between the coast and the rural hinterland.

4.4 Educational Resource

To young people in an urban (and increasingly urbanised) environment, wild land is a priceless asset for education, and for informal experimental leaning. School groups and others regularly become involved in projects and group work in our woods, and often an initial introduction is sufficient to change outlooks and lead to an appreciation of wild habitat.

4.5 A Source of Material

Our woodlands have provided a supply of saleable timber, firewood, and also provide wood/bark mulch as a byproduct of woodland operations. They have the potential to provide a greater and more regular supply of material, from coppice products (thatching spars, peasticks), -through poles, fencing material, to timber - in the sense of material that can be converted to planks and other dimension timber - and firewood from lower grade material, if we bring our woods into regular management.

4.6 As a CO2 sink.

Woodlands are an important absorber of CO2. This effect is greater in actively growing woodland than in agricultural land, and greater still in undisturbed ‘old growth’ woodland, where CO2 is locked up in the soil and litter layers as well as in the above-ground biomass of the woodland. Where harvesting is carried out, this should be to produce timber or wood products which lock up CO2 and which are not quickly burnt or allowed to rot (which re-releases the CO2 ).

The above are positive reasons for the retention and proper management of woodlands. Other reasons for continuing to manage our woodlands in a proper manner include: A way of providing the necessary amount of open space for public use, at a low cost per area relative to other types of public open space. After the initial investment, a potentially increasing financial return from produce, which can reduce the cost of maintenance to some extent.

An example of our commitment to conservation, wildlife, and ‘green’ issues. Improvement of the environment and landscape of the Borough A way of attracting grant aid into the Borough. Proper management will reduce the current load of emergencies and urgent requests for action, relating to trees in our ownership, by removing problems at an early stage.

Disadvantages — An initial perception that the Borough should not be cutting down trees. Some negative comments from members of the public. This can be counteracted by education, public consultation, and publicity.

Pressure on the Council to release the land for development as derelict or underused land. A negative effort on residents expecting a Council with an avowedly ‘green’ policy to act as responsible stewards of their resources.

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A STRATEGIC POLICY FOR TORBAY BOROUGH COUNCIL’S WOODLANDS Definition: The Councils adopted policy for Torbay’s woodlands will be: To manage the woodlands of Torbay for the Borough Council, to achieve the following aims:-

• Public recreation

• Good quality landscape interest

• High value wildlife habitat

• A source of timber and material To this end, and to manage the land resources vested in the Council, the following programme of work is necessary:-

• Survey all woodlands

• Draw up tables of the woods showing:- Origins, current condition, ecological robustness, interests, outstanding features, and public use

Write individual management plans for each woodland, dealing with woodlands by compartments Prioritise woodlands for work From the above, to draw up and implement an overall 5 year management schedule, covering all the woodlands. New Woodlands: To identify potential sites for new woodlands, on land where this will be an environmental improvement; to draw up planting plans, management plans, and apply for grant aid for their execution. Where appropriate, using the above information, apply for Woodland Grant Scheme from the Forestry Commission, and use the grant aid for the woodland’s designated management. Policies 6.1 Mature and Overmature Woodland WMP1 Carry out any work necessary for public safety; provide access for management. Retain

some compartments as overmature woodland for nature conservation benefits. WMP2 Clear sections of dense canopy over paths and streams to give a linear system of glades,

concentrating on south side of feature. To maximise light clear competitors from around any ancient trees/pollards. To retain ecologically valuable grassland habitat by combating scrub encroachment.

WMP3 Glade areas, to provide gaps in canopy on a small (approximately 1O—30m) scale,

favouring areas with good potential regeneration. WMP4 On plantation sites such as the Grove, fell coupes of up to 2 Ha. leaving broadleaved

trees standing at a wide spacing, to provide a visual link, a habitat refuge, and seed trees for regeneration.

WMP5 Replant to favour broadleaves appropriate to the site. WMP6 Fell sections on a group selection basis in more sheltered areas (coupe sizes 18—50m

on axes) extract and sell produce, and replant site using individual shelters on trees. WMP6(a) On selected areas, carry out this system on a nominal eighty year cycle, with fellings at 5 year intervals. WMP6(b) Carry out such a felling programme on a rolling basis throughout those sections of woodlands amenable to the treatment.

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6.2 Younger Stands WMP7 Carry out a regular programme of thinning, favouring desirable species (Oak, Ash, Chestnut) to maximise yield class of stand. Respace young regeneration as above. WMP8 Where a stand has a poor speciation enrichment under a shelterwood or group selection system should be carried out. This comprises thinning or glading the existing stand and planting desirable species — oak, Chestnut — and encouraging natural regeneration of Ash. 6.3 Coppice Areas WMP9 Thin standards to 50—60 stems/Ha (13m spacing), favouring species as above. Divide areas into coupes or panels of not less than O.25Ha and preferably 0.5Ha. Cut and work up material from stools, selling material to thatchers, hurdle—makers, etc. (there is currently a brisk market for such material). At the same time thin overstorey to spacing above, selecting best specimens with a range of ages. WMP1O Where coppice stools and standards are too sparse, and it is not possible to provide appropriate species by thinning, then planting of replacements to be carried out in autumn. Species to be chosen according to the NVC of the woodland, and potential for useable coppice. WMP11 Maintain new plantings by beating up any losses of trees, and weed control by herbicide application to keep a 1m circle round each tree. Paths to be maintained clear 1m either side, and in early years, grass/herbiage to be cut between trees. Any potential sites for planting to be prepared by suitable scrub/vegetation clearance prior to planting. WMP12 Public Information and involvement. Provide information/interpretation boards, at major sites and at any site where work is to be carried out; involve the public in the work as consultees or volunteers - bearing in mind the amount of already overstretched officer time that this uses. 7. SOURCES OF FUNDING

Most woodland is in hard financial terms uneconomic. With Torbay’s woodlands this is even more true, due to the public access/sensitive management requirements, the fact that timber production is low on the list of priorities, and the impossibility of sporting use of the woods - the main alternative source of income for private woodlands.

Since the last war, most private forestry was financed under the deliberately favourable ‘Schedule D’ taxation scheme which allowed owners to artificially undervalue their holdings. When this was withdrawn by Her Majesty’s Government in the late 1980’s the effect on private forestry was devastating.

The finance now available is in the form of:

i) A revenue budget for the Department of Arts and Recreation specifically for woodlands.

ii) Grant aid under the Woodland Grant Scheme of the Forestry Commission - with the

community woodland supplement for publicly used woodlands. This has been claimed on one area of woodland, but the scheme is currently not being funded.

(This money had to be negotiated for against agreed management plans which follow

good silvicultural practice, in terms of thinning, pest control, and harvesting. The grants for management are not generous; £35-£45 per hectare/year. To put this in perspective,

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this would allow less than 1/2 man-day’s work/hectare per year, i.e. a little bit of thinning or felling).

iii) Sale of materials. One or two of our sites have quantities of saleable timber on them, but

on the whole, the bulk of our woodlands have material fit only for pulpwood or firewood; and, given the access, generally only firewood. Any income from produce in the short—term will therefore be low and irregular; but as the Borough’s woodland holding improves in quality, and if we continue to construct vehicle access to sites, the potential to generate income will rise.

iv) Traditionally, income from timber has always gone back into the maintenance budget for

the woodlands; given the small size of such income, but its large effect on a small budget such as that for woodland management, this practice should be retained.

9. CONCLUSIONS

9.1 In order to render the Borough’s woodlands a safe and pleasant public open space, with good landscape and wildlife value, and an improving timber crop, regular management work is necessary on the majority of our woodlands.

To facilitate this, the management plans being prepared will give specific details on work on a site-by-site basis. This detail is then prioritised and drawn together to give an overall management programme for the Bay. Whilst 5 years is a short time in woodland terms, it is in Local Authority context the longest time that a programme could reasonably be left without a review. If satisfactory, the assumption would be a straightforward continuation of the plan, taking into account results already achieved.

9.2 It may appear from the above, that having lost many trees in the storms, we are proposing to cut even more down; but without ceaseless work of this kind, woodland degenerates to an impenetrable tangle with considerable associated danger and little interest; whilst open space associated with woodland, which is very important as a feature and habitat in its own right, degenerates to scrub and then to poor quality secondary woodland.

It is a matter of record that there is more woodland in Torbay than was present two centuries ago; changing land use has seen to this, and has given us an asset unmatched in other coastal resort areas; we must enhance and preserve this asset.

ROBERT J SWEET RB/SU Director of Arts and Recreation 19th January, 1994

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Torquay Coastal Woodland 108 Ha Brunel Woods 4.5 Penny’s Hill 1 Daison Woods 3 Windmill Hill 2 Warberry Copse 5 Oxlea Copse 0.25 Manor Gardens/Lincombe Woods 12 Chapel Woods 3 Rainbow Drive 1 Markham Plantation 0.6 Fruit Farm Copse 0.6 Little and Great Cockington Woods 0.8 Thornhill Brake 1.8 Cockington Churchwood 0.8 (excludes arboretum) Manscombe/Hellinghay Plantation 12 Scadson/lO Acre Brake 37 Hollicombe Round Hill 1.5 Shorton Woods 0.4 Stantor Linhay 2.6 Round Down/Occombe Woods 32 Preston Fields Plantation 0.4 Queenswood 2 Claylands 2.7 Yalberton 1.6 Whiterock Copse 0.3 Goodrington Fields 0.7 Grange Road 2.0 Tor Rocks 1.2 Elberry 0.9 Galmpton/Warborough/Brunel Road 2.6 Marriage Woods 10 Ball Copse 2.2 The Grove 23.8 Battery Grounds/Fishcombe 3.5 Summercourt 0.2 Berry Head 7.0 Sharkham Point 2.5 Pitts Fields 2.8 Total 296 Ha (735 Acres) To come into our management Furzebrake/Welsbury Covert 3.2 Ellacombe Plantation Woodland Management 5 years on (original committee Feb 1994) Executive Summary: The progress of the first 5-year management plan for Torbay's Woodlands is reviewed, and suggestions made for the execution of the succeeding 5-year plan. Recommendation: That the report is noted, and the recommendations for the next 5-year plan be adopted.

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Background: Following the adoption by Leisure and Committee of the Management Document DAR/3/94, entitled 'Torbay's Woods - the Way Forward', we review below the progress made during the first five-year programme in the implementation of the above plan's recommendations. Briefly, the document gave a description of the Council's woodland holding, discussed the ways in which woodland was of value to the Borough, and outlined a strategy for their management. It then laid out general management proposals for the woodlands on the basis of their age and type, stated that the woodlands should have management plans written for them, and that a five year cycle of management based on these plans be carried out for each wood. The report was adopted by committee, who recommended that the woods be surveyed, and management plans written for them and carried out, so as to achieve the aims of the report. 1) Woodland Surveys and Management Plans Have been completed for 27 woods, a total of 86% by area and 65 % by number 2 Woodland Management

Over the past five year period, the adoption of the above Action Plan have allowed a coherent approach to woodland management to be taken. Details for individual sites are laid out below; and show that over our most important woods, the regular management that has been undertaken has resulted in an improvement in the condition of our woodland holding. Before any major work has been carried out, public consultation has taken place, together with site visits for interested parties. This has resulted in a good rapport being built up with woodland users and neighbouring residents.

3) Work in individual Woodlands

For the Purposes of Management, Woodlands have been divided into compartments; where there is a small woodland immediately adjacent to a larger one, the former is treated as a compartment of the larger. Where there are small woodlands isolated from others, these are treated individually, but listed below within the grouping of 'smaller woods'. Other than this, woods are listed in order running from North to South, with their areas given in Hectares (Ha). Our woodland holding is listed below, with an outline of the management plan, where one has been written, and details of the work carried out over the last 5 year period.

Major Woodlands Torquay Area: Torquay Coastal Woodlands 108 Ha Projected management: Selectively thin areas; clear views; fell and remove dangerous trees; replant where necessary. In areas where species-rich grass/herb habitats are being encroached on by scrub, clear scrub to retain grassland. Achieved: All the above. Brunel Woods 6.0Ha A listed Historic Garden, devastated by the storms of January 1990, and rehabilitated by the Council using capital voted by members, matched by grant-aid from the Task Force Trees programme. Following clearance and replanting, we have managed the site to ensure a good 'take' of new stock; we are continuing to clear and replant areas, monitoring mature trees for safety, and carrying out surgery/removal of trees as necessary. The woods are now growing on well following great difficulties in getting replacement plantings to establish. Ellacombe Plantation 1.4Ha no management plan has yet been written for this wood, and the only works carried out have been minor safety work.

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Warberry Copse 4.5Ha a very visible urban woodland, devastated by the storms of January 1990. Following clearance and replanting, the site has been managed a) to ensure the successful establishment of the replanting, and b) to continue the safe management of the remaining mature trees on the site. This has comprised safety work, the retention of dead trees for birds and wildlife where possible, upgrading of the path network in some areas, the construction of a pond at the lower edge of the wood, and the ongoing maintenance of the areas of mature tree cover, with clearance and replanting new trees below, and appropriate work to mature trees as necessary. The original replanting of 1991 has established well, and works now being carried out (2001) include tending the young plantings, clearing paths, and inspecting and carrying out safety work to mature trees. Manor/Lincombe Woods 15.4Ha Managed to different prescriptions in each section: a) Manor Woods. A Victorian woodland garden, with sea views and an extensive network of paths set in a matrix of large trees characteristic of the period, the majority now at maturity. Management comprises a combination of safety work, Laurel control, and the clearance and replanting of areas with appropriate trees species. In addition, views from seats and viewpoints have been opened up, and work done to repair the paths and steps on the site. b) Lincombe slopes. Secondary woodland with some relic trees from field boundaries, etc. management to date has comprised bracken control, clearance and replanting of discrete areas, a programme of thinning-to-waste in two compartments above the playing fields, and the removal of competing trees from around ancient specimen trees. Squirrel damage is a problem on this site. Chapel Woods/ Rainbow Drive 4.5Ha Chapel Woods has been managed for safety, with the removal of hazardous trees adjacent to paths and boundaries, together with a small amount of replanting. In addition, where possible trees have been removed to open out views of the historic Chapel. In 2000, a programme of selective thinning-to-waste of the young understorey and replacement tree stock was carried out, to provide good-quality stems in the growing stock. Rainbow Drive is covered by a TPO; accordingly, management is restricted to safety work, and where appropriate the removal of dead/dying/dangerous trees. Because a good proportion of the larch on site were dead or dying, it was possible to fell and sell a good quantity of timber from this site, the value of the timber compensating for the cost of the work. subsequent to this, replacement planting was carried out and is being maintained. In addition, in 1999, the fields below the drive were planted with a mixture of Douglas fir in the main body, and oak/chestnut at the N and S ends of the site. Following weeding and beating-up, the trees are now(2001) starting to establish and grow away despite strong competition. Scadson / Ten Acre Brake/Round Hill Hollicombe 36.5Ha An important series of woodlands, forming a link between the coast and the rural hinterland. The woods are a mixture of secondary, regenerated stands with planted areas; in addition, it is likely that the lower part of compt 7 is ancient semi-natural. The management plan written for the woods comprised three main themes: clear storm damaged areas; thin maturing stands, removing sycamore to favour Ash, Oak and Hazel, and the regeneration of areas of the wood by both planting, and the selection of appropriate regeneration. The above targets have been largely achieved, notably a thinning programme in compts 12 and 13, and selective felling to encourage the growth of ash regeneration in compts 11 and 16, together with other works over and above the original management plan: the installation of a dam to the stream in compt 6, providing a valuable wildlife habitat; the clearance and sale of timber from trees damaged by fire, followed by the replanting of the area and its maintenance. (2001) the replanted, fire-damaged area has established; thinning work has been carried out in compts 12 and 13, to respace semi-suppressed Ash. Negotiation with an off-road cycle club has resulted in the laying out of a track that they can use, around the original Scadson Plantation. An ancient track has been cleared from Cockington Lane down to the stream, and other tracks in the wood have been improved. Replanting was carried out in compts 4,8,11,and 12. That in compts 4 and 8 was severely

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damaged by browsing by farm animals escaping from the adjacent agricultural land, managed by a farmer under an agreement with the Coast and Countryside Trust. Round Down/Occombe/Preston plantation 28Ha One of the Bay's most important woodlands, forming a link between the coast and the rural hinterland. It is likely that part of the woods are ancient semi-natural, surrounded by plantation stands, and naturally regenerated agricultural land. The management plan written for the woods comprised three main themes: clear storm damaged areas; thin maturing stands, removing sycamore to favour Ash, Oak and Hazel, and the regeneration of areas of the wood by both planting, and the selection of appropriate regeneration. The above targets have been largely achieved, together with other work over and above the original management plan: the installation of a bridge over the stream in compt 11, allowing management access to compts 10 and 11; the reworking of coppice in compts 2,3, and 8, and the felling and replanting of the senescent larch stand in compt 20. (2001)This woodland has now been taken over by the Coast and Countryside Trust; it is not known what management is taking place, other than safety work. Stantor Linhay 2.6Ha Part of the Occombe SSSI, comprising a wet alder wood, and a mixed broadleaf stand adjacent. Its primary importance is as a habitat; little management is currently necessary. Queenswood 2Ha A new planted broadleaf wood on the site of the old primley allotments; planted to mark the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth. It has established well and is under active management with formative pruning, weed control, and path maintenance. Due to its proximity to Primley woods, parts are rapidly acquiring a woodland ground flora - together with less welcome additions in the form of rapid natural regeneration of Turkey Oak in one section. Grange Road 2.0Ha Woodland forming part of the Grange Fields Open Space; current management is for public safety only. Galmpton Warborough Woods 2.6Ha A fringe of naturally regenerated native broadleaf woodland, mostly Ash/Sycamore overstorey with hazel beneath, on the Northern edge of the common. Very important as a landscape feature, and with a species-rich understorey characteristic of base-rich soils. Management comprises regular inspection and safety work along the lower edge, together with thinning of areas of the main body of the wood. Marridge/Elberry 18.2Ha A coastal woodland, comprising two distinct compartments: Elberry wood is a Victorian plantation, comprising beech, sweet chestnut, and ash/sycamore. Managed by thinning and small group fellings to encourage regeneration. Marridge woods are mostly natural regeneration, with some evidence of earlier planting. Management is aimed at opening views for the coastal footpath, while maintaining a healthy stand of trees. To this end, a programme of small group fellings, and thinning to favour natural regeneration of ash is taking place. The Grove/ Ball Copse 29.2Ha An ancient semi-natural woodland, cut over and replanted post war, with a larch/sweet chestnut mix. The site is being actively managed, with two aims: 1) to improve the quality of the ancient woodland flora. 2) to ensure the growth of good quality timber trees. Management has included the felling of a stand of larch and the replanting of native broadleaves; the selective thinning of the lower compartments of the wood - the sale of timber from these thinnings covering the cost of the work -and the selective removal of competing trees from around specimens of rare whitebeams in the wood. Battery/Fishcombe 3.5Ha Woodland to the edge of Battery Gardens in Brixham. Management has comprised the opening of views to seaward from the path, and safety work in the remainder of the wood.

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Berry Head 5.5Ha The woodland on Berry Head is secondary, and much of it is on areas which are of greater botanical value as open habitats. Accordingly, management here has comprised the removal of scrub encroachment and regenerating woodland, together with thinning of the most established section to encourage the ground flora. Sharkham 2.5Ha A poor quality stand of natural regen, more scrub than woodland. There is no practical reason for management of the area, so it is being left as it is for the present. Cockington Woods: Introduction. The Cockington Area woods comprise the plantations and copses within the Cockington Valley itself, as listed below. The management of these woods was discussed with the Countryside section prior to management plans being written; and ranges from a programme of gradual conversion of a part softwood stand to hardwoods - Manscombe - through the creation of a new woodlands - Quarry Woods, Warren Barn Woods - to deliberate non-intervention - Thornhill Brake. The aim in all these sites is to maximise the wildlife and visitor interest of the woods where the two are mutually compatible. The smaller sites are managed to ensure continuity of appropriate woodland cover on the sites, principally as landscape features with wildlife interest a secondary theme. Because of the rural skills element of Cockington, some of the plantings are intended to provide materials - Hazel and Chestnut coppice - for these crafts. Cockington Countryside Trust: with the establishment of the Trust, the woodland management plans listed for the areas have been agreed; and the current view is that the Arboricultural section will continue to manage the woods on behalf of the Trust. Manscombe Plantation/Hellinghay 10.6Ha The management plan for this site concentrated on clearance and replanting of storm-damaged areas, including the provision of management access; the gradual thinning of the single-age larch stand; thinning and singling of the broadleaved areas below Broadley Drive; the gradual conversion of the Cypress stands to broadleaved plantings; and the provision of timber and coppice material for craftspeople at Cockington. Much of this has been achieved, though the Cockington management committee was unwilling to allow the thinning programme to start at this time. In addition, a new wood has been created (see below). Thornhill Brake 1.4Ha Safety work together with a small amount of planting in and area of windblow which had not started to regenerate. Little and Great Cockington Woods 0.8Ha Little Cockington wood is the larger; managed to ensure continuous cover; 'Great' Cockington wood no longer exists as such, having been eradicated by the Gallows Gate Marldon Road/Ring Road junction. All that remains is some roadside replanting. Churchwood 0.8Ha Managed as a stand of exotic trees and understorey shrubs as a part of the Arboretum in a woodland rather than parkland setting. Fruit Farm Copse 0.6Ha A derelict conifer plantation, made safe and replanted/extended with broadleaves, including Chestnut for coppice. Quarry Woods 2.8Ha A small section of mature woodland, running into abandoned agricultural fields with natural regeneration; these have been enriched by new planting, to give a mixed-age stand with glades and edge habitats ideal for wildlife, and a path network installed. Made possible by the generosity of a local charitable organisation, the Soroptomists. Warren Barn Woods 2.3 Ha

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A new plantation, financed by Forestry Commission Woodland Grant Scheme, part planted by volunteers. Has established well following regular beat-ups and maintenance. Managed with the aim of producing useful timber as well as recreational and wildlife benefits, by pruning selected trees for eventual timber production. Current management costs are defrayed to some extent by donations from the public, the woods being the South-West's site for the national Family Tree Scheme, operated by the Tree Council. Smaller Woods in Torbay The general management practices for all the smaller woods listed below comprises safety work, and the maintenance of paths. Where more detailed management has been carried out, details are given adjacent to the site. Torquay Small Woods: Penny's Hill/Stantaway 1.3Ha A programme of thinning-to-waste, to improve the stand structure, has been carried out, together with work to open out views of the Natural Arch, and the restoration of a path network within the wood. Daison Woods 3.0Ha Windmill Hill 2.0Ha Oxlea Copse 0.25Ha Severely storm-damaged in January 1990, the site was replanted, and most work since has involved maintenance of the new planting Markham Plantation 0.8Ha One third of the stand was felled two years ago and replanted; management is based on the eventual felling and replanting of the entire plantation, to give a more uneven age-structure. Ashelden Copse 0.8Ha Paignton Small Woods: Shorton Wood 0.65HA Claylands/Yalberton 2.5Ha Lancaster Drive 1.1Ha Whiterock copse 0.3Ha Is not accessible to the public; has in the past been managed as a visual feature, and as an educational asset for the adjacent school. It is currently being transferred to the school, as the main users of the site. Goodrington Fields 0.7Ha Tor Rocks 1.2Ha Brixham Small Woods Summercombe 0.2Ha A new planting some 8 years ago; managed to ensure its establishment. Penpethy Copse 0.2Ha Managed by the Council, there is some question as to its ownership, which is being investigated. Grant-Aid and Squirrels A proportion of the Council's woods would be eligible for the Forestry Commission WGS (Woodland Grant Scheme). At about the time of the above report, Recreation Committee considered the possibility of applying for such grants. Discussion with Forestry Commission was initiated, which led to the information that in order to be eligible for such grants, the woodland owner had to show that they were

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managing the woods for the proper production of timber. A critical part of this requirement was the need for vermin control. Squirrels can cause a great deal of damage, especially to broadleaved trees, notably beech and sycamore, but also to other species. By stripping bark from trees when they are semi-mature, squirrels cause poor growth, death of the tops of trees, and staining of timber. The damage is generally sufficient to downgrade the timber quality to pulp or firewood. Currently market for hardwood pulp is poor, and prices for pulp and firewood are equivalent. In financial terms, therefore, squirrel damage results in a reduction of timber value from around £65 to around £12 per cubic metre. Because the WGS grants offered by FC are designed primarily to encourage the production of timber, said grants are only payable where an owner can demonstrate that vermin control is in operation. In the case of squirrels, this involves either poisoning with Warfarin treated grain, delivered by hoppers which are not readily entered by other animals; or by live trapping followed by the humane killing of trapped squirrels. Following a discussion of the above, the then Recreation Committee agreed that where damage from squirrels was evident in our woods, a programme of control could be instituted. The matter was reported in the press, and was very unpopular. Large petitions condemning the proposal were handed in to Council, and the then chairman of Recreation Committee received death threats - presumably from animal liberationists. We were informed that the Council could not be seen to go forward with such a policy. Accordingly, apart from new plantings, the Council has been unable to gain grant aid for woodland management. The Council's financial position is no better now than it was five years ago; but given the above constraint, it appears unlikely that WGS grants will be available. Implications of the formation of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Extensive discussion of the management of woodlands took place during the run-up to the formation of the Trust; the position agreed was that the Council's Arboricultural section would continue to manage woodlands transferring to the Trust, but on behalf of the Trust rather than the Council. A report on the woods being transferred has been prepared for the Trust. In the medium to long term, it is important that the management aims of multi-purpose forestry be continued in those woods transferred - that is, that they are managed for a variety of benefits, including public recreation, landscape importance, wildlife habitat, education, and the production of timber and woodland products. Legal, Personnel, and Financial implications. As the report recommends a continuation of an existing management system for a further 5 year period, it is unlikely that this will have implications for the above. As in the past, woodland provides public open space at low cost. Environmental, Sustainability and other Corporate Policy Implications The management of the Council's woodlands for a range of environmental benefits, is listed in .4 above. Other environmental benefits include, on a wider perspective, the associated benefits of growing woodlands: carbon sequestration, helping to combat global warming; the absorption of noise and pollutants; the beneficial effects of woodland on hydrological management, by buffering stream flow responses to rainfall, and the local production of materials for local uses. Conclusion: 1) Overall: that the next plan period be initiated, with the management plans for individual woods being updated as appropriate 2) That the following specific alterations be made: The deletion of references to the Woodland Grant Scheme, in view of our inability to control vermin.

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3) That following the successful conclusion of the 1st 5-year plan, the Council continue to manage their woodland holding according to the principles for a further 5 year period, with a similar review at the end of that period. Contact officer: Rupert Baker Extension: 7970

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TREE AND WOODLAND STRATEGY 2003 - 2008 - Torbay€¦ · TREE AND WOODLAND STRATEGY 2003 - 2008. APPENDIX 1 ... landscape features such as avenues, ... and for decisions on privately