Starting Monday 9 July
The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is to deliver a series of workshops promoting sustainable woodland management.
The first, looking at Woodland Management for Biodiversity will be on Monday 9th July at the Calcot Centre, Reading. The workshops are suitable for woodland owners and managers, private forestry contractors and employees, land agents, game managers, conservation professionals and community groups currently managing woodlands. Woodland biodiversity is a valued component of sustainable forests, providing interest and delight for visitors. Getting its management right is essential for the health of woodland ecosystems and economic viability.
23,300 hectares or just over 13% of the North Wessex Downs AONB is wooded. Over a third of this is ancient in origin and over 45% has either a national or local designation for its particular wildlife value. Perhaps most significantly, our research has identified that only 44% of this woodland is under active management.
Delivered by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and using recognised experts from a range of backgrounds, topics will include:
• Principles of woodland management
• Integrating game and wildlife management
• Threats and risks of management activities
• Sources of advice and grant funding
Further workshops will focus on economic issues and managing for cultural and historical significance.
For further information or to book a place please call Amanda Ingham of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on 01256 381186 or email amandai@hwt.org.uk by Wednesday 4th July.
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