W1 Objective: To maintain existing extent of woodland and particularly ancient woodland
Rationale: to maintain irreplaceable habitats for biodiversity, to maintain a key component of the cultural landscape, and to maintain contribution to carbon storage.
Indicator of success
i) no further loss of ancient woodland
Targets for 2014
a) no loss of ancient woodland from 2004 baseline
b) planning applications complying with PPS9
W2 Objective: To enhance the ecological functioning of woodland at a landscape scale
Rationale: to increase the viability of the woodland habitat for wildlife, by identifying and extending the area of appropriately managed woodland to link and enhance isolated habitats and species populations, providing greater connectivity between woodlands and other important wildlife areas, and helping to facilitate species’ response to climate change.
Indicator of success
i) favourable condition for wildlife achieved in important woodland areas, focusing on appropriate management for key habitats and species
ii) increase in connectivity
iii) appropriate restoration of
Plantations on Ancient
Woodland
iv) increase in woodland sites
under active management
Targets for 2014
a) The extent of key woodland types and UK BAP priority woodland habitats identified and mapped
b) appropriate advice and support mechanisms in place for key woodland habitats and species
c) decline in key species reversed through landscape-scale species analysis, leading to focussed management in critical areas
d) relevant Habitat Action Plan commitments fulfilled by partner organisations
e) landscape-scale management strategies for damaging and/or invasive species agreed
f) supporting ecological information for Ancient Woodland Inventory sites registered with Local Record Centres
g) identify key mechanisms for, and potential of, actions to increase habitat connectivity at a landscape scale
h) best practice forestry guidelines regarding implementation of EU habitat regulations (e.g. bats, dormice, newts)
i) 90% of PAWS sites being gradually restored and in grant schemes and/or with site management plans
j) Promotion and advice in support of Forestry Commission grants and management plans targeted in High Weald woodland.
k) Application of research to understand the role of trees and woodlands in a changing climate and impact of climate change on them (including the protection of soil and water resources; carbon storage; habitat connectivity and green infrastructure) to land management polices and practices