Erection of forestry services building to support existing business on site

Erection of a forestry building

Prior approval for the erection of a building for forestry use

The South Eastern half of the Foxelwood gardens is made up of a mixed broadleaf and conifer woodland; the northern section contains a number of specimen trees including Giant Sequoia, Ash, Willow, Elm and a selection of top fruit trees (predominately damson).this section takes on the appearance of an arboretum and remains open with mown grass. Only minor tree works are proposed within this area through the removal of elder, ash trees showing evidence of dieback and the removal of suppressed trees particularly damson along the western boundary. The southern section which makes up approximately two thirds of woodland consists of dense semi mature ash, elder, willow and damson. As there has been little work undertaken within this southern section for at least 30 years it is now considered that the woodland is heavily overstocked resulting in suppression of subdominant trees and restricting the development of trees my client wishes to retain. Following a detailed survey a silvicultural selective thin is now required in order to safeguard dominant specimens and allow the woodland to develop into full maturity. This will require the removal of 30% by volume of standing material in line with the UK Forestry Standard. During the felling operation improved access will also be undertaken through the creation of a network of informal footpaths. It is also intended to fell a small clearing of approximately 20 m x 20m to allow enough light onto the forest floor for replanting and the commence a succession programme and establish the next generation of trees. English oak, wild cherry, hornbeam hazel and hawthorn will be used for restocking planted at 2mx2m.