Delbury Woodland Management 15 year plan

Delbury Estate have submitted a 15 year plan to the Forestry Commission, the plan has been developed by Bronwin & Abbey - www.bronwin.co.uk

The 15 year plan details here

Further comments from

Adrian Beaumont

Woodland Officer

07795 475862

Woodland Officer for South Shropshire, North Herefordshire ,Northwest Worcestershire.

FLOOD RISK and potential damage to property;-

The application proposes phased felling and restocking over a ten-year period rather than the removal of all tree cover at one time. The potential effects on soil stability, water management and the wider environment will be considered as part of the assessment process in accordance with UKFS requirements.

ACCESS FOR FORESTRY OPERATIONS

This assessment is the responsibility of the landowner, agent, and contractor. They should determine the most appropriate type of vehicle and transport arrangements for forestry operations, taking into account the suitability of the public road network and any relevant highway constraints.

NATURAL HABITAT.

We recognise your concerns regarding woodland habitats . All forestry operations must be carried out in accordance with relevant wildlife and environmental legislation. As part of the Forestry Commission's assessment process, the proposed felling and restocking operations will be considered against the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), including its provisions relating to biodiversity, protected species, habitat conservation and environmental protection. Where necessary, measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate environmental impacts will be incorporated into the approval conditions.

LANDSCAPE

We acknowledge your concerns regarding the potential visual impact of felling within this sensitive National Landscape and the contribution this woodland makes to the wider setting of Corvedale and Wenlock Edge. As part of the assessment process, the Forestry Commission will consider the design of the proposed operation, including felling coupe size, the retention of woodland cover, and restocking proposals, against the landscape requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS). The aim is to ensure that landscape character is appropriately considered and that adverse visual effects are minimised where practicable.

I would like to highlight that, as the Forestry Commission, our role is to regulate and assess compliance with the relevant forestry legislation and permissions. Responsibility for planning and carrying out the work, including the methods employed and adherence to recognised industry best practice, rests with the landowner and/or their appointed agent or contractor.

Whilst we can provide guidance on our regulatory requirements, we are not responsible for directing, supervising, or approving the operational methods used to undertake the work.

I hope this clarifies the Forestry Commission's role and position in this matter and as it stands the application is UKFS compliant.

If you'd like to take this matter further this is the link to the complaints procedure https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission/about/complaints-procedure