Woodland Creation Method Statement - University of Kent · PDF fileWoodland Creation Method...

Woodland Creation Method Statement

School of mathematics, statistics actuarial science and business

school for University of Kent

Prepared by LUC

October 2014

Planning & EIA Design Landscape Planning Landscape Management Ecology Mapping & Visualisation

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Land Use Consultants Ltd Registered in England Registered number: 2549296 Registered Office: 43 Chalton Street London NW1 1JD

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Project Title: Woodland creation method statement

Client: University of Kent

Version Date Version Details Prepared by Checked by Approved by

1 10

September

2014

Draft for comment Matthew

Parkhill

Eric Heath Eric Heath

2 18

September

2014

Issue Matthew

Parkhill

Eric Heath Eric Heath

3 2 October

2014

Reissue following

comments

Eric Heath Eric Heath Eric Heath

S:\6000\6087 University of Kent Ancient Woodlands\B Project Working\Woodland Creation Method

Statement.docx

Woodland Creation Method Statement 1 September 2014

Woodland creation method statement

1.1 This method statement outlines the approach that will be taken to deliver the woodland

compensation planting (Area 4) associated with the construction of the proposed academic

buildings for the Kent Business School and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science

at the University of Kent Canterbury Campus. It has been prepared based on the information

provided within the Proposed Ancient Woodland Compensation Planting Plan (Fabrik drawing

D2144 L.150) which can be seen in Appendix 1.

Site description

1.2 The area identified for the woodland compensation planting is located to the north west of the

proposed Parkwood development site within the Canterbury Campus (see Figure 1.2 below). The

site is located within the undulating High Weald to the north of Canterbury and covers an area of

approximately 2.34ha. The south facing slope falls from 65m to 55m above sea level and is

currently managed for the production of arable crops.

1.3 A stream flows west to east along the southern boundary and a triangular compartment of ancient

woodland extends southwards from the stream. The site is bound by native hedgerow with trees

to the north and east and an area of deciduous woodland to the west. The settlement of Blean

and the A290 road is located to the west. The site is crossed by public footpaths along the

southern and east boundaries. A pylon extends north to south through the centre of the site.


Figure 1.1: Location of proposed woodland compensation planting


1.4 The proposals for the woodland creation are shown in Figure 1.2 below. This includes the

following:

2.34ha of new native woodland

Proposed 10m wide strip of native understory planting beneath pylons and overhead cables

10m wide strip of native understory planting to eastern boudary

6m width of grassland extended to public right of way to southern boundary

Figure 1.2: Proposals for the woodland creation1

Proposed method

1.5 The following section provides details of the approach which will be adopted for the creation of the

compensation woodland at the University of Kent, Canterbury Campus. The planting of the

woodland will aim to establish natural and structurally diverse deciduous woodland which provides

valuable cover for wildlife.

1Taken from Fabrik drawing number D2144 L.150


Pre-planting preparation

Soil analysis

1.6 The planting substrates will be tested by a reputable laboratory soil consultant to find out its

suitability for growing the proposed woodland planting mix. Any recommendations from soil

consultants for improvements in the soils will inform the following preparatory works.

Soil preparation for all areas

1.7 The existing arable crops will be cut to ground level with in late spring/ early summer with all

arisings removed from site. Ploughing will be carried out immediately after clearance of the

vegetation to a depth of 250mm, burying the remaining stubs of the arable crop. Ploughing will

not be carried out when the soil is wet to avoid compaction of soil, to create friable clods and to

prevent smearing of the subsoil.

1.8 Following ploughing large stones and all other deleterious matter will be collected and removed

from site. The area will then be left for 3-4 months to allow for the ground to settle. Weeds are

to be removed during this period through light cultivation.

1.9 An approved systemic herbicide may be used if pernicious or invasive weeds are present. This

will be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and will be applied to the

pernicious/ invasive weed only. The area will be kept free from harmful and competitive weeds

when planting takes place in late autumn/early winter.

1.10 Final cultivation will be carried out in late autumn/ early winter using a harrow to break up the top

25mm to break up any remaining clods and to create a fine tilth. The seedbed should be fine and

firm and not too deep. The final surface will be graded to smooth flowing levels removing any

large boulders or any other deleterious matter. Cultivation works will be carried out carefully to

avoid compaction of the soil.

1.11 The current agricultural use of the site suggests the topsoil contains sufficient levels of nutrients

to establish the proposed trees and shrubs. It is therefore unlikely any fertiliser will need to be

applied prior to planting. However this will be confirmed by the results of the soil analysis.

Planting specification

Trees and shrubs

1.12 All planting will be carried out in late autumn/ early winter when soil and weather conditions are

suitable to allow for best chances of establishment. Planting will not be carried out during strong

winds or when ground is frozen.

1.13 Species will be of local provenance using local suppliers and ordered well in advance of planting to

ensure availability of stock. The planting stock shall be of high quality and will be inspected prior

to being purchased and planted. Good, well-grown plants should be sturdy, with a healthy

leading shoot, and will have been moved within two years ensuring a compact and fibrous root

system. All plants will be free from pests, diseases, discoloration, weeds and physiological

disorders.

1.14 All plants will be protected from frost and will be handled with care. Where required, plants will

be protected from mechanical damage and not subjected to shock e.g. dropping from a vehicle.

1.15 Trees will be planted at 2m spacing and in staggered rows. Shrubs to be planted at 2/m2 in

staggered rows with 5–9 plants per group. The exact location of the shrubs to be planted

beneath the pylons will be agreed on site prior to planting. Table 2.1 lists the plants which will be

planted.


Table 1.1: Proposed compensation woodland planting (Area 4)2

Species Heighta Rootball form Form/ age Densityb Total no.

Native trees (woodland areas)

Corylus avellana 40–60cm Bareroot Branched, 2 breaks/

1+1

10% @ 2m

centres

1,270

Carpinus betula 50–60cm Bareroot Tansplant/ 1+1 10% @ 2m

centres

1,270

Prunus avium 40–60cm Bareroot Tansplant/ 1+1 10% @ 2m

centres

1,270

Salix cinerea 60–80cm Bareroot Branched, 2 breaks/

1+1

10% @ 2m

centres

1,270

Sorbus acuparia 40-60cm Bareroot Seedling/ 1+0 10% @ 2m

centres

1,270

Quercus petraea 50–60cm Bareroot Seedling/ 1u1 25% @ 2m

centres

3,175

Quercus robur 40–60cm Bareroot Seedling/ 1u1 25% @ 2m

centres

3,175

Native understory shrubs (woodland areas)


1+1

2/m2 9,185

Crataegus

mongyna

30-40cm Bareroot Seedling/ 1+1 2/m2 9,185

Ilex aquifolium 30-40cm Container Bush, 2 breaks/ 1+1 2/m2 9,185

Lonicera

periclymenum

60–80cm Container Several shoots, 2

breaks

2/m2 9,185

Viburnum opulus 40-60cm Bareroot Branched, 2 breaks/

1+1

2/m2 9,185

10m wide strip of native understory shrubs beneath overhead cables


1+1

2/m2 925

Crataegus

mongyna

30-40cm Bareroot Seedling/ 1+1 2/m2 925

Ilex aquifolium 30-40cm Container Bush, 2 breaks/ 1+1 2/m2 925

Lonicera

periclymenum

60–80cm Container Several shoots, 2

breaks

2/m2 925

Viburnum opulus 40-60cm Bareroot Branched, 2 breaks/

1+1

2/m2 925

a At time of planting

b % refers to density in overall mix

1.16 In addition to the plants listed above, opportunities will be sought to translocate saplings, shrubs

and coppice stools from the area of woodland at Parkwood. The translocation of stock will be

carried out in late autumn/ early winter with plants lifted carefully to create an intact rootball.

Roots will be pruned using clean and sharp tools to reduce the risk of disease. All plants will be

carefully transported between sites with rootball covered in damp hessian (or similar). Plants will

be re-planted within 24 hours and planted into fully prepared pits. Plants will be watered

thoroughly after planting and as required during prolonged periods of dry weather.

2 Plant information based on those contained on Fabrik drawing number D2144 L.150


Tree and shrub planting

1.17 Trees will be planted in appropriately prepared planting pit as per current horticultural best

practice. Pits will be dug out to comfortably accommodate the root system of the tree. The tree

will then be placed into the pit and the soil replaced, firming carefully so as not to damage either

tree or root.

1.18 Shrubs will be planted through notch planting technique as outlined below and shown in Figure

1.3. A ‘T’ shape slot will be cut into the soil using a planting spade. The shrub will then be

carefully positioned in the slot. Care will be taken to ensure the roots are undamaged and well

the surface of the soil. The soil will then be firmed around the tree.

Figure 1.3: Recommended approach for notch planting

Planting protection

1.19 All planting areas will be protected from animal damage using a suitable guard. All guards will be

degradable, polypropylene, translucent, green tubes pushed 1-2cm into ground. Tree tubes to be

from Tubex Standard 12 D range (or similarly approved) with a height of approximately 0.6m and

a diameter of 105mm. Shrub guards will be from Tubex Standard 12 D range and have a

diameter of 160mm. All plants unable to fit plastic tubes will be enclosed by a 600mm high green

mesh rabbit guards.

1.20 Guards will be fixed to a 40mm x 40mm square hardwood timber stake (length 1.0m), which are

four way pointed and hammered securely into ground (minimum 300mm). Stakes will be

hammered into the ground so that the stake is below the level of the top of the tree guard and


above the level of the top tie. The tree will be located within 5cm of the base of the stake (but not

closer than 2cm).

1.21 Stakes will be on the south west side of the tree shelter and the guard placed over the shrub,

making sure not to damage any lateral branches, and at the same time, making sure the

releasable ties also slide over the stake. The shrub guard will then be pushed into the ground

(about 1-2cm) to deter predatory animals from burrowing under the side of the guard. The ties

on the guards will then be firmly tightened and tucked into the hole in the guard to deter deer

from chewing the ties ends and pulling open the guard.

Post-planting management and monitoring

1.22 All plants will be watered immediately after planting with all being drenched by at least 4 litres of

water taking care not to damage or displace plants or soil. Watering will continue as required

particularly during prolonged periods of dry weather to ensure establishment and continued

thriving of the plant.

1.23 At the end of the first summer following planting (i.e. September) each plant will be checked to

see if it has established and if more than one in ten has died, these will be replaced with

equivalent plants in the coming season (i.e. October onwards). If all of one species has died it

may be better to replace with another species.

1.24 Areas immediately surrounding the trees and shrubs will be kept free of weeds, with care taken

not to damage plants by use of mowers, nylon filament rotary cutters and similar powered tools.

The condition of stakes, ties and guards will be checked and replaced.

1.25 The long term management operations are listed in Table 1.2 with Appendix 2 providing a year-

by-year guide to the management operations required.

1.26 Monitoring of the newly created woodland will occur annually for the first 5 years following the

creation of the woodland. Thereafter the monitoring will occur every 5 years. This monitoring

should be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist and use the New Woodland Monitoring

Report template contained within Appendix 3. This report should be submitted to the Local

Authority for approval following its completion.

1.27 The ecological monitoring of the newly created woodland should take the form of an Extended

Phase 1 Habitat Survey following best practice methods3. The survey will be ‘extended’ by

considering the suitability of the Site to support notable or protected flora or fauna. This survey

should be undertaken in May or June. In order to fully monitor any floristic changes on the site

the Phase 1 Habitat survey will be supported by quadrate surveys. A minimum of three

quadrates, each measuring 2m x 2m should be surveyed. These should aim to reflect the range

of habitats being created on the Site and therefore one quadrate should be located within;

the New Native Woodland area,

the Understorey shrub area, and

New grassland area.

1.28 The monitoring should also include fixed point photography, so that visual records of any changes

to the Site are kept. This fixed point photography should start before any planting and

preparation work outlined in this document occurs.

1.29 Given the location of the proposed woodland within the vicinity of the University of Kent Campus

it is also recommended that full consideration is given to the use of students to undertake some

of the survey work. In this way this woodland creation work could provide a useful teaching

resource for the University of Kent.

3 Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1990). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey. NCC, Peterborough


Table 1.2 management operations for the woodland

Maintenance component and operation Period of year Frequency per annum Management responsibility

New woodland

Strim between trees Spring, Autumn 1 per year for initial 3 years of establishment University of Kent

“Beat up” assuming replacement of 10% of planted

trees Sep-Feb

1 occasion in second year

University of Kent

Thinning woodland

Depending on growth rates, possibly 1 x in the first 10 years,

removing 25% of tree numbers, thereafter on 5-10 year

intervals removing 25% of the remaining trees. This proportion

decreasing to 10 – 15 % after 5 or so thinnings.

University of Kent

Felling to create space for new planting. 25% of area per 20 years after 40 years University of Kent

Replanting and establishment of new planting after 30

years to promote mixed age woodland 25% of area per 20 years after 40 years University of Kent

Understory planting beneath pylons and on buffer strips

Undertake 3 yearly cyclical pruning of scrub January - March 1/3 per annuma University of Kent

Maintain free of litter Year round As required University of Kent

Prune foliage from paths to a distance of 1m and to a

height of 2m Year round As required University of Kent

Regularly inspect standards for safety, carrying out any

work needed to maintain suitable safety, but still allow

for decay and dead wood to provide habitats.

Spring, Autumn 2 per year and after major storms University of Kent

Replace fallen trees or manage self-seeded trees to

produce mixed age woodland. As required As required University of Kent

Monitoring

Survey woodlands and review management approach May-June Annually for the first 5 years, then once every five years. University of Kent

a 1/3 means once every three years or one third each year.


Appendix 1

Proposed Ancient Woodland Compensation Planting

Plan


Appendix 2

Annual Woodland Management Schedule

Outline schedule of operations required for the management of the new woodland at the University of Kent

Year 1 (e.g. 2015) Exact timings to be confirmed at time of submission of final proposals

Maintenance component and operation Period of year Frequency per annum Notes

New woodland

Strim between trees Spring, Autumn 1 per year for initial 3 years of establishment Years 1- 3

Maintain free of litter Year round As required Yearly

Undertake 3 yearly cyclical pruning of scrub January - March 1/3 per annum b Yearly


Prune foliage from paths to a distance of 1m and to a height of 2m Year round As required Yearly

Regularly inspect standards for safety, carrying out any work needed to maintain

suitable safety, but still allow for decay and dead wood to provide habitats.Spring, Autumn 2 per year and after major storms Yearly

Replace fallen trees or manage self-seeded trees to produce mixed age woodland. As required As required Yearly

Year 2 (e.g. 2016)


New woodland









Undertake monitoring survey Summer Once Yearly

Year 3 (e.g. 2017)


New woodland










Year 4 (e.g. 2018)


Year 2




“Beat up” assuming replacement of 10% of planted trees Sep-Feb 1 occasion in second year

All areas

All areas

New woodland









Year 5 (e.g. 2019)


New woodland








Review management approach


Year 6 (e.g. 2020)


New woodland








Year 7 (e.g. 2021)


New woodland








All areas



All areas



Year 8 (e.g. 2022)


New woodland








Year 9 (e.g. 2023)


New woodland








Year 10 (e.g. 2024)


New woodland

Thinning woodland



intervals removing 25% of the remaining trees. This

proportion decreasing to 10 – 15 % after 5 or so thinnings.

Within first 10

years then on

5–10 year

intervals.








Review management approach


Years 11- 40 (e.g. 2025-2055)


New woodland

Thinning woodland



intervals removing 25% of the remaining trees. This

proportion decreasing to 10 – 15 % after 5 or so thinnings.

Within first 10

years then on

5–10 year

intervals.



All areas












Review management approachOnce every 10

years

Undertake monitoring survey Summer OnceOnce every 5

years

All areas



Appendix 3

New Woodland Monitoring Report


New Woodland Monitoring Report

School of mathematics, statistics actuarial science and business school for University of

Kent

Date Surveyor Weather conditions

Date of previous monitoring visit Date of next monitoring

visit

Site description

Management operations due to be undertaken since last monitoring visit

Have the management operations listed above been undertaken Yes No


Phase 1 Habitat Map

Please show quadrate locations


Habitat descriptions

Potential to support protected species

Comments and recommendations


Quadrate Data

Quadrate 1

Species Cover Species Cover

Quadrate 2


Quadrate 3



Fixed point photographs

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