Trees woods and hedgerows are important features of the South
Staffordshire landscape. Woods, especially those comprising native
trees, are important and have high biodiversity potential providing
habitats for many animal and plant species. Veteran trees and dead
wood are also important habitats for a range of these species.
Hedgerows are an intrinsic part of the countryside, marking
historic boundaries and providing important wildlife habitats. The
Council recognises the importance of such features and will take
action and encourage others to conserve, enhance and reinforce them
wherever possible.
The Council will encourage tree and hedgerow planting where
appropriate throughout the district, particulary where planting and
complimentary habitats would contribute towards the establishment
of the Forest of Mercia. The planting of locally native species
will be encouraged, particulary where it would create and enhance
wildlife habitats and areas where the quality of the landscape has
diminished through the loss of hedges, trees and woods. Planting
will not be encouraged where it would have an adverse impact on
other wildlife habitats such as heathlands where it would be
environmentally damaging.
The Council recognises the importance of forestry as an
industry and will encourage landowners and occupiers to establish
new woodland, particularly with broadleaved species, and to take
advantage of the Forestry Commission (English) Woodland Grant
Scheme (EWGS) and other tree planting grants. Broadleaved species
such as Oak would be most appropriate in South Staffordshire.
For enquiries regarding the following issues please contact the
relevant organisation:
- General enquiries within South
Staffordshire contact:
Steve Dores
Senior Arboricultural Officer (see contact details)
- Forestry enquiries and woodland grant
scheme contact:
The Forestry Commission (see contact details)
- Enquiries regarding woodland management and
activities within the Forest of Mercia contact:
The Forest of Mercia (see contact details)
External Link: Forestry Commission
External Link: Forest of Mercia
External Link: Regional Forestry
Strategy
External Link: The Tree Advice Trust
External Link: The Tree Council
External Link: The Woodland Trust
Steve Dores
Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT
Telephone: (0131) 334 0303
Fax: (0131) 334 3047
Forest of Mercia
The Innovation Centre
Chasewater Country Park
Pool Road
nr. Brownhills
Staffordshire
WS8 7NL
Telephone: (01543) 370 737
Fax: (01543) 374 309
The Woodland Trust
Autumn Park
Dysart Road
Grantham
Lincolnshire
NG31 6LL
Telephone: (01476) 581111
Fax: (01476) 590808