LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION IN NORFOLK. II. MANAGEMENT OF SMALL WOODS IN NORFOLK

Abstract

SUMMARY Small woodlands are of great importance in the Norfolk landscape. It has been found that three out of four small woodlands on farms in Norfolk are neglected. In 1982, the Norfolk County Council and Countryside Commission set up a three-year experiment whereby a Farm Woodlands adviser was employed to tackle the problem. This project officer was employed by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. The objectives, methods and initial results of this experiment are discussed. It is argued that most small woodland owners are unaware of, or uninterested in, the commercial potential of their woods. Farmers think in terms of short-rotation crops, trees are long-rotation. Markets for coppice products, as well as larger sawn-timber, are looked at, and the attractions of coppice with standards discussed. The objectives of six different woodland management demonstrations set up by the Norfolk County Planning Department in association with the Norfolk College of Agriculture and the choice of species are discussed. Landowners reasons for retaining woodlands are considered; an important factor is that whatever is proposed is not a cost to them. The success of the advisory service is examined.