BEN RHYDDING GRAVEL PITS
Biodiversity Wood
Management Plan
Date (dd/mm/yyyy) / 3.5.2011 / To / 2031Date of last review [1](2.1.3) / N/A
Owner / tenant / Bradford Metropolitan Distrct Council
Agent / contact / Bob Thorp
Signed declaration of tenure rights and agreement to public availability of the plan[2]
(UKWAS 1.1.3/1.1.5/2.1.2)
1.Background information
1.1Location
Nearest town, village or feature / Ben RhyddingGrid reference / SE145473
Total area (ha) / 4.12
1.2Description of the woodland(s) in the landscape
A former gravel pit site located between the A65 Leeds Kendal road and the river Wharfe Some areas undisturbed by the gravel extraction have mature trees present. Elsewhere colonization of the workings has resulted in tree cover, mostly birch and willow approximately 40 years old. There are lagoons in the centre of the site and a number of informal paths, The Dalesway long distance footpath runs throught the site. This site is one of a patchwork of interlinking woods throughout this part of the Wharfe valley which together with the productive agricultural and upland moors help to make up its distinctive landscape character.1.3History of management
There has been no history of woodland management beyond occasional tree felling in connection with safety requirements for the adjacent road. Although owned by B.M.D.C. the site is jointly managed by the Council’s Trees ad Woodlands department andWharfedale Naturalists Society. The Naturalist group have done much to develop the site’s ecological value, while the Council have maintained the trees and dealt with invasive weeds, fencing etc.
2.Woodland information
2.1Areas and features
2.1.1 Designated areas / In woodland / Adjacent to woodland / MapSpecial Areas for Conservation (SACs)
Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Ramsar Sites (see note on Guidance)
National Nature Reserves (NNRs)
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
Other designations e.g.: National Parks (NPs), Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) / Yes / Yes / Woodlands
Details
The whole site is designated as A Bradford Site of Ecological of Geological Interest, as is the adjacent River Wharfe
2.1.2 Rare and important species / In woodland / Adjacent to woodland / Map
Red Data Book or BAP species / Yes / Yes / Woodlands
Rare, threatened, EPS or SAP species
Details
Over 300 species of vascular plants have been identified on this site, hence its SEGI designation, amongst these are Red Data Book eyebrights,hawksweeds and the tubular water drop wort. The Wharfe has produced sightings of otter on the riverbank, green woodpecker and skylark have been noted.
2.1.3 Habitats / In woodland / Adjacent to woodland / Map
Ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW)
Other semi-natural woodland
Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS)
Semi-natural features in PAWS
Woodland margins and hedges / Yes / Yes / Woodlands
Veteran and other notable trees
Breeding sites
Habitats of notable species or subject to HAPs / Yes / Yes / Woodland
Unimproved grassland / Yes
Rides and open ground / Yes
Valuable wildlife communities
Feeding areas
Lowland heath
Peatlands
Others
Details
A laid thorn hedge forms the boundary with the road. There are several regionally rare plants incuding Sea Club Rush Bolboschoenus maritimus and Bottle sedge Carex rostrata. There is also an area of unimproved grassland which is also regionally rare.
2.1.4 Water / In woodland / Adjacent to woodland / Map
Watercourses / Yes / Yes / Watercourses
Lakes
Ponds / Yes / Watercourses
Wetland habitats
Details
There are ponds in the woodland area and a small stream crosses the site . The eastern boundary of the wood is the river
2.1.5 Landscape / In woodland / Adjacent to woodland / Map
Landscape designated areas
Landscape features
Rock exposures
Historic landscapes
Areas of the woodland prominent from roads / Yes / Woodlands
Areas of the woodland prominent from settlements
Details
The wood and its boundary hedge are adjacent to the A65 road for approximately 1 km
2.1.6 Cultural features / In woodland / Adjacent to woodland / Map
Public rights of way / Yes / Yes / Footpaths
Prominent viewing points
Permissive footpaths / Yes
Areas managed with traditional management systems
Details
The Dalesway long distance footpath runs along the western edge of the wood.
2.1.7 Archaeological features / In woodland / Adjacent to woodland / Map
Scheduled monument
Historical features
Details
N/A
2.2Woodland resource characteristics
There is a mixture of broadleaved trees on the site, sycamore and oak in the undisturbed areas, willow and birch predominating elsewhere,with thorn and elder also present.2.3Site description
A long narrow wood accessible from,and located next to a busy main road. A former gravel extraction site, most of the lagoons being filled in with a variety of landfill materials until tipping stopped around `1970 since when nature has steadily reclaimed the site. An extraordinary diversity of plant species has subsequently established itself.The remaining lagoon on the Bradford owned portion of the site is fished by Ilkley Angling Association.
2.4Significant hazards, constraints and threats
To some extent the nearby trunk road constitutes both a hazard and a threat to the wood in terms of pollution, both airborne and surface run off. It also generates a continual litter problem. Within the site the lagoon is both deep and extremely steep sided.3.Long term vision, management objectives and strategy
3.1Long term vision
The long term vision is to produce a site that is a diverse, thriving multi habitat woodland area3.2Management objectives
No. / Objective1 / Provide a safe woodland for visitors to use for educational and recreational purposes
2 / Promote the ecological quality and value of the site
3 / Control invasive weeds
4 / Provide safe access for walkers
3.3Strategy
Ben Rhydding is an unusually valuable woodland in ecological terms, in an area noted for its natural beauty and popular with walkers.The strategy will be to work with The Wharfedale Naturalists to produce in the long term a site which is both a multi age broadleaf woodland and an unusually diverse multi habitat nature reserve. Any felling, thinning and planting will be carried out after full consultation with the naturalist group. Invasive weed control will be by manual means, chemical control will be a last resort.
3.4Woodfuel initiative
Would you be interested in receiving information on funding opportunities for the purchase of harvesting machinery or wood fuel boilers?No (delete as appropriate)
4.Management prescriptions/operations
4.1Silvicultural systems
4.1.1 HarvestingNo harvesting will be carried out
4.1.2 Phased felling and restructuring of plantations
(Proposed amendment to guidance – applies to all even-aged woodland 3.2.3)
N/A
4.1.3 Establishment, restocking and regeneration
Regeneration of native broadleaves will be encouraged.
4.2New planting
Any new planting will be of individual native trees. This again will be carried out in consultation with the naturalist group to favour the overall diversity value of the site4.3Other operations
N/A4.4Protection and maintenance
4.4.1 Pest and disease management
There is an ongoing problem of Himalayan balsam which is carried onto the site by the river Wharfe when in flood. Control is effected manually by pulling or cutting before seed is set. A small patch of Knotweed is being eradicated by manual methods.Rabbit control has been carried out in recent years, though not currently.
4.4.2 Fire plan
Action for B.M.D.C forestry/ranger staff upon discovery of a fire;
1 Contact Fire and Rescue Service
2 Attend with beaters if possible
3 Close the wood to the public
The Fire and Rescue Service will normally attend woodland fires with one pump and call upon further resources as necessary
4.4.3 Waste disposal and pollution
If it is necessary to bring any pollutants on to the site, they will have been identified in the operational risk assessment and a spill kit will be carried.
4.4.4 Protection from unauthorised activities
This site does not suffer much from unauthorised activities beyond occasional minor fly tipping. Ranger patrols, liason with the West Yorkshire Police and reporting by members of the public help to minimize any problems.
4.4.5 Protection of other identified services and values (4.1.1)
(Move some guidance from 4.3, add some new guidance)
4.5Game management
N/A4.6Protecting and enhancing landscape, biodiversity and special features
4.6.1 Management of designated areasAll decisions regarding the management of Ben Rhydding will be taken in consultation with Wharfedale Naturalists who have ecological surveys of the site.No work will be carried out in areas identified as as sensitive unless necessary for reasons of safety.
4.6.2 Measures to enhance biodiversity and other special features (2.1.1k and 6.1.1)
Control of invasive weeds will be ongoing. All deadwood will be left,unless constituting a danger.
4.6.3 Special measures for ASNW and SNW
N/A
4.6.4 Special measures for PAWS
N/A
4.6.5 Measures to mitigate impacts on landscape and neighbouring land (3.1.2)
N/A
4.7Management of social and cultural values
4.7.1 Archaeology and sites of cultural interestN/A
4.7.2 Public access and impacts on local people
Apublic footpath runs through the site, there are additional informal paths made by walkers and anglers. As with all Bradford woodlands, Ben Rhydding is open to public access.
5.Consultation
Organisation/individual / Date received / Comment / Response/actionWharfedale Naturalists / Ongoing consultation / Work planning will reflect the special nature of the site
Ilkley Angling Association / Consultation before work near lagoon
6.Monitoring plan summary
7.
Objective number, issue or UKWAS Requirement / Indicator / Method of assessment / Monitoring period / Responsibility / How will information be used?Footpaths / Condition / Visual / Annually / B.M.D.C. / To generate work instructions as neccessary
Balsam / Area covered / Visual / Annually / B.M.D.C. / To coordinate control programme with W. N.
knotweed / Area covered / Visual / Annually / B.M.D.C. / To coordinate control programme with W. N.
(Amendments to guidance – replicable to allow comparison over time 2.3.2b and required scope of monitoring activities 2.3.2c plus annual monitoring related to effectiveness of measures for special areas 2.3.5)
8.Work programmes
8.1Outline long-term work programme (2011 to 2031)
Compartment or area / Activity / Year6-10 / 11-15 / 16-20
All wood / Control of invasive species / / / / / /
All wood / Removal of non native trees / / / / / /
8.2Short-term work programme (2011 to 2016)
Compartment or area / Activity / Year1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
All wood / Removal of non native trees / / / / / / / / / /
Footpath / Mowing and cutting back / / / / / / / / / /
Boundaries / Maintain thorn hedge and fencing / / / / / / / / / /
9.Costings (2.2.1)
Currently all costs will be met by B.M.D.C.No income will be generated by this wood.
10.Maps
List all maps here and append to plan.
Map No./Title / DescriptionWoodlands / Identifies location of wood
Watercourses / Identifies watercourses
Footpaths / Identifies public footpaths
11.Thinning, felling and restocking proposals
Applicants seeking funding through the wood fuel initiative for harvesting machinery or wood fuel boilers must indicate the total volume that is to be thinned and felled during the period of this plan, by completing Table A.
This section should not be completed for any other applications.
All applicants must complete Table B. where harvesting work is to be undertaken.
Table A.
Species / Total estimated volume to be harvested during plan period (m3)Broadleaves
Conifers
Management Plan FrameworkRelease Version 2.1 (18August 2009)
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Table B.
This section must be completed if you wish to gain felling licence approval from the Forestry Commission. The work detailed below should match the proposals set out in the plan.
For details on how to complete the table, please refer to EWGS 4 Woodland Regeneration Grant Guide (PDF 84kb).
Cpt/sub cpt / Area / Area to be worked / Type of felling / % of felled area comprising / Type of licence / Change in woodland type / Preferred claim year / Restock species % / Establishment by natural regeneration% / Standard proposals / Notes
BL / CON
Management Plan FrameworkRelease Version 2.1 (18August 2009)
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Addition information if required
Management Plan FrameworkRelease Version 2.1 (18August 2009)
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[1] The plan must be reviewed every five years.
[2] As owner, tenant or manager, you have the right to manage the wood in accordance with this plan. At least a summary of the management plan must be made publicly available on request.