|
The Forest of Leeds |
|
 |
|
Ameliorate
To improve or enhance the landscape by means of management for the benefit of wild life and the local community. › previous page Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) Ancient semi natural woodland has the greatest value for wildlife and hence as a community forest. It has a significant proportion of the native species present and has been continuously wooded at least 400 years. › previous page Ancient Woodland An area which has been continuously wooded since at least the year 1600, irrespective of any management which may have taken place. › previous page Arboretum A botanical collection of trees, that are normally for public viewing. › previous page Arisings In forestry, this is the accumulation of waste material during tree work and may include woody material, such as branches, plus shelters, stakes and ties removed after they have served their purpose. › previous page Bat Roost Boxes Specially designed roosting boxes for bats which are erected in woodlands where there are no natural roosting sites. These boxes can not be used by birds due to the position of the entrance and they encourage bats to recolonise areas of woodland. › previous page Bat Box Monitoring - Forest of Leeds Bat Box Project Bat roost boxes are checked at least once a year to record whether or not they are being used and if so, which species of bat is in residence. The results are compiled and sent to English Nature for the nature conservation database. › previous page Beating Up The replacement of trees that have died within the first year or two of planting. Depending upon the spacing of the original planting, a certain amount of losses can be expected and disregarded. However, losses over this accepted level should be replaced to ensure that the original management plan can be fulfilled. › previous page Broadleaves Broadleaved trees may be deciduous (e.g. English Oak) or evergreen (e.g. Holly). They are distinctive in having broad, flat leaves, often veined, as opposed to needle or scale bearing trees. › previous page Canopy Layer The uppermost layers of foliage, generally referring to the most mature, taller tree species within a woodland. › previous page Capability Brown A famous landscaper of the mid to late 18th century known as Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. His work has left a lasting impact on many estates and a lasting legacy of his design can be seen in the landscape of the Temple Newsam Estate in Leeds. › previous page Carr Woodland on wet or water-logged ground, often dominated by alder. › previous page Charcoal Charcoal is one of the products derived from coppice woodland. It is formed when the wood is heated under conditions where there is insufficient oxygen for complete combustion to take place. The decline in the market for charcoal is one of the principle reasons for the decline in coppice management. Nowadays, charcoal is mostly used as barbecue fuel. › previous page Cleaning Dense natural regeneration and closely planted stands often benefit from cleaning shortly after the stand has been fully established. This involves cutting out a proportion of course grown young trees which are impeding the growth of others around them. In natural regeneration it may also involve the re-spacing of tightly growing trees in order to facilitate the development of healthy crowns. Any formative pruning that is required is usually undertaken during the same operation. › previous page Common Rights of Access This implies rights of access to common land. However, common land is generally privately owned and limited rights of access and uses (e.g. grazing, fishing, firewood collection, etc) exist for 'commoners'. The public have access to some, but not all common land. Local inhabitants or the general public may also enjoy the rights of access over certain rural commons under various Acts and formal management schemes, e.g. a 'Scheme of Regulation' run by the District Council. › previous page Community Woodland A form of multi-functional woodland that is managed with the needs of the local community as a priority. Often the community will be encouraged to get involved with management planning and practise, and therefore contribute to the way their woods develop into the future. › previous page Conifers Conifers are cone bearing trees. Common conifers are Pine, Spruce and Cypress, (e.g. Leyland Cypress often used in hedges) and Cedars. The Yew tree is also classed within the conifer family despite producing berries rather than cones. Coniferous trees are distinctive in having needles as opposed to leaves and being evergreen rather than deciduous, although there are exceptions to this, such as Larch, which is deciduous. › previous page Coppice Coppice is a traditional management technique utilising the re-growth from the cut stumps (stools) of certain broadleaved trees. As a system of woodland management this involves the repeated cutting on a short rotation basis of between 5 and 20 years, the length of rotation being determined by the end product. The technique may yield an abundance of straight poles, bumper harvests of fruit or nuts or simply large quantities of fire wood for charcoal production, cooking, heating or woodcrafts. Around the beginning of the last century many of the coppice industries began to decline and as a result, often very old coppice woodlands were not maintained. The trees began to mature and revert back to the natural state. This was a positive development for species of plant and animal that depend upon a more natural state but, bad for some species, such as many of our rare butterflies and some bats that prefer open areas. As a result the practise of coppice has now been resumed for nature conservation purposes. › previous page Coup A coup is a unit of coppice that is felled at one time. For example a coppice rotation with a 6 year cycle may have 6 coupes which are felled in order so that there is a harvest of timber every year for the coppice worker to market. › previous page Definitive Footpaths These footpaths are legally recorded on definitive maps showing the public's rights of way. Local Authorities are responsible for recording them and if a way is shown on the map then it is conclusive evidence of public rights along the way, unless there has been a legally authorised change. › previous page Desire Lines Discernible paths that have been worn into the ground by regular pedestrian use, and are not officially public rights of way. › previous page Establishment Management A management regime aimed at encouraging the establishment of trees on an area of open land or woodland clearing. Techniques involve ground preparation, prevention of competition from weeds, mulching and protection from grazing animals. › previous page Felling This is the cutting down of a tree from its base, leaving a stump. There are a number of techniques used to do this and a number of tools that can be utilised, such as a chainsaw, bowsaw or axe. › previous page Fen A low, marshy or flooded area of land. › previous page Formative Pruning Formative pruning is a technique to ensure the tree develops a single, straight stem by removing major forks at an early stage in the trees growth. Dead, dying and diseased limbs are ideally removed first to promote a healthy and safe form. › previous page Fly Tipping This is the dumping of rubbish, commercial or domestic, on common or private land without the consent of the owner. › previous page Glades Woodland glades are areas within woodlands that can vary in size from 10 sq m to several hectares and are clear of mature trees. There is no continuous canopy cover over the ground and this allows a unique woodland glade flora to develop. This situation is unique because these plants are not shade tolerant and so cannot live under the closed canopy. However, they are woodland species and so will not be found in open grass land areas. In turn, glades provide a habitat for many birds, insect and butterflies which rely upon their continued existence for their survival. › previous page Grade II Listed Landscape Gardens and parks with historic features pre-dating 1940 may be included in the national register of gardens and parks of special historic interest (English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England). A Grade II listed landscape is described as : Parks and gardens which by reason of their historic layout, features and architectural ornaments considered together to make them, if not of exceptional interest, nevertheless of great quality. › previous page Grassland Permanent grassland has a distinctive flora (predominantly grasses), fauna and soil profile. It constitutes a major world vegetation type occurring where there is sufficient moisture for grass growth and where conditions prevent the growth of trees. › previous page Green Corridor A "green corridor" is an area of natural habitat within the urban environment. They provide easy access for species of plants and animals to spread throughout the city, often linking areas of high wildlife value such as semi-natural woodland. › previous page Green Wood This is wood that is 'fresh', that is, taken straight from a felled tree or a branch that has been removed from the tree. The wood still holds a vast amount of water and because of this is easier to work with, softer and still retaining its natural, living shape. When green wood is dried, it can crack and split due to shrinkage from the loss of moisture. However, if stacked and stored correctly, wood can be dried, or 'seasoned' so that splitting, cracking or decay do not occur. › previous page Greenbelt Greenbelts restrict the growth of built up areas by preventing neighbouring conurbations from merging and they consist of 'green' woodlands, open spaces and parks. The Leeds greenbelt helps to preserve the special character of Leeds and its surrounds and provides a highly visual amenity resource to the public. › previous page Ha Ha A boundary wall, normally found in old country park gardens, consisting of a ditch, with a wall on its inner side below ground level. This provides a physical barrier to keep livestock out of formal grounds whilst allowing uninterrupted views over a pastoral scene. › previous page Hardwood Hardwood refers to the timber of broadleaved trees. › previous page Hedgerows Hedgerows are principally boundary markers and barriers to keep livestock in and intruders out of peoples' property. They are lines of close grown trees and shrubs which are cut or pruned at regular intervals to encourage dense re-growth and tidy appearance. › previous page Historic Parkland A descriptive term for a type of landscape characterised by large areas of open space with carefully planted trees. There are fine views and the feeling of being surrounded by countryside. Such parkland can be seen at Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam, Farnley Hall and Oulton Park. These areas are unique because the trees are planted and maintained for their aesthetic beauty and not for timber production. Parkland trees may be very old specimens, unusual species, and be havens for wildlife that need old trees in which to live. The famous parks of Britain are attributable to their often equally famous designers such as Lancelot "Capability" Brown and Humphrey Repton. › previous page Humphrey Repton Humphrey Repton was an influential Landscape Architect who lived during the late Eighteenth and early Nineteenth century. He initially followed in the footsteps of the great Lancelot "Capability" Brown but, later developed his own distinctive style. As with all great designers he had his critics, who also had their day and as a result much park land has become a combination of the ideas of many. Today's great country parks can viewed as a history of the fashions of landscape design, with every style and designer having left evidence of his influence. › previous page Invasive Species Native or non-native plants that invade and attempt to dominate an area already colonised by other plant species. As they can be very aggressive, existing plants and trees can suffer from being over shaded and become suppressed, die or self-set seeds may not germinate due to space restrictions and shade. Examples of invasive species are Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and the native bramble (Rubus fruticosus). › previous page Leaf Litter Leaf litter refers to leaves that have fallen from the canopy of trees, shrubs and other flora that remain on the woodland floor. This is an essential part of the woodland ecosystem as it allows nutrients from the soil that are used by plants to be recycled back into the soil upon degradation. › previous page Leeds City Council Strategies Leeds City Council produces a number of strategies which provide detailed guidelines and recommendations for woodland management:
Leeds Country Way A 60 mile recreational footpath route around Leeds is the main element of the scheme, but later developments will include radial paths into the City Centre, loop walks off the main route and spur paths to other recreational facilities. The 'Way' has been brought into being by the Countryside Unit of West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council's Recreation and Arts Division with financial assistance from the Countryside Commission and a workforce from MSC under the Community Enterprise Programme. Maps and routes are available from a series of leaflets, that divide the walk into 4 areas ; Golden Acre Park to Barwick-in-Elmet, Barwick-in-Elmet to Stanley, Stanley to Cockersdale and Cockersdale to Golden Acre Park. Leaflets are available from the Public Rights of Way Office of the Leisure Services Department, Leeds City Council. › previous page Leeds Nature Area (LNA) Site of local or district wide importance for the enjoyment, study or conservation of wildlife, geological features and landforms. In neighbourhoods lacking such sites those with the greatest potential are designated. › previous page Lower Aire Valley The Lower Aire Valley is the area to the south east of the city as defined by the course of the River Aire. It encompasses Rothwell colliery, Woodlesford and Water Haigh plantations as well as Oulton Park with its mature park land. › previous page Marsh Consists of low land that becomes flooded in wet weather and is usually watery at all times. › previous page Meadow Meadowland is essentially grassland, however it is very rich in herbs due to the cutting regime under which it is kept. Real meadows such as those found at Town Close Hills Nature Reserve in Kippax, are quite rare because they do not offer the most productive grazing for cattle. Consequently they are "improved" to encourage the growth of highly productive grass species at the expense of a more diverse flora. True meadow areas are very important for insects which feed upon the flowers and the animals, especially birds which feed upon the insects. › previous page Multi-functional Woodland An urban woodland must provide amenity facilities to a wide selection of people. Walkers, cyclists, picnickers and wildlife enthusiasts all have different requirements. The heritage of the wood must also be preserved including any archaeological sites, or areas of great value to nature conservation. In addition to this, the landscape must be considered; how the wood looks and how it should develop according to local interests. A multi-functional wood must serve as many of these purposes and interests as is deemed possible. › previous page National Vegetation Classification The National Vegetation Classification (Rodwell, 1991) provides an in-depth description and classification of woodlands within Britain. This is based on an assessment of all the vascular plants, bryophytes and larger lichens present in a stand, as well as the trees and shrubs. There are 20 woodland communities described which are available for classification in complex text and simplified key formats. › previous page Nature Reserves Nature reserves often contain rare and endangered flora and fauna which may be further protected by designation from a government body, often English Nature, through the SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) programme. This means the area is of recognised value and it is given a greater degree of protection. › previous page Natural Regeneration New trees that have grown from naturally sown seeds. They may be the progeny of trees in an existing woodland or the result of seed dispersal to non wooded areas. Natural regeneration is dependant upon the tree species present, the dispersal powers of the seed and their trees environment. The seeds of trees use various methods of dispersal. The Sycamore for example has winged seeds which catch the wind and may be blown a long distance. The seeds of trees such as English Oak and Beech rely upon birds and squirrels to distribute their seed. › previous page Open Ground This is an area of land within a woodland that is free of trees and where there is no natural regeneration occurring. This may be due to water logging or aggressive plants such as Bracken. Glades and rides are also open ground but may be temporary unless they are maintained by management. › previous page Orchard Orchards are plots of land planted with fruit trees which are managed so as to produce an abundance of good quality fruit. Specialist techniques of pruning and management have been passed down for many generations and the keeping of orchards is now undergoing a resurgence with the help of grants and advice available to community orchard projects. › previous page Permissive Footpath A permitted footpath that is not a public right of way. A route that can be used by the public through the permission of the land owner. › previous page pH pH describes how acidic or alkaline a substance is. pH is measured on a scale of 1-15. A pH of 1 is the most acidic and toxic to most forms of life whilst at the opposite end of the spectrum a pH of 15 is the most alkaline and also toxic to life. A pH of 7 is called neutral. It is very important to know the pH of a woodland soil because this will affect the choice of tree species which will be best suited to the conditions. A soil may be adapted to raise or lower the pH to provide more ideal conditions as a growing medium, although in some cases, the soil may eventually return to its previous pH value. › previous page Pinetum A plantation of pines or other conifers that is used for research or for amenity purposes, similar to an arboretum. › previous page Pioneer Species Pioneer tree species are those which colonise an area of cleared land before any other species. Species such as Birch and Scots Pine, which are tolerant of adverse soil and climate conditions, may act as a 'nurse crop'. That is, they may initially colonise an area to eventually produce suitable conditions for tree species of later successional stages to establish. › previous page Plantation Woodland entirely planted that may or may not be managed for the commercial exploitation of the trees timber. It may contain native or exotic (non native) species. Plantations can be classed as ancient if they occupy an area that has been continuously wooded for 400 years but they may not be classed as semi natural. › previous page Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) Areas of plantation within ancient woodlands. Although the wood as a whole may still be classed as ancient if it has been continuously wooded, areas of plantation cannot be classed as semi natural or ancient. › previous page Pole A tree harvested during the first or second thinnings of a woodland. Poles are already established and will have been growing for many years, although they are not yet mature. › previous page Protected Species Various species of animal, plant or other forms of life may be 'protected' by law under the discretion of different organisations. Under these rulings, it may be an offence to damage or kill these life forms. For example, Tree Preservation Orders protect specific trees from wilful damage or death and fines can be incurred in the these events. › previous page Public Bridleway This is a highway over which the right of way is on foot, on a horse, donkey or mule and on a bicycle (including 'mountain bikes'). Cyclists must give way to walkers and riders. A horse, donkey or mule may also be led. There may also be a right to drive animals other than horses. It is a criminal office to drive a motor vehicle on a bridleway. › previous page Public Footpath Is a 'highway' over which the right of way is on foot only. It is a civil wrong to ride a bicycle or a horse on a footpath and the user could be sued by the landowner for trespass or nuisance. It is also a criminal offence to drive a motorised vehicle on a footpath. › previous page Public Open Space An area of open 'green space' with a number of uses, e.g. passive recreation. However, not all areas are accessible or have rights of way for public use, and restrictions can vary from site to site. › previous page Public Right of Way (PROW) A public right of way gives access to an area of land to any member of the public. The right of access to the land only extends to the boundaries of the footpath however and land owners may prosecute for trespass should people stray from the path. A public right of way contrasts a permissive path where access is granted only through the good will of the owner, and there is not strictly a public right of way. If a path runs through an area of land the landowner is obliged to ensure that the land and particularly the path are safe and passable. › previous page Ranger Service The Countryside Rangers of the Parks and Countryside Division of Leeds City Council have broad knowledge of the countryside and greenspace of the city and its habitats, fauna and flora. They provide maintenance to various greenspaces around Leeds and are important points of contact for members of the public. Since the late 1970s, they have provided walks and activities for school groups and have developed a range of tasks, small projects and worksheets geared towards providing an enjoyable yet educational experience for children and adults alike. › previous page Recent Woodland Woodland that has been planted or "self set" since 1600 AD and so cannot be classed as ancient. This covers all wooded areas younger than 400 years and depending on the species present and the distribution of size and age this woodland may be classed as semi natural. › previous page Reclaimed Land/Reclamation Site Land that has been previously maintained in an artificial state, e.g. industrial site, waste/slag heaps or simply built upon, but has been "reclaimed" and is being managed to promote a reversion to a more natural state, e.g. woodland or agricultural land. There may be special circumstances such as toxic waste or pollution to consider. › previous page Re-spacing Work When trees are planted in a new woodland or allowed to regenerate naturally they often start to crowd each other as they grow. This can result in tall, leggy trees and make access to the wood very difficult. Trees are removed selectively so that those remaining will grower faster, healthier, produce better quality timber or improve the amenity value of the woodland. › previous page Rides Rides are swathes of cleared tree cover cut into woodlands. They may be formed incidentally along the edges of forest tracks and access routes, by clearance for power cables, for silvicultural operations or by habitat creation programmes. They provide similar conditions and habitats as glades. With unique non shade tolerant flora and associated birds, insects and animals that rely upon the sheltered conditions of the wood but require the cleared space for feeding or courtship display. Bats are particularly fond of ride areas as these provide passages free of flight obstacles along which to hunt insects. › previous page Sapling A young tree, larger than a seedling but smaller than a pole. › previous page Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) Scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended), English Heritage designates sites with a protected status that have monuments of historical merit. For example, earthworks, colliery workings, settlements etc. › previous page Scrub Scrub land is covered with a mixture of shrub and ground flora. It may contain mature trees but must be predominantly saplings, shrubs and non woody plants. It provides a habitat for open space loving species, particularly invertebrates. It may be present as a result of woodland clearance in which case it will be temporary, reverting back to woodland as neighbouring trees regenerate and grow. However, some permanent scrub land exists where the site is inhospitable to trees due to pollution, heavy grazing, aggressive vegetation or climatic/soil factors. › previous page Secondary Woodland Woodland that is growing on a site that was not previously wooded, for example, woodlands on previous industrial sites, agricultural land or demolished building sites. › previous page Seedling A young plant, with particular reference to those grown from seed as opposed to cuttings. › previous page SEGI - Site of Ecological or Geological Importance These sites are designated by the Local Authority as being of country wide importance for their flora, fauna or geology (as recommended by the Ecological Advisory Service in West Yorkshire). › previous page Semi Natural Woodland Semi natural woodland may or may not be ancient but must contain a significant number of native species of tree and ground flora that would be expected on a given soil type. It will also have been subject to a low intervention management policy allowing natural conditions to develop. › previous page Shelter Belt A group of trees and/or shrubs that acts as a screen from winds and other weather. They are generally used on sites that need particular protection, such as plant nurseries, buildings or open land adjacent to large areas of open space on their windward side. › previous page Silviculture Meaning 'wood culture', it is the growing and tending of trees, as in forestry operations on plantations. › previous page Softwood Softwood refers to the timber of coniferous trees. › previous page South Leeds Heritage Trail The South Leeds Heritage Trail has been created by Leeds City Council to provide a glimpse of the industrial past of the region. Section one covers the Middleton Park and Middleton Broom areas which at one time led the world in coal production and mining technology. However the area has roots deeper into time. Once covered by the original wild wood this was cleared by man leaving only a few semi natural forest remnants. The Middleton Park Local Nature Reserve is the closest approximation to the wild wood and holds examples of the wildlife lost in the great clearings. Paths and Bridleways provide good access for walkers, horse riders and cyclists with well marked routes taking points of interest. › previous page SSSI - Site of special scientific interest Designated by English Nature as being of national or international importance for its fauna, flora or geology. These sites are protected by law. › previous page Storey Refers to different growing layers within a woodland. For example, the understorey refers to the foliage layers beneath the canopy layer. › previous page Tannin One of a group of complex organic compounds that may be found in certain tree barks (particularly oak in Britain) and oak galls, which are used in leather production and ink manufacture. › previous page Thinning Woodlands as they grow may become crowded as it is often the case that more trees are planted than are predicted to survive. At intervals during a woodlands development foresters will selectively remove trees to create the desired density and remove any sick or malformed trees. This process is known as thinning and allows the remaining trees to develop broader crowns and to grow strong and healthy. Thinning also allows increased light to the woodland floor and encourages a herb layer of plants to develop and for increased natural regeneration. › previous page Trans-Pennine Trail The Trans Pennine Trail will be a route from Liverpool to Hull for walkers, cyclists and where possible, for horse riders and people with disabilities. The route will link the resorts of Southport and Hornsea and major centres of Leeds, York, Manchester, Sheffield and Chesterfield. It will be a well surfaced path with gates and other access controls. High quality construction will enable people of all ages and capabilities to use it. Further information can be obtained from the Planning Services Department of Barnsley MBC. Trans-Pennine Trail Website › previous page Tree Preservation Order This is a protection placed on single or groups of trees by the local council. This preservation order states that trees may not be damaged, uprooted, felled or have any works carried out on them without written permission from the council. Works carried out without permission may be subject to large fines, compensation claims and in extreme cases as custodial sentence. › previous page Understorey This refers to the flora growing beneath the canopy layer of the woodland and includes ground cover, herb layers and shrub layers. › previous page Urban Fringe This describes the zone where the countryside merges with the urban area. Outlying areas of housing may be surrounded by woods and farm land which may in turn be surrounded by conurbation. The urban fringe is important because this is the area where people most often meet nature and where wildlife is under the greatest pressure as a result. › previous page Veteran Trees These are trees which are very old and often in a state of decline or have stopped growing. In many circumstances these trees have to be cut down because they are considered unsafe. However in recent years the value of such veteran trees has been recognised and as a result wherever possible part or all of these trees are left standing. Not only are these specimens interesting to look at but they offer homes to many species that younger trees do not. Fungi live amongst the roots and in the dead timber, bats roost in crevices and cavities in the wood and many insects prefer old trees thereby attracting birds which feed upon them. Veteran trees also have a lot of history beneath their bark. Oak trees may live 1000 years e.g. the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest. Some Yew trees are thought to be more than 2000 years old and so would have been alive when Jesus was born. They are a part of our natural heritage and should be preserved. › previous page Wetland This is land that during the majority of the year is damp if not flooded. It is characterised by a specific flora of plants that are able to cope with the lack of oxygen in the soil and the levels of nutrient accumulation that are toxic or become inaccessible to non-wetland plants. Many wetlands have been drained for agricultural purposes or polluted by toxic run-off and as a result the species which live in them are often rare and endangered. Wetlands are protected under legislation in the same way that woodlands and other important ecological sites have been. › previous page Woodland Grant Scheme This grant scheme, run by the Forestry Commission, provides money to create new woodlands and manage existing woodlands. British woodlands are multifunctional; they meet growing demands for timber as well as provide a place for people to visit and enjoy the countryside. They are an essential part of our landscape heritage and refuge for much of our rare and endangered wildlife. In addition to this they form part of a sustainable forest products driven sector of the economy. The Woodland Grant Scheme provides funding for land owners whose proposals fit these criteria. A variety of different grants are available to suit different projects. › previous page |
|