Duchy to create new woodland in Staffordshire as part of The National Forest
6/29/2010
A redundant mining site in Hanbury Woodend, Staffordshire, is to be transformed into woodland and wildlife habitats by The Duchy of Lancaster. Following a competitive bid, The Duchy - through its agent Savills - has been awarded funding for the project through the National Forest's Changing Landscapes Scheme (CLS).
The 13-acre site, which forms part of The Duchy of Lancaster's Needwood Estate, will be designed to enhance the natural landscape, attract wildlife and re-establish native species. A mixture of trees such as oak and ash will be planted and raptor bird posts, owl and bat boxes will also be incorporated.
The project will be managed for ten years under the National Forest Company's scheme and it is expected that the majority of trees and environmental features will be established by winter 2011.
Paul Clarke, CEO and Clerk of the Duchy Council, said: "Our aim is to make the new site an integral part of the estate, so we will be using local craftsmen and contractors as well as locally-sourced materials. For example, raptor posts will be made from timber felled on the estate.
"As part of our woodland management programme, horse loggers have also removed an oak tree from the garden of our oldest tenant who has lived on the estate for 66 years. The timber from this tree will be used to create a hand carved bench which will take pride of place in an elevated position overlooking the new woodland.
"When complete, the public will be able to walk along the footpath on the western side of the site and view the changing landscape, which we hope will be enjoyed by local people for many more years to come."
Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company, said: "The National Forest Company is delighted to be working with The Duchy of Lancaster on the creation of new, predominantly oak woodland in the very heart of the Needwood Forest.
"Land use changes over recent centuries have resulted in a loss of ancient woodland. This scheme will help to re-forest this important and historic landscape and provide valuable nature conservation habitats for wildlife. We are particularly pleased with the attention The Duchy has given to the use of local materials and long-term management of the woodland."
Covering around 7,400 acres, The Duchy of Lancaster's Needwood Survey was formed out of the Needwood Forest, part of the Honor of Tutbury, which was granted to Edmund, 1st Earl of Lancaster, in 1266. The Duchy of Lancaster strongly promotes active woodland management on the estate, which incorporates a mixture of ancient woodlands and more recent plantations.
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Notes to editor:
Changing Landscapes Scheme (CLS)
CLS offers a generous level of funding to any landowner in The National Forest for the creation of new woodlands and associated habitats. It is unique to The National Forest and pays 100% of costs for woodland and habitat creation and its management for 10 years.
The aim is to continue to create a new landscape for the nation across 200 square miles in parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
Founded in the 13th century, The Duchy of Lancaster is a unique portfolio of land, property and assets held in trust for the Sovereign in his or her role as Duke of Lancaster.
Today, The Duchy of Lancaster is custodian of 18,700 hectares across England and Wales, including key urban developments, historic buildings, high-quality farm land and areas of great natural beauty.
In all aspects of its work, The Duchy is guided by respect for the past, commitment to effective present-day management and an imaginative vision of the future. For more information visit www.duchyoflancaster.co.uk
Press contact: Deborah Garritty, Bell Pottinger North
Tel: 01625 506444/411
