JLR Rural -What We Do

Our approach and goals are to farm sustainably with low to positive impact on the surrounding environments. The woodland goals were set out in The Forestry Commissions Woodland Management Plan 2022-soon due for scheduled review. This plan states the intention to manage the woodland in a way that supports the:

‘governmental resolution to: Steward and use forest lands in such a way and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and potential to fulfil, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic, and social functions’.  

The plan also notes that by 2032:

‘Successive management plans will have had a positive effect in terms of biodiversity, stand stability, as well as improving the woodland’s natural resilience to climate change, pests and disease’

The current forestry crop shows a fine stand of Sitka, providing evidence of the ability of the site to grow high quality spruce. The crops usually require cleaning to establish. However, during the Covd-19 pandemic and with the prior owners changing focus, the plantation became overgrown and unkept.

Clearing sections of the Spruce by coppicing and appropriate replanting with British Woodland species ,such as Silver Birch, Alder, Wild Cherry, Willow and broadleaves such as Oak, is underway. The initial coppicing and thinning out of Conifers will let light to the currently very shady, dark areas and encourage regeneration of the forest floor and leafy glades. Some densely overgrown sections may benefit from conservation clearing schemes aligned with agroforestry, such as the use of goats or pigs.

Regeneration will be monitored to build resilience. With livestock rotated and sections coppiced, there will be better access to the existing timber crop and improved conditions for the new and exisiting plantings to grow in. Felling tall drawn up Spruce stems will allow favoured trees space & light to develop broad crowns of increasing girths for future harvesting. Post spruce harvest restocking will take place with more diverse species.

When we first began there were significant, ground management issues, and impenetrable overgrowth. Water logged ground and rides unable to support vehicles, required time and investment. We cleared rides and put down clean stone.. in 2024 we introduced a sustainably sourced, hand crafted log static caravan from North Devon above the southern section clearing, to support the management of the woods and provide a space for suitable rest and breaks for workers and or volunteers, as well as safe storage.

Through the centre of our plantation are areas of more mixed broadleaves, with small streams, foxgloves and bluebells. This section also supports an abundance of wildlife such as prolific frog spawn. The mixed age crops including oak, ash, beech, sycamore, birch, alder, hazel, and holly, diversify the wood and also attract a variety of bird wildlife. These mixed sections will be encouraged and expanded..

We are also building up wildlife corridors using the natural boundaries of the land parcel by planting up the existing Devon Banks with native hedging plants to create wildlife havens, help stop wind and soil erosion and with a view to laying the more mature hedge sections. We will also introduce solitary (and Devon honey) bee homes and their favourite wildflower food sources in these areas, to encourage the bees.

We are on a flight path for Greater Horseshoe Bats and so need to be mindful of where they fly and whether they should ever start to roost. Higher Marks Barn, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), lies to the North West. This is an extremely important site for the species, being the second largest maternal roost in Europe.

Please feel free to get in touch using the the ‘contact us page’ with suggestions, interest, objections and comments.