Our approach and goals are as set out in Forestry Commissions Canny Park Wood Woodland Management plan 2022-2032. 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’.

Additionally, the plan notes that over this time period:

‘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’

Our plans set out below provide more detail on how we aim to support these goals.

The current planted crop demonstrates a fine stand of Sitka spruce in the southern section, providing evidence of the ability of this site to grow high quality spruce. The crops generally require cleaning to remove competition and enable the crops to complete establishment. However, during the Covd-19 pandemic and with the prior owners changing focus, the plantation became overgrown and unkept.

Clearing sections of the Norwegian Spruce by coppicing and replanting with British Woodland species (such as silver birch, alder, willow and broadleaf species such as Oak, where appropriate), and possibly certain long draw cash crop species (for example, Cedar) will take place. This coppicing and thinning out of Conifers will let light to the currently very shady, dark areas and encourage regeneration of the forest floor and more leafy glades. Certain other sections are currently densely overgrown and may benefit from some previously proven conservation schemes such as the use of goats or pigs to clear the thick undergrowth and turn the soil. These options will be explored alongside those with more expertise in conservation.

Regeneration will be monitored to build resilience into the trees and plan overall. Once any livestock are moved on this will allow better access to the timber and create improved conditions for the plantings to grow in. This is aligned with the woodland management plan stating that felling tall drawn up stems will allow favoured trees space & light to develop broad crowns on increasing girths. The plan also notes that conifer products help to cover costs of management for biodiversity. This work will be carried out in the main by volunteers or students. The coppiced tree trunks will be chipped and spread and or larger trunks can be stored and dried for selling after an annual cycles drying. Where other tree species are exposed and of appropriate height, appropriate nesting boxes will be introduced, along with nesting boxes on established trees. As spruce sections mature they will be thinned more systematically and taken to mill within a 4 year time span . Remaining Spruce will be left to grow to full height for felling in 12 years and the areas cleared will be replanted.

A few things were needed to be put in place before we started (and as is usual took twice as long as planned to complete!!) Improvement of the existing infrastructure of rides by placing clean stone, improved access on the significant ground management issues and impenetrable overgrowth experienced when we began. Water logged ground and rides unable to support vehicles which, later down the line, will be required for logging, required time and investment. We also introduced a sustainably sourced, hand crafted, static, log caravan on skids to support the management of the woods and provide a space for suitable rest and breaks for forestry workers and or volunteers, as well as much needed storage.

Through the centre of our plantation are attractive areas of mixed broadleaves, with small streams, foxgloves and bluebells. This section also supports an abundance of wildlife with prolific frog spawn as an example. The mixed age crops including oak, ash, beech, sycamore, birch, alder, hazel, and holly diversify the wood and attract a variety of bird wildlife. These sections will be encouraged through thinning and coppicing over time as well as further appropriate seeding restocking and nesting boxes.

We will also be building up wildlife corridors using the natural boundaries of the plantation by planting up the existing Devon Banks with native hedging plants such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Holly, creating wildlife havens and helping to stop wind and soil erosion. We will also introduce solitary bee homes and their favourite wildflower food sources, to encourage mining and other solitary bee species.

Although there are no Public Rights of Way over the forestry plantation, as the land becomes more accessible voluntary workers will have more opportunities for organised schemes and improved paths and access will support the local shooting which takes place on occasion.

These increasingly accessible sections, and rest space, will also support plans for a future tree nursery, and possibly a space for elderly rural community residents suffering from dementia or other similar conditions , to visit and find peace and solace on accompanied day visits. The current owners already run an established community care provider for elder Devon residents to remain connected to their familiar places and routines within Devon. Currently we have sporadic visits in place for this purpose. In addition the idea of a place for young people from the rural community to be able to practice and utilise forestry skills to support their ongoing qualifications and work experience is to be investigated as a small scale possible future venture. We have already provided opportunities for those completing NVQ’s, or equivalent agricultural and forestry training, supervised time to practice their developing skills.

Once the solid log, static caravan is on site, sources of sustainable power, such as solar power, and possible useable water will be investigated and some other basic non-invasive, low impact internal infrastructure put in place to support being able to feed volunteers and provide suitable rest areas with relevant resources, and storage. The surrounding area will be prioritized for re planting of wild grasses and flowers, native hedgerow plants, broadleaf semi mature trees, , leaky dams and soil regeneration using wood chippings and ground cover planting as well as native wildflower seeds , bulbs and bare root saplings .

Engaging with the Forestry Commission around the possibility of restoring one small section (roughly 2 acres) of the current Norwegian Spruce to wet moorland, possibly after future clear felling, and also including leaky dams is an interesting proposal. This would benefit the site overall, seeing an increase in yet more diverse wild birds and small mammals who favour differing habitats ,by restoring a section to the previous wet moorland seen in the Historical Records. This in turn could also create a valuable space for housing rescued geese, one of the owners interests. Higher Canny Park Woods and Storridge Moor is registered to keep birds and livestock, and in addition, the possibility of keeping Quails is being explored. Historic records show that the Northern section, Storridge Moor, was a wet moorland rich in natural habitats and species. Environmental reports show the presence of leaky dams and springs.

We are also fortunate to be on a flight path for Horseshoe bats - a rare and beautiful species, and so at all times need to be mindful of where they fly and whether they should ever start to roost. High Marks Barn, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), lies to the west of Canny Park. This is an extremely important site for the species, being the second largest maternity roost in the UK.

Please do feel free to get in touch using the mobile number on the ‘contact us page’ with suggestions (or any objections!) as we are open to anything from the existing community who know so much about the area- we do appreciate input and interest.

JLR Rural Ltd is a commercial Forestry venture located at Higher Canny Park Woods in the beautiful South Hams area of Devon. This is a High Quality Sitka Spruce Forest last restocked in 2016.

Historically the plantation was a combination of pasture, farmland and wet moorland. We are operating in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AOND) with significant environmental and scientific concerns, and as such are very mindful of our incredible natural environment.

Underlying and underpinning our commercial plans for Higher Canny Park Woods is the intention to slowly regenerate the plot into a more diverse bio woodland supporting a plethora of woodland plants, tree, flowers, mammals, birds and insect species, including being always mindful of the rare Greater Horseshoe bats which have a direct flight path through the plantation from their second largest maternal roost in the UK nearby.

With agreement from all stakeholders, including The Forestry Commission UK, some smaller relevant sections of the plantation could also see a return to wet moorland and all the wildlife that would in turn support.

Planted up the banks with native hedgerow plants
Thinned out some sections and allowed the native trees such as Alder and Birch to start regenerating.
Re seeded the improved tracks with native grasses and wildflowers.
Created a bank on the boundary with our neighbours Lower Canny Park Woods suitable for bees and insects.
Planted mature broadleaf tree species at intermittent intervals.
Begun growing seedling and bare root trees in our new tree nursery.
Improved infrastructure of tracks and rides to be manageable for lorries and trucks when needed for logging or other forestry activities during the very wet winters. Updated Woodland Management plan action points in conjunction with SWForrestry management Ltd.
Brought in a cedar log built ‘static caravan’ (on skids so as not to disrupt the ground) for rest and relaxation, storage, and making us ready to welcome volunteers and workers.
Begun hand clearing walking paths to gain an understanding of the lay of the forest.