JLR Rural -What We Do

Our approach and goals were initially set out in The Forestry Commissions 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 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’

Our plans below provide more detail on how we will 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 appropriate replanting with British Woodland species ,such as silver birch, alder, willow and broadleaves such as Oak, and possibly certain long draw cash crops such as 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 leafy glades. Some sections are currently so densely overgrown they may benefit from conservation schemes, such as the use of goats or pigs to clear the thick undergrowth and turn 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, and other sections coppiced, this will allow better access to the timber and create improved conditions for the plantings to grow in. Felling tall drawn up Spruce stems will allow favoured trees space & light to develop broad crowns on increasing girths. The conifer products will help to cover costs of management for biodiversity. This regeneration work will be carried out in the main by volunteers or students. Coppiced trunks will be chipped and spread 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, aswell as on previously established trees, nesting boxes will be introduced. As spruce sections mature they will be thinned more systematically and taken to mill within a 5 year time span . Remaining Spruce will be left to grow to full height for felling in approximately 12 years and cleared areas replanted.

A few things were needed before we started (and as is usual -took twice as long as planned to complete!!)

Improvement of the existing infrastructure of rides; There were significant, ground management issues, and impenetrable overgrowth when we began. Water logged ground and rides unable to support vehicles which will be required for logging, required time and investment. We cleared rides and put down clean stone. 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 safe 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 mixed sections will be encouraged through thinning and coppicing over time as well as further appropriate seeding restocking and nesting boxes. The Spruce stock here will be reduced and replaced.

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. This will create wildlife havens and help stop wind and soil erosion. We will also introduce solitary bee homes and their favourite wildflower food sources in these areas, to encourage mining and other solitary bees.

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

These increasingly accessible sections, especially around the log static, 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 South Hams 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, 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, soil regeneration using wood chippings, ground cover planting, as well as wildflower seeds , bulbs and bare root saplings .  

Historic records show that the Northern section, Storridge Moor, was once a wet moorland rich in natural habitats and species. Current environmental reports show the presence of possible leaky dams and springs. 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.

 We are on a flight path for Greater Horseshoe Bats - a rare and fascinating species- and so at all times 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 west of Canny Park. This is an extremely important site for the species, being the second largest maternal roost in the UK.

Please feel free to get in touch using the the ‘contact us page’ with suggestions (or any objections!) - we are open to anything and we do appreciate input and interest.