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 will take place. There will also be gradual replanting of certain long draw cash crops such as Cedar in suitable sections. 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 sections are so densely overgrown they may benefit from conservation clearing schemes, such as the use of goats or pigs to support this. These options will be explored alongside those with more expertise in conservation strategies for forest management.

Regeneration will be monitored to build resilience into the trees and plan overall. With any livestock moved on, and sections coppiced, there will be better access to the existing timber crop and improved conditions for the 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.

Short term viable conifer bi products such as Christmas Trees and Woodchip for Bio Mass, will help to cover costs of management for biodiversity. Regeneration work will be carried out in the main by volunteers or students. Coppiced trunks will be chipped and sold or spread, larger trunks can be stored and dried for selling after an annual cycles drying. Where other previously established tree species are exposed and of appropriate height, 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 with the next crop.

When we first started 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. We also introduced a sustainably sourced, hand crafted from North Devon, static log caravan on steel skids above the southern section clearing 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 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 are also 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 to 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 cleared paths and access will support opportunities for this.

The increasingly accessible sections will support plans for a tree nursery, and 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. Currently we have sporadic visits in place for the purpose of supporting those who might benefit to come and visit informally. In addition, 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 . 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 log 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 .  

Historical 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 leaky dams and springs in this section. Engaging with the Forestry Commission around the possibility of restoring approximately 2 acers of the current Norwegian Spruce to wet moorland, possibly after future clear felling, 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. 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 are registered to keep birds and livestock.

 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 North 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.