The National Trust owns some 150 parks. Parklands and Wood Pastures are a key habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the Trust has a national responsibility for the conservation of this habitat. It is important to the Trust and many other organisations that parklands are in a favourable condition for nature conservation.
However, many sites are currently being restored under Countryside Stewardship or other schemes, and more restoration projects are planned. This project is intended to provide information and guidelines that will be useful in restoration, and to contribute towards improving the nature conservation value of National Trust parklands overall. It will also provide a contribution to the UK and local Habitat Action Plans.
Current information suggests that the major source of damage to parks involves stock grazing and related agricultural management. This will therefore be the main topic of investigation.
Aim of project:
To identify the characteristics of stock grazing regimes and associated management in parklands that meet objectives of nature conservation, and, conversely, those which damage nature conservation interests.
Katherine A. Hearn
Adviser on Nature Conservation, Cirencester
Keith N. A. Alexander
Leader, Biological Survey Team, Cirencester
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