The implementation of this Resolution is under discussion. A brief presentation was made on the breadth of the issues, identifying problem sectors, and identifying a number of possible ways forward. These will be pursued during 2001.

2. Progress with the Severn Regional Nature Conservation Strategy
(extracts form a report by Matthew Oates, Adviser on Nature Conservation)

• Parkland & Wood Pasture: Useful progress, especially as this is a complicated area of conservation as many of the difficulties emanate from parks being in agricultural tenancies. In particular, there has been a major breakthrough at Croome Park (Worcs) and buffer zones have been established at Berrington, Brockhampton and Croft (all Herefs) to protect vulnerable old trees from agricultural damage. During 2000 progress was made at 3 of the 8 properties which were identified in the Nature Conservation Strategy as being at risk. The worrying situation at Hanbury Park is unchanged.

• Berrington Hall Park: Extensive introduction of buffer zones around veteran trees in arable areas, with the tenant’s consent; areas where dead wood can be located have been agreed.

• Brockhampton Park Estate: Tremendous window of opportunity for whole estate provided by the sudden ending of two agricultural tenancies; efforts continue to implement an appropriate cattle-based grazing regime in the park proper. Biological Survey Team visited.

• Charlecote Park: Further tree plantings under Countryside Stewardship.

• Croft Park: The thinning of conifers in the vicinity of the veteran oaks has continued; further liaison with the FC has taken place over freeing veteran oaks in the FC leasehold area; buffer zones have been sited around parkland veterans to reduce compaction problems, and experiments are taking place using bark chip mulch to encourage mycorrhizal fungi; a ‘deadwood policy’ for the estate is being developed. Conversely, it is proving difficult to develop a Whole Farm Plan due to other work pressures.

• Croome Park: Major developments here in that one tenant has agreed a tenancy change which will convert an arable farm enterprise to a stock and pasture system, and a second tenant is likely to agree to a similar proposal.

• Hanbury: Still awaiting window of opportunity to reduce damaging practices and implement measures which enhance habitats.

• Haresfield Beacon (Shortwood): Biological Survey Report completed. New WGS being prepared.

• Pengethley Park: Discussions taking place with Highways Agency to put in place an improved drainage system to alleviate run-off from the adjoining trunk road; introduction of a ‘dead wood policy’; window of opportunity coming to negotiate further enhancements with tenant by offering other land.

• Old Orchards: Species of weevil new to Britain discovered in mistletoe in orchard at Brockhampton, by Andy Foster of Biological Survey Team. Good publicity resulted, including in The Observer. Presence of old orchards at Charlecote and Farnborough omitted from original Nature Conservation Strategy.

3. Other reports

Cornwall

• Organised a number of specialist nature conservation courses, including veteran trees.
• Acquired the rest of Dizzard Oakwood - one of most important and least disturbed sites in Britain

Derbyshire

• Calke Park - Favourable management of parkland (top out of 26 NT parklands surveyed – see Park Grazing Study). Longhorn cattle introduced this year to provide mixed grazing.

• Hardwick Park potential SSSI for deadwood invertebrate fauna. Currently being surveyed by EN contractor. Not designated yet but signs are positive.

Essex

• Hatfield Forest
• saproxylic beetle survey has shown that Hatfield ranks amongst the top 10 UK sites;
• veteran pollard survey work, including an arboricultural assessment of each tree, leading to a 30-100 year management plan for each tree

Norfolk

• At Felbrigg the work on re-creating a grazed deer park from secondary woodland continues. Both the ‘Grazing Animal Project’ and ‘The Ancient Tree Forum’ visited last year to see and comment on the progress. More clearance has taken place this winter.

Yorkshire: North York Moors

• Bransdale Conservation Scheme - jointly funded by NT and NYM National Park - The scheme aims to promote environmentally friendly farming with nature conservation/habitat protection and enhancement as key elements of the project. All but 2 tenants have signed up so far. [this dale includes a major concentration of ancient oak trees]

• Braithwaite Hall Estate: Veteran trees - work has begun to record and tag veteran trees.

Collated by Keith Alexander