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Aim - Creation of a viable and enhanced landscape
in the West Weald, with better-integrated management, for wildlife,
'ecosystem services' provision, environmental quality and public
appreciation and use.
Specific Objectives -
Conservation, enhancement
and expansion of core areas of ecological interest
The
four core forest areas identified to focus on in the West Weald
Landscape are the designated nature conservation sites of Ebernoe
Common, The Mens, Chiddingfold Forest, and Northpark Copse to
Snapelands Copse. We are striving to effectively manage such sites
using a range of methods to achieve 'favourable' conservation
status, whilst seeking opportunities as possible to enlarge them
furthermore. We are keen to encourage the greater influence of
natural processes in nature conservation management, including
naturalistic grazing by large herbivores ('wilder' breeds of cattle),
to enhance wildlife conservation, ecological quality, and ecosystem
functioning.
Better-connected habitats and species populations
across the whole landscape , through improved linkages and less
intensive overall land use and management
Given
that the biodiversity of the core areas cannot be conserved solely
by managing individual sites, since some species such as Barbastelle
bats and Wood White butterflies range widely across the landscape,
there is a need to identify and then enhance priority ecological
corridors and networks, including river and stream corridors,
wood rews, hedgerows and buffer strips. We are advising landowners
and managers on targeted management for the greatest landscape
connectivity and 'permeability' benefits for species movement,
supported by extensive survey and monitoring of biodiversity,
landscape connectivity, land use and management trends. Additionally,
we can provide advice and support to local planning authorities
and others on proposed developments and activities which could
affect either the core areas' interest and/or the integrity of
landscape connectivity.
Improved and more integrated delivery of
conservation mechanisms to support targeted land management through
the project to achieve greater environmental improvements
There
is a strong case for more joined-up thinking and action between
diverse conservation organisations and agendas, including in our
area, to deliver multiple benefits for the nature and quality
of the landscape. Such initiatives include contributing to the
implementation of the Sussex Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), promoting
and facilitating prioritised and co-ordinated applications for
Environmental Stewardship and Woodland Grant Scheme funding, assisting
with measures under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and co-operating
with neighbouring projects and organisations including the two
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Enhanced public enjoyment, understanding,
access to and inspiration from the landscape , with greater provision
of local 'sustainable' natural goods and services
People
are inextricably linked to our landscape's past, present and future
- much of which remains relatively unchanged since the early-medieval
period due to a lengthy continuity in traditional land management.
The West Weald is a quite sparsely populated rural area that is
relatively unknown and little-visited, however, thus there is
a case to promote its identity as a distinct natural landscape
both in its own right and as a 'gateway' to adjacent protected
landscapes. Much scope exists to provide environmental education
opportunities to local schools and community bodies to develop
their understanding of and engagement in landscape conservation,
along with suitable interpretation and dissemination materials
and events. Promotion of appropriate recreational access and use
of the countryside, including (eco-)tourism, as well as development
of 'sustainable' local natural goods, services and markets (e.g.
extensive-grazing meat, venison, timber and wood/fuel products)
is also contemplated.
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