GCN: Great Crested Newt
SSSI: Site of Special Scientific Interest
SAC: Special Area of Conservation
Woodland Felling and Planting
Small scale felling and thinning works are undertaken, especially in areas of high ecological value where high standards of best practise are essential to minimise disturbance.
Broadoak Wood Woodland
This woodland forms part of a SSSI designated for GCN and semi-natural broad-leaved woodland. The site also has full public access and a number of badger setts.
ELM liaised with the local wildlife group to ensure public awareness of the planned operations, obtained a badger licence and a GCN habitat management licence. The felling removed any dangerous trees as well as opening new glades to encourage a greater age structure and diversity.
Wood Field
Following a successful application for a Woodland Grant Scheme, the client required ELM to plant over 500 trees in a SSSI. The site had full public access, so community liaison was also part of the brief.
Rowan during first summer after planting
Rowan 3 years after planting
Llywni Pond
Designated as part of a SSSI for its population of Great Crested Newts, the pond was becoming heavily shaded by willow trees. The use of biodegradable chain oil, standard practise for ELM, was essential so as not to contaminate the water when felling next to it.
Stumps were cut as close to the ground as possible, after ensuring there was no crevices for newts to be hibernating in, so that in future years the resulting coppice can be easily cut with a brush cutter and then used by ELM for bank stabilisation and willow weaving projects.
