This is part of a 200ha BNG habitat improvement plan. Living Uplands is not an agent. More information is available from Bidwells.
- Woodland: 56.18 units (wet woodland w1d)
The area of wet woodland at Swinhope Head has been damaged by causal livestock grazing and by uncontrolled access by deer. Although grey squirrels are not prevalent, it would still be important not to allow any population to establish itself. From a recent project sponsored by Northumbria Water – Branch Out this woodland has potential to be a sanctuary for red squirrels.
First action is to stock proof the area to prevent further damage from animal incursions ahead of tree planning complimentary to previous planting, including replacement or repair of stakes and tube guards.
There are spaces that need to be left open to encourage Black Grouse habitat, mostly on blanket bog, purple moor-grass and rush pasture.
Principal trees across this area are native Alder, Birch, Willow, Oak and Juniper.
What success looks like.
Living Uplands looks forward to reporting on progress in the improvement of habitat and what we learn from monitoring methods and data collected. With climate change, the more we understand about the impact on ecosystem services the better informed we will be in making management decisions to sustain health and life of our great English upland landscape.