BAP

Only 4% of Lincolnshire is covered by woodland, making it one of the least wooded counties in Britain. Here, as in much of lowland eastern England, the dominance of agriculture means that woodland is confined to those areas of least value for food production. In the process, woodlands have not just become reduced in extent but have also become more fragmented, even in those areas where substantial blocks remain.

Where significant areas of native woodland remain, they are of national importance for their biodiversity. There is a range of woodland Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) of varying stand-types across the county, including alder-dominated woodlands along the southern edge of the Wolds, lime-dominated woodlands in the central clay vale, Wolds edge woodlands and a range of ash and oak woodlands on calcareous soils in the southwest of the county. These woodlands form the minimum base stock from which action to deliver real biodiversity benefits can spread. The rehabilitation of ancient woodlands stocked with conifers will also help to deliver these benefits, as will action to ensure appropriate management is carried out to maintain vibrant wildlife-rich and economically valued woodlands.

Vision for Trees and Woodland in Lincolnshire

• Healthy woodlands with a diverse range of species and age classes, glades, deadwood and other biodiversity rich features are normal in Lincolnshire.
• New native woodland created using trees of local provenance with appropriate species for the relevant area of the county.
• Woodland management is productive and sustainable due to increased markets and demand for local woodland products.

Action Plans

• Ancient Semi-natural Woodland
• Wet Woodland

Details can be downloaded from the Documents section.