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 are normal in Lincolnshire with a diverse range of species and age classes, glades, deadwood and other biodiversity-rich features.
• New native woodland is created using trees of local provenance with appropriate species for the relevant area of the county where possible.
• Relict/unmanaged traditional orchards, wood-pasture and parkland are protected, restored and managed for their biodiversity, historic and cultural value.
• Woodland management is productive and sustainable through support from Government grants and other funding, and meeting increased demand for local woodland products.
• The value of field-side and roadside groups of trees, and ancient and veteran trees is recognised and they are retained in the landscape.
• Core areas such as ancient woodlands have been buffered, and linked with habitat corridors and stepping stones.

Action Plans

• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (NEW!)
• Traditional orchards (NEW!)
• Wet woodland
• Wood-pasture and parkland (NEW!)

• Bats

Details can be downloaded from the Documents section.