Trees, Woods and Forest Biodiversity
The West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework (RFF) was launched in October 2004 and set out the region’s vision for woodland and forestry over the next 10-20 years. Delivery Plans to guide implementation of the RFF have since been developed and comprise 11 themes under which activity is promoted. One of these themes is Enhancing Biodiversity and this has considerable synergies with the Regional Biodiversity Strategy (RBS) which was launched in May 2005.
Under the auspices of the Woodland & Forestry Forum a number of specialist expert groups have been set up. These are proving very successful with ambitious driven programmes of activity for establishing the first base, buy-in and co-operation from a wide range of stakeholders. They have considerably improved communication at all levels, and had input and influence on regional and local agendas, seeking and attracting significant alternative funding to support their work. As a further contribution to this, a Task Group for Trees, Woods and Forest Biodiversity has now been set up. This incorporates the previously proposed Ancient & Native Woodland Task Group.
See the Terms of Reference here (in Word Format).
See the minutes of the meetings here.
Woodland Biodiversity
Woodlands with their diverse habitats support a wide range of species, some of which are national priorities for protection. The West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework’s Enhancing Biodiversity Theme 9 and the West Midlands Biodiversity Strategy endorse the desire to increase biodiversity, protect and enhance ancient semi-natural woodland, manage current woods and restore the ecological value of planted ancient woodland sites. These issues are also key to the Regional Spatial Strategy and local Biodiversity Action Plans requiring resources for effective and co-ordinated delivery.
Purpose of group:
- To develop, promote and guide biodiversity activity for trees, woodlands and forests across the region on behalf of the both the Biodiversity Partnership and the Woodland and Forestry Forum.
- To assist with the delivery of both the Regional Biodiversity Strategy (RBS) and the Regional Forestry Framework (RFF).
Regional Biodiversity Strategy Challenges and/or habitat targets to be addressed (cross referenced with RFF Enhancing Biodiversity objectives)
Key Challenge 1 - Maintaining and improving the condition of habitats, species and ecosystems through RFF Delivery Plan Theme 9 - EB1, 2, 3 and 7.
Key Challenge 2 – Developing an area based approach to restoring wildlife through RFF Delivery Plan Theme 9 – EB5.
Key Challenge 3 – Monitoring the condition of habitats and species and ecosystems through RFF Delivery Plan Theme 9 - EB8.
Key Challenge 4 – Re-connecting and integrating action for biodiversity with other environmental, social and economic activity through RFF Delivery Plan Theme 9 - EB6.
Key Challenge 5 – Coping with the impacts of climate change through RFF Delivery Plan Theme 9 - EB4 and 5.
[Note: see below for list of EB objectives under RFF Delivery Plan Theme 9]
Sectoral focus of activity will be with landowners, managers and the forestry sector.
Ways of working
The group draws from the public, private and voluntary sectors in recognition of their expertise in achieving the aims of the group.
There will be a number of meetings throughout the year held by member preference and work programme.
The group will report to both the West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership and the Woodland & Forestry Forum.
The list of tasks will be reviewed as each task is completed and completely reviewed annually.
Main tasks:
The key tasks were agreed at the first meeting by reviewing the habitat targets and the Challenges (outlined above) within the sectoral approach of the RBS and the actions outlined under Theme 9 within the RFF Delivery Plan. These are recorded in the Task Group Minutes and Action Schedule.
Key outcomes:
Facilitating and achieving those objectives of the RFF and RBS not already being directly actioned elsewhere. An Action Schedule for the Task Group will be produced.
Timescales:
As agreed by Group.
Minutes in .pdf format unless otherwise specified.
Minutes of meeting 20th October 2009
Minutes of meeting 14th July 2009
Minutes of meeting April 2009
Minutes of meeting January 2009
Minutes of meeting September 2008
Notes of meeting 3rd July 2008
Notes of meeting 11th April 2008
Notes of meeting 16th January 2008
Notes of the Meeting - October 1st 2007
Notes of the Meeting - June 11th 2007 (.doc)
Notes of the Meeting - March 28th 2007 (.doc)
Notes of the First Meeting – January 25th 2007 (.doc)
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RFF Theme 9 – Enhancing Biodiversity |
EB1 |
To meet the national targets for Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the priority habitats and species of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan |
EB2 |
To protect and enhance ancient or semi-natural woodland, including through creation of new native woodland in targeted locations which will create habitat networks and increase semi-natural woodland cover |
EB3 |
To develop a programme for the improvement and restoration of plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) |
EB4 |
To achieve exemplary management of assets through UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) |
EB5 |
To target action through landscape-scale improvements |
EB6 |
To secure the integration of agri-environment, woodland and forestry and rural development delivery mechanisms |
EB7 |
To develop sustainable woodland and forestry markets, products and enterprises |
EB8 |
To increase contributions and commitment to wildlife gain |
EB9 |
To assist delivery of Forestry Commission England woodland bird corporate targets |
EB10 |
To increase public awareness and participation |
EB11 |
To raise the levels of skills and knowledge to enable exemplary biodiversity management |
EB12 |
To improve information to support ecological sustainability and biodiversity enhancement |
Contact:Justin Milward – Task Group Chairperson
justinmilward@woodland-trust.org.uk
