Axbridge councillor Graham Godwin-Pearson has proposed a new woodland be created in the foothills of the Mendips.
Sedgemoor Wood would be a natural space for the community to engage with nature and for school pupils to experience trees and wildlife first hand. It would also be a good use of a small amount of the money that remains with Sedgemoor District Council and provide a legacy for the outgoing council.
Perhaps most importantly, it would be a new refuge for wildlife.
Woodland for wildlife
Biodiversity is in a catastrophic decline, with 52% of our wildlife lost, including 96% of turtle doves, 40% of dormice, 94% of water voles, 58% of pipistrelle bats and 95% of hedgehogs since the 1970s. It is estimated that 15% of remaining British species are now threatened with extinction. There is no question that woodland, with the correct mix of tree species and the right amount of tree cover can support these and other species and allow them to flourish in a geographic location where the were previously threatened.
Somerset and Sedgemoor trail in terms of tree cover, with a lower average than is needed nationally. According to the National Forest Inventory, 6% of Sedgemoor is woodland (Somerset is 8.2%). Axevale has a tree cover of 7.3% (Sedgemoor Tree Plan, 2020). According to the Rewilding Britain charity, we need to be approaching 26% by 2030 to absorb 10% of GHG emissions and the Somerset Levels is a UK Government priority area.
The foothills of the Mendips are the ideal spot for a new woodland, since evidence suggests expanding existing natural habitats (i.e. the Mendips AONB) is better than remote ‘islands’ of trees. Local access to a range of wild habitats, other species and a variety of food sources allow wildlife to recover more quickly. In addition, the creation of a wildlife ‘corridor’ helps to support other wild populations nearby.
Woodland as a financial investment
Woodland is now a better financial investment than any form of agriculture, thanks to carbon- and biodiversity offsetting schemes. Charities and companies are scrambling to invest in tree planting with landowners, because woodland accrues carbon credit units and biodiversity credits with value on the open market.
In addition, the value of woodland has increased by around 8% per year for the past 20 years. The average property (commercial and residential) has increased by 9.7% per year over the same period, but is subject to tax, rates and other fees.
The cost of maintaining a woodland has not increased, while the cost of building maintenance has increased by an average of 61% in the last year.
Woodland for public benefit
Woodland also provides a considerable public benefit. Residents will want to be involved in caring for and maintaining the plant- and animal life, using the site recreationally, and Parish Councils see woodland as a great benefit - some already have their own small plots.
Local schools would be keen to get involved in tree planting and nature measuring, as part of the National Curriculum. The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) includes outdoor and natural activities, many of which are set in woodland, but despite the rural location, some local schools have limited access to an appropriate setting.
Where residents and local councillors are concerned by the expansion of towns and villages into the greenbelt, a new woodland with access would prevent housing development permanently and offsetting new developments that are required.
What the woodland would look like
Planting specialists recommend sun-dappled woodlands, planted haphazardly, with a mix of native species, for maximum carbon capture and biodiversity gain. For no cost, the Woodland Trust will advise on species and planting methods to optimise the value of the site.
It is likely that the Woodland Trust will advise the planting of ash amongst the species, to replace some of the habitat lost due to Ash Dieback, which is expected to decimate the local ash population by around 90%.
A woodland with public access will allow nature trails and walkways to be created, stimulating local interest and fostering community and educational involvement.
Planting in the autumn of 2022 will be the optimum time in terms of the local government reorganisation timetable and to coincide with the Queen’s Canopy.
Graham has created a business case for Sedgemoor Wood and submitted it to the council.
