A Government target to restore 95% of scientifically-important land in the North York Moors (above) during an eight-year campaign looks set to succeed. © Dennis Smith, geograph.org.uk
Thousands of densely-planted trees will be hacked down in an ancient Yorkshire wood as part of a £40,000 government scheme to salvage dilapidated land across the North York Moors.
The legion of western hemlock conifers, planted in the 20th century, will be axed in the 110-acre West Arncliffe and Park Hole Woods, near Whitby, in a bid to encourage regeneration of other trees at the 17th century beauty spot.
Planners are aiming to rejuvenate 95% of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) on the Moors, in line with targets agreed eight years ago after a report revealed that half of them were in "poor condition".
"Removing the Western hemlock will be a major boost, piercing the gloom with nourishing sunlight and preventing plants like the ferns from being shaded out," explained landowner Stewart Bates, saluting the wood as "an oasis of calm" and "a delight to the senses."
"It will be immensely satisfying watching it regain its full vigour."
The woodland is located near the village of Glaisdale. Photo: geograph.org.uk
A key habitat for wildlife, plants and rare plants and grasses, the wood is one of 16 SSSIs being preserved across 56,000 acres by The Forestry Commission.
"Targets are important, but the key thing is the difference this kind of work makes on the ground," argued Mick Hoban, Woodland Officer for the Commission.
"Arncliffe and Park Hole Woods are a majestic part of the Glaisdale valley around the River Esk. By focusing our grants on improving the condition of SSSIs like this we will reap the maximum dividend in boosting biodiversity and helping a fragile environment."
Andrew Windrum, the Lead SSSI Advisor for collaborators Natural England, said the project had achieved "impressive progress by anyone's standard".
"With just under 90% of the SSSI land area in the region now in a favourable condition, we are on course to meet the Government's target," he declared.
"It's based on a real partnership effort – West Ancliffe and Park Hole is a key site for us."
