About

This Forest Plan summarises proposals by Forestry England for the management of the Bourne Woodlands in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire. The Bourne Woodlands Forest Plan area totals 717.5ha and comprises the majorities of Bourne Wood (282ha) and Temple Wood (242.5ha) and the entireties of Gunborough Wood (43.8ha), Spring Wood (48.5ha) and Callan’s Lane Wood (100.7ha).

The Bourne Woodlands fall wholly within the Kesteven Uplands National Character Area which is characterised by a gently rolling, mixed farming landscape. The scattered woodlands within this area are significant; including semi-natural, ancient and commercial forests. The elevation of the Bourne Woodlands within the undulating landform ranges from 22m (in Bourne Wood) to 76m (in Temple Wood), all woodlands being prominent in the low lying landscape and visible from respective local roads.

The forests themselves are predominantly Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) and Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland, plus a mix of broadleaved and coniferous secondary woodland.

Objectives

The primary management objectives for the Bourne Woodlands are to:

· continue the restoration of PAWS, and maintain and improve the ecological value of the lowland mixed deciduous woodland priority habitat.

· use Lower Impact Silvicultural Systems where appropriate to protect soils and water.

· sustainably grow commercial timber using species and systems resilient to the impacts of pests, diseases and climate change to maximise yields and prioritise timber quality.

· conserve the ecological and heritage features and maintain existing public access.

What we'll do

The current plan outlines the management proposals for the Bourne Woodlands over the next 50 years. Felling is approved for the 10 year Forest Plan period until 26th March 2034.

In addition to the below felling summary, thinning assessments will be made every 5 years and thinning operations scheduled accordingly.

A more detailed outline of the forest structure and planned operations can be seen in the full Bourne Woodlands Forest Plan document.