About the plan area

The forest plan covers 398ha and comprises six individual woodlands: Tunnel Wood 77ha; Seale Wood 19ha; Hicks Lodge 158ha; Alistair’s Wood 33ha; Bignalls Wood 40ha; and Jaguar Lount 72ha, collectively known as the Heart of the Forest. The woodlands are largely new woodlands established in the last 23 years as part of the regeneration of the former industrial landscape that lies in South Derbyshire and North-west Leicestershire. 

The woodlands are popular with walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wildlife watchers and a network of paths provide good access through each of the woods. Hicks Lodge has the greatest provision for access and public facilities and welcomes over 160,000 visitors each year.

Objectives of the plan

The main objectives are as follows:

Climate

• grow commercial timber and other wood products using a variety of species that will be more resilient to the impacts of climate change, pests and diseases to maximise yields and ensure the woodlands can be managed sustainably.
• carefully plan the regeneration of stands impacted by Chalara ash dieback and other pests and diseases.
• support the recreation and leisure businesses on site and in the local area by creating a diverse forest that will deliver a wide range of ecosystem services.

Wildlife

• identify key species and habitats and make appropriate provision for their requirements. Maintain the ecological value of the priority habitats and SSSI.
• management operations will be planned to consider the habitat requirements of managed open and woodland edge habitats for the benefit of flora and fauna.
• continue to work with local wildlife groups to conduct bird, butterfly and reptile surveys.
• identify existing locations of TSI and demonstrate appropriate management to recruit future veteran trees and increase the volume and distribution of deadwood.

People

• continue to work with local businesses, volunteer groups and members of the public to provide a wider range of public services and educational activities.
• promote the Active Forests Programme aimed at creating a sporting habit for life for visitors through communication, partnership and engagement.
• provide access to all six woodlands on foot, horseback and bike. Promote Hicks Lodge visitor centre as a gateway site into the National Forest.
• support volunteer led activities.
• conserve features of cultural significance and record on the conservation database.

What we'll do

The plan details management operations including approved felling and restocking for the 10 years to 2035, with outline proposals for a 50 year period.

The areas of felling and restocking planned for the 10 years to 2035 are summarised below. 

All above figures refer to the gross area to be felled and excludes thinning operations. In addition to these defined operations, thinning operations will be carried out every five years.

We will protect and, where appropriate, enhance all known sites of archaeological and ecological importance and all sites, regardless of their designation, will receive the same level of care during the planning and execution of forest operations. The operation planning system will ensure they are recognised and the proper measures for their protection are in place before work begins.

The areas of Lower Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS) will be regenerated/replanted to diversify species and age structure and to continue to provide a sustainable timber resource, whilst mindful of the projected impacts of climate change.