The
Native Woodland Conservation Scheme (NWS Conservation) which is included in the
new draft forestry programme 2014 – 2020, provides support for the protection and enhancement of existing native woodlands. Specific forest types targeted by this scheme include:
- Woodlands designated as a cSAC, NHA, pNHA or SPA;
- Old Woodland Sites, whereby original 6 inch Ordnance Survey maps show continuous woodland/forest cover since the 1830s.
The programme itself makes reference to a number of key environmental services provided by this scheme where ancient woodlands are an important feature:
-Supporting services:
Supporting services have biodiversity as their bedrock, and involve ecosystem functions like soil formation and nutrient cycling. Ancient woodlands, with their exceptional biodiversity, including remnant populations of specialist fauna and flora, contribute very significant supporting services;
- Regulating services:
Forests regulate water quality and the volume of water run-off. They also protect against soil erosion and stabilise riverbanks. Carbon sequestration is of increasing value given the need to mitigate emissions in climate change strategies;
- Provisioning services:
The provisioning services of native woodlands provide us with ecosystem goods: not only timber, wood products and wood fuel, but also wild foods such as berries, mushrooms and venison. These are valued and utilised in many other European states and have considerable potential in Ireland too. An additional provisioning service, much utilised in Ireland, is the forage and shelter forests accord to farm animals, realising a significant benefit in reduced agricultural input costs;
- Cultural services:
Woodlands make an important contribution to landscape quality. Their presence is valued for amenity use, providing physical and mental well-being, aesthetic and spiritual pleasure, and opportunities for the appreciation of birds and other wildlife. Ancient woodlands, in particular, also provide historical landscape value as they often contain archaeological features and evidence of past agriculture and settlement.
Possibilities for supporting ancient woodlands also exist in both the Forest Genetic Reproductive Material Scheme and the measure providing support for Forest Management Plans. The draft programme itself is undergoing a second round of public consultation at which point careful consideration will be given to submissions made. The closing date for submissions is 13th October 2014. Further details are available on the Department’s website www.agriculture.gov.ie.
