SIMON LAPINSKI K0637991

MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR TANNERY LANE BRIDGE SITE, SHALFORD.

Image above shows clearing of front of Tannery Lane Bridge.

CONTENTS & INTRODUCTION PAGE 1

CONTENTS

Contents & Introduction

Location

Physical conditions of site

History

Land-use

Images of site

Habitats

Plant-use

Concept model of proposed interventions

Aims & objectives of management plan

Conservation of broad-leaf woodland

Coppice with standards

Coppice with standards management plan

Coppice with standards management programme

Ecological canal bank protection

Critical analysis & future predictions

Bibliography

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

This management report is an extension of a previous project we wereassigned in conjunction with the Wey and Arun Trust to createproposals to compliment the scheme of re-establishing a section of theformer Wey and Arun Canal at the Tannery Lane site.

The idea was to generate a concept utilising the sites assets to developa pilot scheme which would attract momentum and funding for futureextensions of the old canal route until finally completing the connectionbetween the Rivers Wey and Arun.

Of the interventions I submitted I selected the conservation of theexisting Broad-leaf woodland as the basis of my management report inan attempt to gain a greater depth of understanding as to the feasibilty ofmy proposals. With the core of the former project relating to the re-introduction of the canal I also took time to examine the possibilities ofits structure and how it may reduce its impact on the surroundingEnvironment.

The report will illustrate site analysis, design concepts, assessment,descriptions and processes of reaching the aims of the management planas an introduction to detailing the programmes to be installed to achievecontinued satisfaction of the broad-leaf woodlands for current and futureusers alike.

INTRODUCTION

Berkshire

Sussex

Heathrow

Gatwick

Guildford

Farnham

Staines

Oxted

Haslemere

Leatherhead

Weybridge

Camberly

Shalford

Fig.1 The British Isles inset and County ofSurrey County illustrating location ofShalford.

Fig.3 Aerial view displaying proximity ofShalford to study site.

LOCATION PAGE 2

Ref: Google Earth

LOCATION

Tanyard Lane site, Shalford

.

.

Fig.2 Aerial view of Shalford and proximity to Tannery Lane site.

Located within the Surrey Hills Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty. The site is directly south of TanneryLane Bridge in the Parish of Shalford. The area is accessible by vehicular traffic by country roads via theA281 Horsham Road to the west. The railway station at Shalford travels between Guildford and Dorking onthe North Downs Line. For pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders the locale is approachable by the DownsLink which runs through the site and Tannery Lane on the northern border.

OS grid reference TQ000467

Scale 1:10000

N

Shalford Village

Tannery Lane study site

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS OF SITE PAGE 3

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS OF SITE

TOPOGRAGPY

The site of tannery lane lies within a shallow basin of secondary succession vegetation, gently rising from the bridge eastwards at a gradient of 1:05 per metre.To the north a former brook has been deepened to accept seasonal floodwaters within an area of Broad-leaf wood which falls down eastwards. To thesouth the land rises from 0.7-1.2m wets to east as an embankment that was the location of the former Horsham to Guildford railway Line., falling down toCranleigh waters which run parallel.

At the east border of the site, Cranleigh waters crosses from south to west under Gosden aqueduct before turning eastwards and continuing its route.

GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The Shalford area is located on Wealden Greensand, just south of the North Downs. The soils are slightly acidic and free draining.

HYDROLOGY

The region of Shalford is part of the River Wey’s catchment area which flows into the River Thames. The North and South Wey join at Tilford, where theWey runs past Shalford to be joined by Cranleigh waters and the River Tillingbourne further north.

HISTORY OF SITE

HISTORY OF TANYARD LANE SITE PAGE 4

•First mentioned in the Doomsday book of1086 as Scaldefor.

• Agriculture main land-use of area,producing cereal crops of oats, wheat, barleyand hay.

• Other industries include Tanneries andBreweries.

• 1816 witnesses construction of Wey andArun Canal and Tannery Lane horse bridge.

• 1860, Road bridge built in preparation totake traffic over proposed railway track.

• 1865, Completed construction of Guildfordto Horsham Railway.

• Local population increases.

• 1871 sees closure of Shalford to Guildfordsection of Wey and Arun Canal.

• 1958 Site becomes part of Surrey HillsAONB.

• 1965 sees closure of Guildford to Horshamrailway line.

• 1984 old railway route becomes Downslink connecting North and South Downs.

Ref: Cranleigh railway

LEGEND

Guildford to HorshamLine

Wey and Arun Canal

Fig. 1 1873 Map of Guildford to HorshamRailway through Peamarsh to Bramley andWonerash. Tanyard lane site highlighted.

From left to right, Tanyard lane road and horse bridge, site ofold tannery, remains of Gosden aqueduct.

LAND-USE OF TANNERY LANESITE

LAND-USE OF TANNERY LANE SITE PAGE 5

LEGEND

Public openspace

Secondarysuccession

Woodland

Residentialgardens

Educationalbuildings

Residentialdwellings

Industrialbuildings

Industrialland

Farmland

Cranleigh watersand brook

Downs link

Path

Horse andfootbridge

Tannery lanebridge & Gosdenaqueduct

Fig.1 Image of Tanyard horsebridgefrom Gosden aqueduct

Fig.2 Fringe of woodland areaby brook.

Downs link Path

Secondarysuccession

Brook

Woodland

Gosdenaqueduct

Horse bridgeResidentialgardens

Farmland

Cranleighwaters

Educationalbuildings

Industrialland andbuildings

Publicopenspace

TanyardLane

N

Tanyard LaneBridge

RESOURCESIMAGES OF SITE

IMAGES OF SITE PAGE 6

1. Gosden Aqueduct

2. Downs Link Trail

3. View of site from Tannery Lane Bridge

4. View of site from Tannery Bridge Lane

5. Cranleigh Waters and weir

6. Tannery Lane Bridge

Fig.2 Montage illustrating habitats existing within Tanyard Lane site.

HABITATS

HABITATS PAGE 7

Fig.1 Lanyard Lane sitebefore clearance by Weyand Arun Trust.

Ref: Wey & Arun Trust

Within the Tannery Lane site two distinct habitats can be found. The firstwhich dominates the central section is that of Secondary succession. Thisis a result of the original Broad-leafed woodland being cleared to illustratethe sites potential for a pilot scheme by the Wey and Arun Trust in the re-introduction of a length of the Wey and Arun canal. The consequence ofthe clearance has been the greater penetration of light to the ground layerand the pre-existing soil resulting in the re-establishment of the plantcommunity on disturbed land, towards to climax community of the Broad-leafed woodland.

The existing vegetation is composed in the main by the voracious Urticadioca (stinging nettle). Other species found within this habitat and that ofthe Broad-leafed woodland are displayed within the plant material section.

The habitat of the broadleaved woodland surrounds the area untouched bythe previous clearance work. The Broad-leafed woodland depicts theclimax community which has developed through ecological succession overtime, arriving at a consistent state. The woodland has matured as a productof the plant community best adapted to the conditions of the region.

It could be argued however that as a Coppice and Standard woodlandwhich has been continually harvested in the past that it too is a site ofsecondary succession.

LEGEND

Broad-leafwoodland

Secondarysuccession

Cranleighwaters

Tannery Lane Bridge

Gosdenaqueduct

PLANT MATERIAL

PLANT MATERIAL PAGE 8

TREES AND SHRUBS

Alder, Alnusglutinosa

Ash, Fraxinusexcelsior

Field maple, Acercampestre

Goat willow,salix caprea

Hawthorn,Crategus monogyna

Hazel, Corylusavellana

Ivy, Hederahelix

Holly, Ilexaquifolium

Oak, Quercusrobur

Walnut,Juglens regia

Bramble, Rubusfruticosus agg

Sycamore, Acerpseudoplatanus

ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS

Himalayan balsam,Impatiens granduifera

Bindweed, GenusConvolvulus

Great Burdock,Artium lappa

*Foxglove,Digitalis purpurea

*Herb Robert,Geraniumrobertanium

Mare’s tail,Equisetum arvense

Stinging nettle,Urtica dioica

*Common water plantain,Alisma plantago-aquatica

Grasses, variety ofspecies

*Ragged robin,Lychnis flos-cuculi

* Ref:Photographsfrom RiverWey&Navigations

Annuals: Plant that completes its entire life cycle in one year.

Perennial: Plant whose life cycle covers more than two year and does not dieafter flowering

Trees and shrubs: Woody perennials with one or more stems arising fromthe ground. Both can be deciduous or evergreen

Illustrated here are the main members of the plant community found within the habitats of Tannery Lane site. Theexamples of the trees and shrubs are those found within the Broad-leaf woodland and exhibit varieties whose timber isused in the practice of coppicing (Hazel, Willow and Alder) and those grown as standards (Oak, Beech and Ash). Theannuals and perennials are a selection of the species of plants located within and around the perimeter of the habitat ofsecondary succession.

*Great Reedmace,Typha latifolia

*Wild Teasal,Dipsacus fullonum

CONCEPT MODEL OF PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS

CONCEPT MODEL OF PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS PAGE 9

1

1

1

1

2

2

223

3

AIMS:

1. CONSERVATION

OF BROAD-LEAFWOODLAND

2. CREATION OFGRASSLANDMEADOW

3. RE-ESTABLISHMENTOF CANAL ROUTE

4. OUTDOOREDUCATIONCENTRE

Fig 1. Planelevation of

concept modelfor Tannery

Lane Site

1

1

2

4

5. ACCESSIBILITYFOR ALL.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT PLAN

CONSERVATION OF EXISTING BROADLEAVED HABITAT

1. Enhance and maintain habitat of existing broad-leaf woodland.

2. Increase and maintain biodiversity of flora and fauna of habitat.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 10

5. Sustainable source of timber.

Appraisal, explanations and methods of fulfilling the objectives concerning the management ofconserving the broad-leaf woodland at Tannery Lane will be defined as a precursor to outlining thework programmes to be prescribed in achieving continued enjoyment of these resources forcurrent users and a legacy for future generations.

Aims & Objectives

4. Preserve traditional rural crafts.

3. Enable conditions to monitor and combat the effects of climate change.

Images of coup divisions withinTannery Lane site. Below Coup D.

Coup A.

Coup C.

Coup B.

CONSERVATION OF BROAD-LEAF WOODLAND

CONSERVATION OF BROADLEAVED WOODLAND

Tree to beCoppiced.

Cut closeto base inwinter.

Shoots rapidlygrow fromstool thefollowing spring.

Coppice readyfor harvestbetween 7-20years

COPPICING

PAGE 11

Drawing authors own work

TYPES OF BROAD-LEAF WOODLAND

Britain has different varieties of woodland which has evolved naturally through contrasting soil types, climate, geology and topography. Management and past land-use will also influence the sort of woodland that matures. In the main woodland is generally classed by the primary tree species growing in that particular wood.Nevertheless in reality it is unusual to find one specific species of tree prevalent and a wood will include a Varity of tree types.

TANNERY LANE BROAD-LEAF WOODLAND

The broad-leaf woodland at Tannery Lane can be defined as Alder-wet woodland due to the dominance of Alders which prosper on the wet soils. This type ofwoodland is typically located along the banks of streams, rivers or wherever poor drainage persists.

The process of succession transforms wetlands into wet woodlands through siltation and evaporation, providing anchorage for tree growth. Alder woodland willclimax to be superceded by Oak woodland as further drying of the soil favours a drier woodland type.

MANAGEMENT OF BROAD-LEAF WOODLAND

Broad-leaf woodlands are managed for severalpurposes. Traditionally it concerned generating thegreatest yield for economically viable products andgame which operates in tandem with our aims ofconservation and increased biodiversity. IndigenousBritish woodland was managed to provide asustainable source of timber by coppicing woodlandon a rotational cycle. Coppicing utilises the self-regeneration properties of trees by cutting the treenear to ground level to create a stool from whichbranches regenerate at similar thicknesses to beharvested for the desired needs.

Contractor: Coppice worker harvestingbranches. Ref Greenwood centre.

COPPICE WITH STANDARDS

10M

10M

- Ground layer- Field layer- under-storey

- Canopy

COPPICE WITH STANDARDS

Canopy/Tree layer : The mature trees (standards).

Under-storey/Shrub layer : Consists of younger trees withshrubs adapted to lower light conditions (coppice).

Field layer : Best developed where light penetrateswoodland floor, for example a newly coppiced area.

Ground layer.

TYPICAL SPECIES

Oak, Ash, Beech, Birch

Field maple, Hawthorn, Hazel,Holly, Wild cherry, Alder.

Ferns, Grasses, Sedges,herbs

Mosses, Ivy, Lichens, Fungi

COPPICE WITH STANDARDS

Fig.1 Above Coppice and Standard Broadleaved Woodland of Tannery Lane site. Fig.2 Above Coppicing of woodland at Tannery Lane site.

PAGE 12

WOODLAND LAYERS

Drawing authors own work

Coppice with Standards developed at the time of King Henry IIIV, when he declared an edict that twelve standards or mature uncut trees should be left within eachacre of woodland for timber. The system combines mature standards that occupy the canopy layer creating greater visual continuity to the woodland and a selectionof coppice of different ages and species to provide various types and dimensions of wood for required demand within the under-story. The system also maintainsstructural diversity to the under-storey and improved conditions for wildlife conservation. The coppice is managed on a rotational basis varying from 2-20 years againdepending on the variety of tree and demand of wood. The short cycle increases the amount of light penetration reaching the ground layer expanding the level ofbiodiversity within the woodland and improving stability of the flora and fauna.

PRECEDENT: Bradfield Woods, Nr Bury St.Edmunds. NationalNature Reserve which employed Coppice with Standardsmanagement since1252. Ref: Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

COPPICE WITH STANDARDS MANAGEMENT PLAN

COPPICE WITH STANDARDS MANAGEMENT PLAN PAGE 13

The process of coppicing begins each winter,between the months of November and Marchtraditionally after the harvest when work on theland has slowed down. This season coincides withthe dormant period of deciduous plant life, withtrees shed their leaves to halt the process ofphotosynthesis and the movement of sap up thetree to protect its energy reserves and the effectsof frost damage. The reduction of sap contentwithin the wood also makes it a more efficientsource of fuel when most needed.

The wood is divided into a number of coups toimprove the efficiency of managing the woodland.Depending on the rotational cycle which will couldbe between two to twenty years, the coupselected to be coppiced will have its shoots orpoles cut to lengths and stacked in heaps which arecustomary known as a cord with each stack beingknown as cordwood.

The thinning of standards is required every fiveyears to reduce the density of canopy and increasethe penetration of light to the ground layer. Theselection process involves removing poorly formed,weak and diseased branches of the trees.

In any one coup there will be a number ofstandards of various ages. Up to 40% of the canopyshould be occupied by standards as to many willresult in poor coppice growth through insufficientlight.

THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Fig 1. Tree size and density of broad-leaf woodland at Tannery Lane with coup divisions.

COUP A

COUP B

COUP C

COUP D

Cranleigh waters

SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS

The trade of the Coppice worker has declined sharply since the demand for the by-products from coppice wood has fallen. The craft continues however on a smaller scaleto retain and teach those interested in the traditional skills of the countryside and as ameans of conserving existing woodland under the management of coppicing.

Although originally the work of the Coppice worker or Woodman, the coppicing ofwoods can equally be carried out by contracted Arboriculturalists or trained volunteers.

COPPICE WITH STANDARDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

NOV-MAR2008

NOV-MAR2009

COUPA

COUPB

COUPC

COUPD

NOV-MAR2010

NOV-MAR2011

NOV-MAR2012

NOV-MAR2013

NOV-MAR2014

NOV-MAR2015

TIME

DIV

ISIO

N O

F BR

OA

DLEA

VED

WO

OD

LA

ND

Broadleaved woodland covers 9200 m2 = 0.98 Hectares

400 man/hrs to coppice 1 Hectare = 392 man/hrs

392 man/hrs divided by 4 coups = 98 man/hrs = 12.25 days

Each coup to take 1x Coppice worker & one x Volunteer 6.125 days per year

Fig.1 Table illustrating Coppice with Standards Management Programme for Tannery Lane Broadleaved woodland

COPPICE WITH STANDARDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME PAGE 14

Ref : Lowland landscape design guidelines

THINNING OFSTANDARDS

TASK /TIME

The existing broad-leaf woodland at Tannery Lane site covers an area of 9200 m2 or 0.98 Hectares. It takes a Coppice worker 400 man hours to harvest one hectareof woodland, which with our site would equate 392 man hours. These hours are divided by the number of coup divisions, resulting in 98 man hours per coup on ayearly rotational basis. With the addition of a trained volunteer to reduce costs the total time required each year to harvest a coup would be 49 man hours or 6.125days. The estimated cost for these workers would be £1010.65 per year with Coppice worker at £150 per day and volunteer with £15 expenses per day.

ECOLOGICAL CANAL BANK PROTECTION

ECOLOGICAL CANAL BANK PROTECTION PAGE 15

CANAL BANK CONSTRUCTION

1m wide Hoggin towpath

1.4m

Canal water level

Canal bed

150mm round poles staked into canalbed every 500mm. Galvanised steelsquare mesh and geo-textile membranefixed behind poles to retain soil bank.

200mm x 50mm boards toprotect bank from collidingboats and dismountingpassengers.

Native planting

2 x 600mm wide x 600mmdeep x 500mm highgalvanised steel squaremesh gambions filled withregular stone to protect soilbank from wash generatedby passing boats.

NAVIGATIONCHANNEL

BANK ANDTOWPATH

MARGINALSHALLOWS

Fig.1 Image of bank construction at DapduneWharf on River Wey by National Trust.Drawing authors own work

As explained in the opening of the report, itacts as an extension to proposals developedwith the Wey and Arun Trust, which centeredon the re-establishment of the former Wey andArun Canal. With the constant activityexperienced at the banks of canals with mooringcraft, embarking, disembarking crews and erosionfrom the swash of passing vessels. The delicateecology of the canal is under continuous threat.

To help secure these habitats I proposed theinstallation of stone and timber bank protectionas employed by the National Trust at DapduneWharf, Guildford. The stone gambions wereheld in place with two rows of round timberposts which dually served to support timberboards acting as barriers against mooring boatsand the passage of crew members, so protectingthe establishing flora and fauna of the marginalshallows and bank.

HABITAT CANAL ZONES

1. NAVIGATIONAL CHANNEL 2. MARGINAL SHALLOWS 3. BANK & TOWPATH

Fish - Bream,Tench, Roach,Birds-dabchick

Fish - Sticklebacks, Minnows.Amphibians - Newts, Frogs. Plants -White water lily, Flowering rush,Common reed, Sege, Nettles. Birds -Reed-bunting, Reed warbler

Mammals - Brown rat.Birds - Kingfisher.Plants - Bur-reed,Yellow flag.

Authors own drawing

CRITICAL ANALYSIS & FUTURE AIMS PAGE 16

CRITICAL ANALYSIS FUTURE PREDICTIONS

The main challenges to the idea of implementing a managementplan to conserve the existing broad-leaf woodland at Tannery Laneis firstly the availability of funding to continue the vital worksrequired to initiate the process of restoring a wood which has beenneglected for several decades and maintaining the works to establishthe benefits of increased biodiversity and an appreciation of thisessential natural resource.

Volunteer groups are at the core of forwarding works, displayingtremendous passion and imitative to carry out the works. Theseefforts only exist on obtainable funding, of which private donationsare finite. Without the additional assistance from local and nationalstatutory bodies objectives can become staggered and lethargic withthe real ambitions always a finger tip away.

Secondly and most importantly is the effects of climate change uponthe fabric of the broad-leaf woodlands and the strategies that willhave to be readdressed and installed to monitor and maintain theirstability and future prosperity.

Climate change is a result of human activity generating greaterconcentrations of Carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Forecasts forBritain indicate higher temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns,greater wind speeds, cloud cover and humidity, all of which will have adirect consequence on the growth structure of trees and theirenvironment.

Current Carbon concentrations are not at their optimum for theprocess of photosynthesis and with rising levels initial growth increasesare expected. With higher temperatures an extension of the growingseason will occur which may cause harm through delayed orincomplete winter hardening of trees provoking further frost damage.In addition warmer winters might reduce chilling requirements forflowering and seed germination effecting the natural regeneration oftree species. Lower summer rainfall and increased evaporation rateswill lead to extended periods of drought stress on trees making themmore prone to attack from pests and pathogens, while greater rainfallduring winter may induce water logging of soils and lower their abilityto stabilize trees. Higher wind speeds can lead to the increasedseverity, unpredictable nature and frequency of storms promotinggreater damage to woodland areas.

Practical responses to the threats posed by climate change cover twofundamental areas, adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation measuresattempt to minimise the effects of climate change as it progresses andmitigation responses try to limit the extent of climate change.

The greatest uncertainty however concerning Britain’s broad-leafwoodlands is the inability to predict the way that human society willchange and in particular how effective its efforts to mitigate climatechange will be.

BIBLIOGRAPHY PAGE 17

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nature through the seasons, Richard Adams.

The Outdoor Classroom, Department of Education and science

Lowland landscape design guidelines, the Forest Authority.

Community woodland design guidelines, the Forestry Commission.

Forest landscape design guidelines, the Forest Authority.

Along the Riverbank, The Living Countryside.

BOOKS WEBSITES

www.offwellwoodland&wildlifetrust.org

www.weynavigations.org

www.naturalengland.org.uk

www.btcv.org.uk

www.weyandarun.co.uk

www.Countrysideandguildford.gov.uk

www.naturescape.co.uk