INTRODUCTION

The structure of this plan is based on the layout used for the original ten year plan drawn up by Silchester Parish Council for the Countryside Stewardship Agreement in 1992. Details of the original ten year plan are in Appendix A. The same format has been used and this Management Plan uses the same areas for ease of comparison,

Early clearance work using volunteer labour did not include chemical treatment of stumps. Since 1998 clearance of birch scrub has included chemical treatment to prevent regrowth and coppice growth. Where Gorsebuster machines have been used the gorse has not been chemically treated.

The Common and the adjacent areas within the fence line have been grazed by both cattle and New Forest Ponies in the past few years. The problem in obtaining sufficient cattle of the correct breed, mainly due to the BSE crisis, has resulted in insufficient grazing and continued growth of birch seedlings and gorse. It is intended that the numbers of grazing stock will be increased in line with the proposed clearance so that, in five years time, the Common with have a better ecological balance.

SUMMARY FOR EACH WORKING AREA

Refer to Map 1 for details of each area

AREA 1

Total area is 7.4 ha

The area is dry heath-land covered by a dense mixture of birch , gorse scrub and bracken with occasional oak trees. Some clearance of scrub and stump treatment was done in 1997/98. In previous years coppicing by Willis Bros was undertaken but as this became uneconomic it ceased in 1996 and the resultant scrub growth is even more dense.

The area needs considerable clearance in selected areas to rescue what remains of the heath. A dense band of trees will be left along the western boundary to shield the view of the houses.

AREA 2

Total area 7.2 ha

Dry and humid heath which is steadily being invaded by birch and pine.

A large part of the southern section was cleared of birch in 1998/99. Fires in 1999 burnt two areas of the southern section but healthy re-growth is evident.

The northern section requires considerable clearance of new birch growth and selected clearance of dense scrub around old gravel workings. Some of the gravel workings can be converted to ephemeral ponds to provide water for stock. Encroachment of pine from nearby plantations needs control.

AREA 3

Total area 8.2 ha

Birch, gorse and pine. Dry and humid heath. Requires clearance of scrub and selected thinning leaving stands around houses. A large part of this area is outside of the fence.

No work has been done inside the fence in recent years. An area outside the fence near Sallow Copse house has been cleared to rescue existing heather.

AREAS 4, 5 & 6

Total area 5.6 ha

These areas were examined together in the original report. They are the valley bogs including the adjacent wet plateaux. A new area of  bog, cleared in 1999, and marked as Area 5A should also be considered in this section.

Areas 4, 5, 5A and the wet plateau of area 6 have been have been substantially cleared of birch scrub during 1998/99 and 1999/00. Bracken has been treated and controlled. Invasive sallow has been partially removed.

The lower section of Area 6 is heavily overgrown and requires partial clearance and thinning. The alder car along the stream will be left substantially as it is.

Five footbridges over the streams and wet areas were repaired, replaced and extended in 1999.

AREAS 7 & 8

Total area 8.0 ha

Heathland with a mozaic of heather, gorse and bracken. Considerable regrowth of birch seedlings in recent years. Clearance in early years caused considerable coppicing regrowth of birch and several hectares were cleared and treated in 1998. Fires in spring 1999 have resulted in fresh regrowth of heather with the new gorse grazed by ponies.

Area needs continued clearance and bracken spraying.

AREAS 9 & 10

Total area 6.2 ha

Heathland severely overrun by old gorse stands and thick birch growth. Severe fire in 1996 burnt a large area near Footpath 1 (Area 11) but disappointing results of grazing here and considerable birch and gorse regrowth is threatening the heather.

Large scale volunteer work and use of Gorsebusters during 1999 in the southern sector has reduced the old gorse stands. Considerable regrowth of gorse has occurred already. Good scattered areas of heather exist.

Ponds in the northern sector need considerable work. Large scale clearance is needed.

AREA 11

Total area 2.1 ha

Heavily wooded with the main footpath (No 1) through. Volunteer work in 1998 and 1999 cleared birch, holly and scrub to give light. Thinning of larger trees is planned to allow other trees to flourish.

Will require further clearance and stump treatment in about 3 years time.

AREA 12

Total area 5.7 ha

This area is predominantly oak woodland as an extension of the neighbouring Pamber Forest. Thinning of the inferior oak to encourage crown development in the better trees has been ongoing for several years.

This work will continue as part of a long term agreement with a local forester.

AREA 13

Total area 2 ha

This is covered by a dense birch and gorse scrub with an area of heather in the centre. At the northern end a large gravel working has produced an ephemeral pond.

The whole area requires attention. Priorities are, to stop the enchroachment of scrub on the existing heather and to clear the banks around the pond.

AREA 14

Total area 1.7 ha

Dense birch scrub with large strands of mature gorse. There are two gravel workings / ponds which were cleared about 10 years ago.

This area requires thinning and clearance around the ponds.

John Harrison
December 1999