Full press release from WSWP
September 2011
Western Somerset Woodland Project Western Somerset is home to some of the county’s most valuable woodlands. They are keystones in the landscape, connecting hedgerows, streams, valleys and hills. Woodland habitats in Western Somerset offer a vital resource for some of our most cherished species, including dormice, lesser horseshoe bats, long-eared owls and pied flycatchers. They also have an important role in providing a supply of local woodfuel, building materials and other woodland products.
The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) have been awarded funding from Western Somerset Local Action for Rural Communities and the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for the Western Somerset Woodland Project. Working with woodland owners, local communities and with people who work in woodlands, this exciting project aims to restore, enhance and protect Western Somerset’s woodlands for future generations.
Any woodland, whether it’s one hectare or one hundred hectares, can achieve more by being brought into management. If you think your woodland could be achieving more for wildlife and for business, we may be able to help you, as FWAG are offering free advisory visits in Western Somerset to help woodland owners realise the potential of their woods. We can provide advice on woodfuel and timber production, and assistance to enhance your woodland for wildlife. We can support you with grant applications, such as the English Woodland Grant Scheme, and can also offer advice on woodland creation.
We are looking to support and increase opportunities for the local woodland industry, and will be producing a Contractors Directory. If you work in woodlands or with woodland products and would like more information about the Western Somerset Contractors Directory, please contact us.
We would also like to work with local communities to help more people to enjoy Western Somerset’s beautiful woods. Are you interested in our woodland events? Would you like to volunteer in your local woodlands, helping with vital management work or assisting with wildlife surveys? If you are interested in being part of this exciting project, we would like to hear from you.
For more information or to arrange a free advisory visit, contact:
Emma Wright, Farm Conservation Adviser
Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
ewright@somerset.gov.uk
Tel: 01823 355 427
