During medieval times, the great forests of England
where a mosaic of woodlands, heaths, meadows, wetlands and
settlements. The term 'forest' does not necessarily mean an
area blanketed in closely spaced trees. Therefore, the
amount and type of tree cover can be expected to vary.
Also, for a variety of reasons the tree cover is subject to
change with gains and losses occurring in some areas at
different times.
Today, the idea of fitting a variety of land uses into a
well-wooded and treed landscape is being revived. This is
taking place in Rotherham's urban areas and wider rural
landscapes as part of the development of the South
Yorkshire Forest. Indeed, vast areas of blighted land left
waste following the decline of some of Rotherham's
traditional heavy industries have all but disappeared, and,
now restored with substantial tree planting, offer
considerable environmental and employment opportunities for
the future.
Rotherham's 'forest' is made up of trees and woodlands
in gardens, churchyards, streets, parks, schools,
industrial land and farmland. Individual open grown
specimens and small groups of trees make a most valuable
contribution. Sometimes they are the principal
environmental assets in a locality. For example the
Council's 6,000 roadside trees provide welcoming approaches
for visitors. Elsewhere, around a further 70,000 individual
Council-owned trees help to create attractive landscapes
and contribute to a good environment essential for the well
being of the people of Rotherham.
During 1986, the land covered by woodland in the Borough
was approximately 5%. Since then it has steadily increased
to 6.8%, but it still falls well short of the national
average of 12%. In the areas of the borough included in the
South Yorkshire Forest, the aim is to increase this too
approximately 30% over a forty year period. Therefore,
adding to the 210 Tree Preservation Orders, encouraging
further large scale tree planting and promoting the care of
existing trees and woodlands are essential if Rotherham is
to continue to make improvements to its environment.
Despite this low tree cover,
Rotherham is fortunate in having a very large number of
attractive woodlands in public ownership where there is
free access. This woodland estate includes over 40
individual woodland sites, extending to around 482
hectares. It attracts very large numbers of visitors.
People of all ages can enjoy a wide range of activities,
including walking, horse riding, orienteering, picnicking,
cycling, exploring historical and archaeological features
and watching a variety of wildlife.
No individual woodland can meet
every need. However, most will provide a number of
benefits, although some may be specific to a particular
location. In particular, recreational activities associated
with woodlands are discussed in individual management
plans. The nature of the activity, safety issues, impact on
erosion, wildlife disturbance and noise, together with the
suitability of the individual woodland for the activity are
also discussed.
Much of the Rotherham MBC
Woodland Estate lies within the South Yorkshire Forest
Partnership area. Community involvement in the care and
management of the woodlands is actively encouraged. Indeed,
many of these woods are in close proximity to urban areas
and they are often the most important natural amenity
people enjoy near to their home. At the same time, they
offer a valuable setting to promote healthier lifestyles.
In addition, learning opportunities may be developed around
woodlands to improve educational achievement and
skills.
Surprisingly, around 50% of the authority's woods are
considered to be ancient semi-natural woodland. These
places have been continuously wooded for at least 400 years
and are nationally recognised as the most important
woodland type in England for nature conservation. Also,
because of their long history they are a living record of
the past reflecting the landscape, industrial and social
history of Rotherham. Therefore, these woodlands and a
scattering of veteran trees throughout the borough are
important in safeguarding biodiversity, together with
developing a sense of place and identity for individuals
and local communities.
The borough's tree and woodland cover is predominantly
broadleaved in character. Apart from the most disturbed
soils, there are few other environmental limits for
satisfactory tree growth. However, in tree health terms,
Dutch Elm Disease continues to deny a place for Elms of any
real size.
Nevertheless, a wide range of species can be found in
the area. Indeed, in respect of finding native species,
Rotherham occupies an interesting geographical position.
The areas to the west reflect the influence of the Coal
Measures Natural Area, and are characterised by Sessile Oak
and Silver Birch growing on acid soils of varying depths.
To the east are the shallow, alkaline and fertile soils of
the Southern Magnesian Limestone Natural Area. Here,
Small-leaved Lime and Wild Service Tree still grow wild,
together with Ash and Field Maple. As mentioned, there are
few healthy Elms, but it was an important and, indeed,
co-dominant species in some valley woodlands noted for
their high nature conservation value.
In addition to this general east and west cross over
point, Rotherham is also placed at the northern and
southern limits of some species natural distribution. This
corresponds broadly with Great Britain's Uplands and
Midlands major forest zones respectively. An example is the
presence of Midland Hawthorn, which is probably close to
its northern limit.
Overall, around 26 tree species are found to occur
naturally in the Rotherham Borough. Other native trees
present, but reputedly alien to this locality, include
Hornbeam and Beech. The latter is widespread and common in
commercial woodlands, where it is often growing in
association with the introduced Sweet Chestnut and
Sycamore.
The urban areas are characterised by the planting of
large growing species such as Lime, Sycamore, Poplar and
London Plane. Although, these trees have created
considerable amenity, many are beginning to outgrow the
limited space often available to them, or their growing
conditions have been severely reduced by development,
causing widespread problems of nuisance. Sadly, some of
these difficulties can only be satisfactorily resolved by
replacing them with smaller growing species. For this
reason, an increasing number of ornamental trees with more
compact and upright growing habits are being used.
Therefore, in parts, the town's 'treescape' is slowly
changing in character. This highlights the importance of
allowing sufficient space, both above and below ground
level, in the future for taller growing trees, which are
more able to contribute to the wider amenity of the
area.
The Council holds a current Forestry Stewardship Council
Certificate. This is subject to an annual assessment by an
independent auditor of its tree and woodland management,
including amenity, wildlife and community interests. The
certificate is an assurance that management standards are
high. Also, it shows that there is an integrated,
responsible and sustainable approach to the future care of
the trees and woodlands.
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