Elmbridge Borough Council's recent woodland management in Ditton Common
Concern has been expressed by residents at the extent of the clearance by Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) of vegetation, including some sizeable trees, in the section of Ditton Common east of Hampton Court Way, by the railway line. In social media there has been speculation that it will increase the risk of flooding, and even that it is in preparation for housing to be built on the common.
Neither of these claims is valid: Flood risk is not increased as the thinning operation has increased ventilation which compensates for the reduction in plant absorption. And this land has had no change of status that would permit housing.
The RA is also aware that a petition is being raised - 'Save the Thames Ditton Woodland', though we regard this as misguided. The commons clearance, although appearing severe, follows established practice for woodland management, the aim being to prevent the commons becoming an over-dense thicket with limited biodiversity. Of necessity, the immediate effect is to change the character of the woodland to a much more open area with little undergrowth; but it should be borne in mind that this is long-term management. In the shorter term undergrowth will begin to re-establish within the next growing season, reducing the current bare look.
The Countryside Officer at EBC, Hamish White, has provided an explanation and rationale (below) of the Council's woodland management programme.
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Background
Regarding the woodland management works that are taking place on Ditton Common, these are part of on going works across the countryside estate to manage the wooded areas within Elmbridge's ownership in line with the Forestry Commission best practice. Recent works have included Weybridge Heath, Oxshott Heath and Esher Common. Where questions have arisen regarding the works agreed within our stewardship agreement the Forestry Commission have not found anything at fault with our work. The Forestry Commission are the government body who oversee forestry in Wales and England. They grant licences to fell growing trees and can enforce those licences and any conditions they impose during the process including checking works as required. Any queries about this process should be directed to them:
Woodland Management Works
The works being carried out are not to clear the wood but thin out the canopy by 33.3%, allowing more light into the ground flora and allowing the biodiversity to develop. We are also reducing the holly understory where it has become dominant on this common, shading out native wildlife which affects diversity within the woodland.
Felling licence
The felling licence granted by the Forestry Commission is only for 'licenceable' trees, ie. a tree is one that is wider than 7cm at breast height (ABH). Anything smaller than this is not a tree and so does not require any permission other than the landowners to cut and remove - this means that bramble and scrub (under 7cm ABH) comprising the understory is not subject to permission from FC but is part of EBC's management of the area. This can give the impression that and area has been clear-felled when only one or two trees may have actually been removed.
Thinning works (licenced works)
The thinning works prioritise non-native species and poor native species which will not develop over time or show signs which may constitute a hazard in the future, allowing the remaining native trees space to grow and develop for the future. By its nature a canopy thin always looks more dramatic in the winter time when there are few leaves around which we need to consider when trying to improve light penetration. Ditton Common will be managed to allow natural regeneration over the coming years with young vegetation and trees developing an understory which supports the existing semi-mature woodland. In this way transpiration is maintained so reducing the perceived increase to localised flooding and noise.
Countryside Management Objective
EBC has a Countryside Strategy in which the main objectives are conservation, increased biodiversity and improved public access. The ultimate aim is to maintain the long-term viability of our woodlands. If left unmanaged the woodland would develop into a monoculture with limited opportunities for wildlife and reduced access for residents.
The works will look dramatic, as is the nature of a forestry operation, but the area will soon recover and develop a structure over time more beneficial to biodiversity. A site usually needs a couple of years to develop afterwards.
For more details on how EBC manages the Countryside Estate visit:
For further information on EBC's woodland management works on Ditton Common, visit: https://bit.ly/3lBbCKM