2012

By Marcus Busby, Hayley Herridge,

& Ed Scudamore
Pen-y-Bwr Farm
3/22/2012
Landscape Plan
2

CONTENTS

Preface......................................................................................................................................................4
1.0 Habitat Assessment and Biological Diversity Survey........................................................................... 5
1.1 Location, Topography, Boundaries and Surrounding Land Use................................................... 5
1.2 Detailed Description.................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Fauna........................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Boundaries................................................................................................................................... 8
1.5 Initial Management Recommendations....................................................................................... 8
2.0 Landscape Design............................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Landscape Aims............................................................................................................................9
2.2 Landscape Strategy...................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Landscape Methodology.............................................................................................................. 11
2.4 Landscape Construction Phases................................................................................................... 12
3.0 Forestry Commission Grant-Funded Planting...................................................................................... 14
3.1 Planting Areas.............................................................................................................................. 14
3.2 Planting Descriptions and Management Timelines..................................................................... 16
3.3 Wider-Scale Habitat Integration.................................................................................................. 18
4.0 Land Use............................................................................................................................................ 19
4.1 Agriculture................................................................................................................................... 19
4.2 Forestry and Arboriculture...........................................................................................................20
4.3 Aquaculture and Hydrology......................................................................................................... 20
4.4 Camping....................................................................................................................................... 20
APPENDIX 1 Species List......................................................................................................................... 26



List of Illustrations
Diagram 2.1: Ecological Succession of Vegetation.. 11
Diagram 2.2: Forest Garden Stacking .. 12
Photo 3.1: Aerial View of the Site 18
Image 3.2: Computer Generated Image, post tree planting 15 year projection...... 18


3

List of Maps
Map 1.1 Identified Habitats and Biological Indicators ............................................................................. 6
Map 3.1 Existing Vegetation and Grant-Funded Planting Areas 14
Map 3.2 Planting Areas Included in the eWGS7 Application 15
Map 4.1 Land Surface Map 21
Map 4.2 Field Names 22
Map 4.3 Indicative Planting. 23
Map 4.4 Far Field Land Use. 24

List of Tables
Table 3.1 Summary of Planting Areas on Map 3.2. 16
4

PREFACE
The following pages aim to provide detailed landscape information regarding land situated on Dorstone Hill OS
Grid Reference SO426325. There are four sections to this booklet:

Section 1 - Habitat Assessment and Biological Diversity Survey ..pp5-8
By Hayley Herridge, Herefrodshire Wildlife Trust; Presents information regarding location, topography,
boundaries and surrounding land uses. Existing flora, fauna and habitat are described. Biological indicators are
identified and relevant managment techniques suggested.
Section 2 Landscape Construction ...............................................................................................pp9-13
By Marcus Busby, Circles Design and Build; Descibes how the land, which was previously managed as
pastureland will be nurtured into a more ecologically and agriculturally diverse landscape.

Section 3 Forestry Commission Grant Funded Planting .................................................................pp14-18
By Ed Scudamore, Sustsainable Woodland Services; Provides information regarding the areas allocated for
eWGS7 Woodland Grant Scheme funding and planting, including species lists and management approaches.

Section 4 Land Use........................................................................................................................pp19-21
This section describes how the land can be used more econmically, to derive a varied and sustainable livlihood.

5

1.0 HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY SURVEY
One of the key aims of Pen-Y-Bwr Farm is to encourage biodiversity. To assess the success of this aim, an
annual survey will be conducted to monitor the changes in the numbers of species present and where
necessary, their populations. The first assessment was carried out on 5
th
July 2011 and identified 123 different
species.
Surveyor: Hayley Herridge
Date: 05/07/11
Grid Ref. SO426325
1.1 LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY, BOUNDARIES, AND SURROUNDING LAND USE
The 23 acre site is comprised of semi improved and unimproved grassland, situated 0.58 miles North West of
Dorstone village and sited on Old Red Sandstone. The site has a steep gradient in the North and North East
with a South Westerly aspect and is freely draining. The site is split into three main fields by defunct hedging
and is surrounded by hedge, woodland and stock proof fencing. There is a strip of grassland in the East that
has been separated by a stock proof fence. A spring flows adjacent to North Western boundary and another
arises South West of field 1 and flows West between fields two and three. Surrounding land use includes
ancient woodland (separated by a road), improved grassland, arable and broad leaf woodland. Owner D.
Cotterell acquired the site in 2009 and intends to manage it partly as a nature reserve. In the past the site has
been managed as pasture.

6


Map 1.1 Identified Habitats and Biological Indicators

7

1.2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Field one to the East is characterised by a mature maiden Pendunculate oak (Quercus robur) in the centre and
a steep unimproved dry bank to the North comprising scattered patches of gorse (Ulex europaeus), ant hills
and a woodland belt to the North East that surrounds a corrugated iron barn and gravel parking situated on a
old disused pit. To the West of field two the owner has created a deer proof circular enclosure. Field three is
currently being grazed by ponies.
Species found frequently within each field interior include Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), Perennial Rye Grass
(Lolium perenne), Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) , Bent sp (Agrostis sp.), Red Clover (Trifolium
pratense), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and Creeping Thistle
(Cirsium arvense). Occasional species common to all three include Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis),
Crested Dogs Tail (Cynosurus cristatum), False Oat Grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Cocks Foot (Dactylis
glomerata), Common Mouse Ear (Cerastium fontanum), Common Birds-Foot-Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and
Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium).
FIELD ONE (separated into 3 sections)
SECTION I: Semi improved species poor grass dominated hay meadow comprises species listed above. The
SW is slightly wetter near arising spring with Perennial Rye Grass, Clover sp and Creeping Buttercup notably
abundant. Timothy (Phleum pratense) and Compact Rush (Juncus conglomerates) are rare. To the E Self Heal
(Prunella vulgaris) is found occasionally. Patches of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Broad Leaf Dock (Rumex
obtusifolia) can be found occasionally throughout.
SECTION II: Unimproved grassland comprises frequent Smooth Hawks-Beard (Crepis capillaries) and another
Asteraceace species; occasional Soft Brome (Bromus hodeaceusrssp), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Common
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa); rare Harebell (Campanula trachelium), Musk Mallow (Malva moschata), Common
Centuary (Centaurium erythraea), Lesser Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea) and Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare).
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) can be found frequently towards wooded area in the E. Towards the S
there is a strip of impenetrable Stinging Nettle and Creeping Thistle. In the N presence of the frequent False
Oat Grass, Stinging Nettle and Hogweed can be found adjacent to the fence line of neighbouring field.
SECTION III: Contains abundant Yorkshire Fog, Creeping Thistle, Stinging Nettle, Broad Leaf dock, occasional
Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre), scattered patches of locally frequent Common-Birds-Foot Trefoil, Lesser
Stitchwort and rare Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris).
FIELD TWO
Contains locally abundant scattered patches of Sweet Vernal Grass and Common Birds-Foot-Trefoil and
Smooth Hawks Beard is frequent towards the north. Along watercourse in S comprisesoccasional Dogs
Mecury (Mercurialis perennis), Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), Wood Avens (Geum urbanum),
Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara); locally rare Water Mint (Mentha aquatic) and Fools Water Cress (Apium
nodiflorum).
FIELD THREE
Comprises occasional Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), Wood Speedwell (Veronica Montana),
Dandelion (Taraxacum agg) and Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus). Adjacent to hedgerow in S comprises locally
abundant Lesser Stitchwort; frequent common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), Jointed Rush (Juncus
articulates), Compact Rush; rare Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Square Stalked St Johns Wort
(Hypericum tetrapterum) and Ribwort Plantain (Plantago Lanceolata). Presence of fallen and standing dead
wood.
8

1.3 FAUNA
Surveyor witnessed many bumblebee, butterfly and day flying moth species. Evidence of badgers and rabbits
can be found along bank in the N and deer are present in adjacent woodland. Surveyor saw many vole runs
and heard shrews in the grassland.
1.4 BOUNDARIES
Inner defunct hedgerows comprise frequent Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hazel (Corylus avellana),
occasional Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Oak, Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Goat Willow
(Salix caprea), Field Maple (Acer campestre), Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Ivy (Hedera helix) and locally rare Elm sp.
(Ulmus sp) and Sycamore (Acer pseudopltanus). Woodland edge along W boundary comprises, frequent Hazel,
occasional Ash, Elder and rare Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Goat Willow. The SE boundary comprises a species
rich coppiced hedgebank of occasional Oak, Ash and an understory of Hawthorn and Hazel which forms an
area of coppice with standards towards the north with occasional wild cherry (Prunus avium). Ground flora
includes Abundent Primrose (Primula vulgaris) and Violet sp. (Viola sp.), occasional False Brome
(Brachypodium sylvaticum), Bluebell, Bush Vetch (Vicia sepium), Wood Dock, Barren Strawberry (Potentilla
sterilis); rare Betony (Stachys officinalis) and Sedge sp (Carex sp.).
1.5 INITIAL MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
There is evidence to suggest fertilizer run off and spray drift from neighbouring farmland is increasing soil
fertility. Planting a hedgerow along N boundary will act as a buffer to protect the site. Consider planting gaps in
hedgerows. Hard cut creeping thistle, nettle and broad leaf dock and take away to remove the nutrients in the
soil. Consider hard grazing eastern strip or allow natural succession. To the north scrub encroachment on
grassland needs to be managed. Cut meadow for hay annually from mid July followed by aftermath grazing to
help lower soil nutrient levels and allow natural seed bank to come through, this may take several years. As
nutrient levels are depleted grassland species should become more diverse. Add Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus
minor) to grassland to suppress coarse grasses and allow traditional fine leaved grasses and herbaceous
species to increase. Add local wildflower seed when nutrients have been depleted if needed. Maintain areas as
rough grassland for small mammals and barn owls. Installing a pond in wet areas will also increase diversity.
Constructing reptile shelters will help to ascertain presence of reptile species. Creating log piles or hibernacula
will benefit reptiles, amphibians, insects, wood decay beetles and small mammals. Allow for more standing
and fallen deadwood.

See Appendix 1 for a complete list of species identified on 05/07/11.
9

2.0 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
2.1 LANDSCAPE AIMS
To create a diverse habitat that caters for a wide range of life found in nature, whilst supplying agricultural and
arboricultural produce, which encourages native species found in the local and wider area to flourish. This
includes species from small microbes and funguses, worms, beetles, bees, butterflies, moths, herbs, flowers
etc to larger organisms such as trees, birds, reptiles and mammals.
SITE-SPECIFIC AIMS
1. To create a habitat where visitors can connect with nature and see a great array of native flora and
fauna.
2. To create a productive smallholding influenced by stewardship scheme approaches where natural
habitat, forestry and agriculture work alongside each other.
3. To focus upon the production of renewable natural resources (water, food and timber) through a
deliberate management and harvesting approach.

CONCEPTUAL AIMS
4. To cultivate an ecologically diverse, agriculturally productive landscape where water, food, fuel and
material needs (economic needs) are catered for, whilst encouraging biological diversity and
ecological succession (environmental needs).
5. To combine functionality and economic productivity with learning recreation, amenity (social needs)
and ecology.

2.2 LANDSCAPE STRATEGY
To create the type of landscape described in the five points above, the following principles will be employed:
Relative location e.g. Certain plants grow well in certain places and certain combinations of plants
grow well together. For instance, we regularly find stinging nettles and dock leaves growing near each
other. The Dock has a deep tap root which raises water and minerals, whilst the Nettle has shallow
surface roots and stinging leaves which deter predation. The two plants do not hinder each other and
can benefit from the others presence. Both enjoy protection and both enjoy water and minerals. We
can use this principle and reapply it with the plants we wish to grow.
A second example is boggy land; water-logged land suggests a good location for a pond - to contain
the excess water and make the previously waterlogged land useful again, whilst creating habitat for
aquacultures and a water resource for livestock.
Every element has many functions e.g. A pile of logs is habitat for small mammals and reptiles, as
well as a source of food for insects microbes and funguses, which in turn are a source of food for birds
and reptiles, the logs are also decomposing gradually adding humus to the soil, releasing carbon and
feeding the soil life. Log piles perform many functions in the natural cycles of growth and decay.
Using an example of a chicken; a chicken creates food, releases CO and heat, produces manure and
feathers, eats plant matter and insects and scratches up the soil. A chickens behavior and physical
body have useful functions within an environment; they can be used to clear patches of ground whilst
10

nitrifying them, they can be roosted within greenhouses to supply heat and CO meanwhile they
continue to supply eggs, feathers and are a source of meat.
Every need is met by many elements e.g. Food is a need. Food can be sourced from primary sources
such as seeds and grains, berries and fruits, nuts, roots, leaves, vegetables etc as well as secondary
sources such as milk, eggs, meat, honey etc. A deciduous tree can supply wood and food, but also it
creates habitat and shelter, in autumn it drops leaves which provide late-season fodder for grazing
animals, the small twigs and branches, and uneaten leaves decompose allowing for fungal and
microbial life, mushrooms are food for other species, whilst the decomposed matter returns to the
soil and feeds the soil life which in turn makes it available again for the tree to grow. The need of food
is met by many elements by latently available resources, to intensively cultivated patches, from
primary sources to secondary and tertiary products.
By considering the varied properties held by each element in the overall system and by placing these
accordingly we can begin to build an ecological system which includes or directly benefits the life forms within
it, including people.
In temperate climate zones, biological processes generally occur more slowly than in tropical zones. We can
speed up biological processes by continually supplying necessary factors such as nutrients, CO, light, heat,
certain microbes and fungi and delivering them where they are needed most. It is possible to speed-up
(catalyse) the natural process of ecological succession in many ways such as:
Planting plants with particular properties (such as having nitrogen-fixing, or mineral-accumulating
root systems) in effective places, to act as nurse species.
Intensively adding natural fertilizers and focusing on soil-structure building, by mulching with chipped
organic material, manure, compost and humus to imitate a natural woodland floor. Woodland, forest
and jungle soils are the most advanced found in nature.
Introducing/increasing populations of native species for instance, by adding native microbial and
fungal species found in compost heaps and woodland soils. Microbes and fungi take care of the finer
chemical processes in the soil such as unlocking minerals and nutrients or bonding non-beneficial
elements such as certain salts into useful compounds. Soil is a living organ similar to our own
digestive system. Both contain microscopic organisms involved in the process of digesting and
processing waste materials. Just as we can take yoghurt drinks with active enzymes and bacterial
cultures to assist with digestion, so too can we do the same for the soil:
- Microbial and fungal populations are cultivated in the same way a mould is grown in an
agar dish in a laboratory; by taking a small sample of the desired microbes/fungi and
placing them in a food-rich, warm, oxygenated environment a larger population is
cultured. Instead of an agar dish with a jelly we use water, add certain sugars, stir with a
fish tank bubbler, add a few other necessities and warm very slightly to encourage
growth. The fungi/microbes breed over 24 hours and the resultant mixture is filled with
microbial and fungal life. This is then applied to the growing site with a watering can to
reinvigorate soil life.
Placing heat-absorbing/radiating materials in and around the plants. This is a simple as mulching with
gravel stone or placing large stones in and around the plants we wish to bring on. Throughout the day
the stones absorb heat and then release this slowly as the sun sets extending the period of
warmth/heat radiation into the evening and nighttime.
Making most use of light; just as heat can be harnessed and radiated, so too can light. By reflecting
light onto the plants we are increasing the factor of light. This can be achieved with water features
such as ponds or swales which reflect sunlight towards the plants, or with mirrors, metallic and other
reflective materials.
11

By noting the processes found in nature, and employing them as techniques, soil life is encouraged, the plants,
trees and shrubs grow faster and more healthily and habitats are created more quickly for fauna. It is a form of
bioremediation which is found throughout the natural world. By copying natural processes, speeding them up
and creating the opportunity for natural ecologies to emerge, ecological diversity is fostered and the desired
nature reserve landscape develops more quickly and more healthily.

2.3 LANDSCAPE METHODOLOGY
Vegetation is to be intentionally planted into cultures which together form mutually beneficial guilds. By
engaging natural succession (Diagram 2.1), a diverse, self-nurturing ecology is encouraged, whilst serving as
food, habitat and materials sources for animals it may also serve as a source of food, fuel and materials for
people in much the same way as naturally-evolved woodland does. By using the design structure found
throughout nature, displayed in Diagram 2.1, and planting a mixture of fruit trees, nut trees and native
broadleaves, an agriculturally productive and ecologically balanced culture of interdependent and mutually
beneficial species can be created.


Diagram 2.1: Ecological Succession of Vegetation

Diagram 2.2 below shows how the planting structure found in nature is reiterated using agriculturally
productive plant species. This has been referred to as forest gardening; where a natural food forest is
cultivated. Diagram 2.2 shows the structure and layers incorporated in a forest garden design. This multi-
layered agricultural technique is referred to as stacking. These layers are found throughout natural woodlands,
forests and jungles.
12


Diagram 2.2: Forest Garden Stacking
The result is a form of agriculture which is perennial and therefore inherently sustainable by its nature. The
diverse mixture of species (referred to as a polyculture), ensures that the agriculture is more resilient to pest
and disease inundation which are known to effect monocultures. Food may be derived from such a culture of
plants whilst the necessity for human intervention is gradually reduced, until the only human involvement,
other than harvesting, is a small degree of pruning and mulching. In a natural forest there may be no human
management for thousands of years yet still, food, life and the materials for shelter/house building are
abundant for humans and animals alike.
MANAGEMENT SCALES AND DEGREES
The level of human management of such agriculture is optional. More training and feeding of the plants
through pruning and mulching speeds up natures work, resulting in increased yields of food and ease of
access for harvesting, creating a more human-orientated habitat. Less or no management allows a wilder
aesthetic to develop, resulting in a more nature-orientated habitat.
Larger scale cultures where there is less dependence on the harvesting of food, fuel and materials and more
focus upon creating natural habitat can be managed less or not at all such as in a wild forest. Whilst in smaller
scale cultures or ones in which the harvest of food, fuel and materials are a primary objective, the degree of
management is increased accordingly.
2.4 LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTI ON PHASES
Below is an outline of the landscape construction phases, giving an approximate time-scale to the process of
implementation:
YEARS 1-5
Habitat assessment and biological diversity survey of site.
Intensive planting of tree nursery; orchards, coppice and woodland.
Inter-planting with nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs to catalyse growth.
13

YEARS 1-5 CONTINUED
Landscaping on-contour swales and soil contouring where appropriate to capture, distribute and
regulate precipitation and surface runoff to maximize the potential of available water, reduce water
logging of areas identified in habitat survey, to absorb and radiate heat and reflect light.
Mulching around the trees with chipped wood to catalyse and feed developing soil life.
Pond creation, clearance of existing drainage routes and spring-sourced stream reinstatement.
Public access defining and making footpaths.
Grassland and moor habitat management and creation.
Pollinator habitat creation.
Propagation of required plants.
Creation of mycelium fungi buffers to absorb pollution from agricultural and infrastructural runoff.
Introduction of apiary (honey bees) and beneficial animal species, encouragement and nurture of
wild/native species of plants, animals and insects identified in the biological diversity survey.
YEARS 5-7
Habitat assessment and biological diversity survey of site.
Thinning of tree numbers.
Tree sales.
Pruning and training of trees.
Chipping and mulching of pruning materials.
Under storey planting.
Mulching.
YEARS 7-10
Habitat assessment and biological diversity survey of site.
First cut for multi-stem coppice stool creation.
Coppice management and harvest rotation initiation.
Pruning of trees for desired growth patterns
Chipping of tree growth and mulching.
Orchard crops, processing and sales of products.
Continued woodland habitat creation through planting of under storey shrub, herbaceous and
rhizospheric layers and the introduction of climbers such as honeysuckle and rose species.
YEARS 10+
Habitat assessment and biological diversity survey of site.
Coppice rotation.
Under storey planting.
Firewood, coppice and timber harvesting.
Woodland habitat maintenance.
Wildlife holidays/visits.
Perennial agriculture.
Refinement towards balanced ecological system.

14

3.0 FORESTRY COMMISSION GRANT-FUNDED PLANTING
A total of 4.23Ha (11.69 Acres) of the 9.4Ha (23.23 Acres) site is allocated for planting under the English
Woodland Grant Scheme (eWGS7).
3.1 PLANTING AREAS
The following section describes the various areas allocated for Forestry Commission planting.

Managed Open Space: Map 3.1 indicates areas that have been designated for managed open space. These
areas are to be managed as ecological habitats. The Managed Open Space area in the SW on Map 3.1 will
feature a grassland-to-woodland habitat succession, whilst the two Open Space areas in the North will be
managed as moorland habitat.
The entire habitat of the land is to be managed at a variety of physical and temporal scales, from faster-
establishing grassland and moorland habitats, to long-term woodland habitats.
Native Woody Shrubs: Comprised of a mixture of native British shrubs, forming an under storey and also a
transition/fringe from open areas to canopied areas. Native species such as Alder, Box, Buckthorn, Dogwood,
Elder, Guilder Rose, Hawthorn, Holly, Spindle and Wild Privet are to be included.
Native Broadleaves: Mixture of native British deciduous trees such as; Alder, Ash, Birch, Beech, Cherry, Elm,
Hazel, Maple, Lime, Sessile Oak, Pendunculate Oak, Rowan, Willow, Wild Service Tree, Yew and also the
naturalised Sweet Chestnut. Planting will also to include Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar.
15

These three vegetation cultures together form a natural environment basis, and engage natural succession,
nurturing biological diversity whilst serving as food, habitat and materials sources for animals as well as food,
fuel and materials for people in much the same way as naturally evolved woodlands.


16

Table 3.1 Summary of Planting areas on map 3.2
Planting Areas Comprised of
Subcompartments:
Total Area
Acres
Total Area
Hectares
Total Area M
A 2C, 3A 1.92 0.78 7,750
B 1C, 1B 3.45 1.40 13,950
C 1A, 2A, 2B, 3B 6.32 2.56 25,575
Area totals: 11.69 4.23 42,275

3.2 PLANTING DESCRIPTIONS AND MANAGEMENT TIMELINES
This section describes the intended use, management techniques and timescales for each of the three planting
areas.
AREA A PLANTING OF COMMUNITY WOODLAND NATURE RESERVE
This area is to feature continual public access via a nature trail footpath. Habitat is to be comprised of a
managed grassland transitioning through native woody shrubs and other marginal plant species, into a
reconstruction of ancient native woodland and glade areas. This will create a living visual example of natural
succession similar to Diagram 2.1 above.
AREA A MANAGEMENT TIMELINE
0-5 YEARS Tree planting, nurse species, mulching of grassed areas around trees to begin to build woodland
floor soil profile. n.b. there is to be no pruning of trees at all. Management is kept to a minimum with only the
introduction of native species
5-7 YEARS No pruning. Tree thinning and sales. Reinvestment of sales to fund under-storey planting and
management, continued introduction of native and rare species, from bulbs and tubers (rhizosphere), to
herbaceous layer, bushes and small trees. Continued mulching with wood chips and leaves, seeds etc to
recreate natural woodland soil/floor and feed the trees and plants.
7-10 YEARS Introduction of climbing and rambling plants such as honeysuckles and roses. Introduction of
sapling maiden trees. Continued mulching with wood chips and leaves, seeds etc to recreate natural woodland
soil/floor and feed the trees and plants.
10-15 YEARS Continued mulching with wood chips and leaves, seeds etc to recreate natural woodland
soil/floor and feed the trees and plants.
15 YEARS+ Under-storey management slight thinning. Continued refinement towards a balanced woodland
ecological system.
AREA B SMALL STANDARD WOODLAND MANAGED AS 12-15 YEAR COPPICE ROTATION
Area to be planted for ease of maintenance and harvesting as coppice, managed on a 12-15 year rotation
comprised of Penducluate Oak, Ash, Sweet Chestnut and under storey of Hazel. To be used as a coppice
17

management teaching aid, and for long-term, oak, chestnut and ash production in the form of a grid-work of
maiden stems with coppice rotation.
AREA B MANAGEMENT TIMELINE
0-3 YEARS Planting according to the ease of access and management of coppice materials.
>5 YEARS First cut of Birch, plus any necessary maintenance work.
7 YEARS Hazel first cut coppice stool creation
7-12 YEARS Small scale Ash harvesting to encourage multi-stem growth. Coppicing of Hazel. Birch harvest of
brash for horse jump material and broom/brush heads.
12-15 YEARS Chestnut and Alder first cut coppice stool creation
15 YEARS + Full rotation in operation ash and chestnut continual cycle.
5-15-100 YEARS Oak maiden pruning and training according to desired products. E.g. straight stems for
milling of planks and posts. Curved growth patterns for specialist placement e.g. door way, window frame boat
keel etc.
AREA C SMALL STANDARD WOODLAND WITH MOORLAND HABITATS
To act as a shelter belt, nuttery and coppice with maiden stems. To include a native broadleaf mixture, such as
Mountain Ash/Rowan, Sweet Chestnut, Alder, Ash, Willow, Cherry, Scotts Pine. Planting will also adjoin areas
of orchard and will be managed as a perennial forest garden food source. Trees shall be planted along on-
contour swales designed to retain runoff, speed up soil processing and tree growth, to create habitat and also
to buffer any industrial agricultural runoff from neighboring upland fields.
AREA C MANAGEMENT TIMELINE
0-5 YEARS Soil contouring and swale construction before planting begins. High intensity planting and tree
nursery creation. Footpath construction to create ease of access for maintenance and leisure. Apiary (bee
colony) introduction. Mulching with wood chips, sticks, leaves etc to create natural, slow release food source
for the trees and plants as well as contributing the building and composting of soil nutrients.
5-7 YEARS Tree harvesting for sales, pruning and training. Begin to harvest notable food crops from nuttery,
orchards and apiary colonies. Continued planting and management of under storey plants to attract beneficial
and pollinator insect species. Continued mulching with wood chips and leaves etc to recreate natural
woodland soil and feed the trees and plants.
7-10 YEARS Main branch pruning of trees in addition to continued food harvesting. Continued planting and
management of under storey plants to attract beneficial and pollinator insect species. Continued mulching
with wood chips and leaves, seeds etc to recreate natural woodland soil/floor and feed the trees and plants.
10 15 YEARS Thinning and removal where necessary, re-planting where necessary. Harvesting. Mulching
and light pruning where required.
15 YEARS + Refinement towards balanced ecology. Perennial agriculture, continued and sustained food
harvesting with minimal input requirements. Enjoyment.
18

3.3 WIDER-SCALE HABITAT INTEGRATION
The two images below are included to illustrate how tree planting will join local woodland habitat patches. The
planting may create corridors to assist species migration and integrate any isolated populations.

Above, Photo 3.1: Aerial View of the site. Source: www.google.com Google Images date: 12/12/11

Above, Image 3.2: Computer generated image, modified from Photo 3.1,
indicates a 15 year projection of how two woodland habitat patches will be linked with
wildlife corridors created by the eWGS7 funded planting.
19

4.0 LAND USE
Forestry, agriculture, leisure and tourism typify the Golden Valley economic and commercial land usage. The
23 acre site is situated on the south facing slope of Dorstone Hill in the Golden Valley and is in an ideal location
for a business operating within these industries. There exists numerous businesses operating in these areas
which indicates a resilient and viable market.
By offering courses and camping in a smaller-scale site, portraying activities of the Golden Valley area as a
whole, skills, produce, employment and leisure may be brought together and promoted with touristic appeal,
having the knock-on effects of attracting additional trade to the area and exploring contemporary approaches
to agriculture and land management. The nature of the proposed land usage and businesses may be
considered complimentary to the culture residing in and around the Golden Valley area.
The character of Pen-Y-Bwr Farm and Go Lightly Yurts link with the culture in Hay-on-Wye, exhibited by the
unique shops, restaurants and cafes, also celebrated annually at the Hay Festival, in the wider area. The
presence and custom associated with Pen-Y-Bwr Farm and Go Lightly Yurts would contribute an additional
income to the local service economy, particularly during the tourist seasons.
Pen-Y-Bwr Farm will adopt a varied and small-scale approach similar to other small holdings of its size. The
initial years will focus upon tree planting, grazing stocks, skill sharing courses and leisure tourism as described
in the Go Lightly Yurts business plan. In addition to the Go Lightly Yurts business, employees will be working to
cultivate the landscape over an estimated 15 year period. Map 4.1 Land Surface Map below, shows how the
land surface can be cultivated to this effect. The land will be used to run a smallholding trading as Pen-Y-Bwr
Farm and the business Go Lightly Yurts as complimentary business ventures feeding into the local leisure and
tourism economy whilst supplying additional quality produce renowned to the area.
4.1 AGRICULTURE
The landscape will function as a smallholding, initially producing vegetables, salads and culinary herbs, eggs,
honey, wool and meat as primary and secondary products. Tertiary products are to include chutneys, jams and
preserves. As the tree stocks mature, fruit and nut produce will increase allowing additional products to be
created.
LIVESTOCK
Sheep and horses are currently grazing the land and will continue to do so. A small cattle stock may also be
introduced as will fowl such as ducks and geese. The types of animals inhabiting the land can vary according to
the needs, and land usage of the smallholding at any particular time.
The quality of pasture will be maintained and the swathe diversity adjusted where necessary. Recent research
by equestrian breeders in Oxfordshire indicates a correlation between the health of livestock and the
availability of a variety of herbaceous plants both in the pasture swathe and hedgerows surrounding the
enclosure. The availability of medicinal herbs (generally identifiable by the Latin suffix *officinalis) allow for a
more complete diet and a certain degree of self medication. It has been suggested that herbivores instinctively
know when to eat certain plants according to their needs, which historically, were available in their natural
habitats.


20

TREE CROPS
Approximately two acres of the site are designated for orchards and nut trees. The fruit and nut trees will be
cultivated to maximize the variety and quality of their produce. The orchards and nut trees will be integrated
with the surrounding tree species to create a complete plant community as opposed to fragmented
communities. This means that the areas planted with trees act as whole communities, thus creating an
integrated, resilient and varied habitat whilst maintaining productivity. Cultivated and wild mushrooms may
also be grown and harvested from rotting wood and woodland floor.
HONEY, FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
In addition to tree and mushroom crops, fruit and vegetables will be cultivated to supply produce for
employees and sale to visitors. Surpluses can be sold at local markets, used to make jams and chutneys and
saved for seed.
Honeybees will also be kept to produce honey and increase pollinator populations in the area. One local bee
keeper has offered five colonies to the farm and is particularly interested in introducing a queen breeding
facility.
4.2 FORESTRY AND ARBORICULTURE
Sections 3.0 - 3.4 of this report describe the areas designated for planting under the eWGS7 in more detail.
In the first five years, young trees will be planted and protected from predation as per the Forestry
Commission guidelines. Trees will be planted with 60cm (2 feet) spacing. As they grow they shall be thinned
accordingly, allowing for full and natural development. The surplus stock will be planted elsewhere on-site,
distributed to local projects and any remaining sold. The proceeds will be used to fund under storey planting
and maintenance of the existing stock.
The aim of this planting is to create areas of woodland for wildlife habitat, public recreation and areas of
managed coppice. The coppice will be used initially for learning and management demonstration, whilst later
regenerations will provide a primary supply of coppice and timber for employees and customers of Go Lightly
Yurts Yurt building courses. Other forestry and arboricultural products may include willow and hazel stems for
weaving crafts, chestnut fence posts, hazel and ash stakes and poles etc, with off-cuts and waste used for
mulching and charcoal making.
4.3 AQUACULTURE AND HYDROLOGY
A spring is located on-site, and another in adjacent property to the North West supplying two small streams
throughout the wetter months. Due to damaged drainage networks (presumably Victorian) and blocked
waterways, areas of the site currently suffer from water-logging. Work has commenced to repair and restore
the spring outlet, waterways and drainage.

By creating ponds in the water-logged areas, habitat may be created for aquatic life. It may be possible to
breed fish stock and it is certainly possible to create habitat for both wild and domestic wildlife and waterfowl.

There is also scope for the generation of hydro-electric power for there is sufficient head in the water supply
from the spring.
4.4 CAMPING
Please refer to the Go Lightly Yurts business plan for detailed information. Camping holidays may be run as a
viable and complimentary venture in-keeping with the current land usage patterns in the Golden Valley area.
Camping and yurt-making courses can run in unison with the small holding operations and there are
complementary overlaps between the two ventures. Camping areas may be designated according to available
and suitable spaces throughout the establishment of the smallholding.

21


22

-


23

24


25

The above maps (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) aim to show from pattern to detail how the small holding landscape shall be
developed through planting and grazing.
Map 4.1 shows general land surface patterns. Map 4.2 allocates provisional names to each of the three fields
within the property boundary. Map 4.3 shows a conceptual projection (indicative projection) of how the
planting may appear in 15-20 years time.
Far Field, (Map 4.4) has been the main field of focus to assist the planning application which this document
supports, hence why more attention has been paid to the landscape design and drafting. Later this year, more
detailed drawings will be produced of Oak Field and Paddock Field.
Oak Field consists mainly of grazing with wildlife/livestock drinking ponds and native water habitat creation,
moor and heath habitats and areas of meadow with appropriate native meadow and heath species being
introduced.
The field named Paddock Field will continue to provide grazing, which will gradually evolve into the grassland
and woodland as described in the forestry section of this report. The grassland will continue to be grazed at
specific times of the year.


26

APPENDIX 1: SPECIES LIST
Species List for land situated at Dorstone Hill
OS Grid Reference SO426325
Surveyor: Hayley Herridge
Date: 05/07/11

O L
O L
Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore)

Acer campestre (Field Maple)

Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping bent)

Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow fox tail)

Alnus glutinosa (Alder)

Angelica sylvestris (Wild Angelica)

Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet vernal grass)

Anthricus sylvestris (Cow parsley)

Apium nodiflorum (Fools water-cress)

Arctium minus (Lesser burdock)

Arrhenatherum elatius (False oat grass)

Arum maculatum (Lords and ladies)

Bellis perennis (Daisy)

Betula pendula (silver birch)
R

O

F

O

R

R

F

O

R

R

O

R

R

R
R







R







R







O


Cynosurus cristatum (Crested dogs tail)

Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fern)

Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot)

Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove)

Epilobium montanum (Braod leaf willowherb)

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadow sweet)

Fraxinus excelsior (Ash)

Galeopsis angustifolia (Common hemp nettle)

Galium sp.

Galium aparine (Cleavers)

Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert)

Geum urbanum (Wood Avens)

Glechoma hederacea (Ground ivy)

Hedera helix (Ivy)
O

R

O

O

R

R

O

R

R

O

R

R

O

O



























27


Brachypodium sylvaticum (False brome)

Bromus hodeaceusrssp. (Soft brome)

Campanula trachelium (Harebell)

Carex flacca (Glaucous sedge)

Cerastium fontanum (Common mouse ear)

Centaurium erythraea (Common centaury)

Chamaenerion angustifolium (Rosebay
willowherb)

Chenopodium album (Fat hen)

Circaea lutetiana (Enchanters-nightshade)

Cirsium arvense (Creeping thistle)

Cirsium palustre (Marsh Thistle)

Cirsium vulgare (Spear thistle)

Corylus avellana (Hazel)

Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)

Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawks beard)

Malva moschata ( Musk mallow)


R

R

R

R

O

R

R


R

R

F

O

O

F

F

O

R


R

O

O










O













F




Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed)

Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire Fog)

Hyacinthoides non-scripta (bluebell)

Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St Johns- wort)

Hypericum tetrapterum (Square-stalked St Johns-
wort)

Hypericum hirsutum (Hairy St Johns-wort)

Hypochoeris radicata (Common cats ear)

Ilex aquifolium (holly)

Juncus articulatus (Jointed rush)

Juncus conglomerates (Compact rush)

Juncus effuses (Soft rush)

Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow vetchling)

Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox eye daisy)

Lolium perenne (Perennial rye grass)

Lotus corniculatus (Common Birds-foot-trefoil)

Stachys sylvatica (Hedge woundwort)


O

A

O

R

R


R

R

O

R

R

R

O

R

F

O

O


F



F

O










O











F



28

Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed)

Mentha aquatica (Water mint)

Mercurialis perennis (Dogs Mecury)

Persicaria maculosa (Redshank)

Phleum pratense (Timothy)

Plantago Lanceolata (Ribwort plaintain)

Plantago major (Greater plantain)

Poa trivialis (Rough meadow grass)

Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass)

Potentilla sterilis (Barren strawberry)

Primula vulgaris (Primrose)

Prunella vulgaris (Self heal)

Prunus avium (wild cherry)

Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)

Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken)

Pulicaria dysenterica (Common fleabane)

Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak)

O

R

R

R

O

R

O

O

R

R

O

O

R

O

O

O

O













F





O











O



Stellaria graminea (Lesser stitchwort)

Trifolium pratense (Red clover)

Trifolium repens (White clover)

Ulex europaeus (Gorse)

Ulmus sp. (Elm sp.)

Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle)

Veronica chamaedrys (Germander speedwell)

Veronica montana (wood speedwell)

Vicia sepium (Bush vetch)

Viola sp. (violet sp.)

Mammals

Badger
Rabbit
Shrew
Vole sp.

Insects

Apis mellifera (Honeybee)
Bombus campestris (Field cuckoo bumblebee)
Bombus lapidarius (Red-tailed bumblebee)
Bombus lucourum (White-tailed bumblebee)
Bombus terrestris (Buff-tailed bumblebee)
O

F

F

O

R

O

R

O

R

R
F









F







F















29

Ranunculus acris (Meadow buttercup)

Ranunculus repens (Creeping buttercup)

Rosa arvensis (Field rose)

Rosa canina agg.(Dog rose)

Rubus fruticosus (Bramble)

Rumex acetosa (Common sorrel)

Rumex sanguineus (wood dock)

Rumex obtusifolia (Broad leaf dock)

Salix caprea (Goat willow)

Sambucus nigra (Elder)

Senecio jacobaea (Common ragwort)

Silene dioica (Red campion)

Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet)

Stachys officinalis (Betony)

Tamus communis (Black bryony)

Taraxacum agg (Dandelion)



R

F

O

R

R

O

O

F

O

O

R

R

R

R

R

O





































Bombus pascuorum (Common carder bumblebee)
Bombus vestalis (Southern cuckoo bumblebee)

(7-spotted ladybird)
(Meadow Brown)
(Grass veneer)
(Large White)
(Tortoiseshell)
(Peacock)
(Ringlet)
(Gatekeeper)

Fungi

Jews Ears

Herefordshire Ancient Woodland Indicator species
()













Total species: 123




















30