1. The Woodland Project was
initiated in November 1998, in order to clear a woodland area dominated by
dense,essentially sterile Rhododendron undergrowth. The main
aim is to restore the area to a diverse native woodland through natural regeneration and
proactive management.
2. The project is funded through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, with Devon County Council as the Landfill Tax Operator.
It is part of an ongoing program of restoration of the area known as The Woodland Education Centre.
3. An initial survey was carried out in November, prior to clearance, to document
the vegetation then present on the project site. This consisted largely of Rhododendron,
together with poorly developed Silver Birch trees (Plate 1). A few other tree species such
as Oak, Holly, Mountain Ash and Willow, were found in low densities. In areas covered by
the Rhododendron, the woodland floor was essentially bare of vegetation as a result of
extremely low light levels. Light penetration in most areas was substantially less than
10% of full daylight. |