1 APPENDIX A NWS Establishment Site Appraisal Framework (14Feb13) As set out in Forest Service Circular 04/2013, this document replaces Appendix A of the scheme document entitled Native Woodland Scheme – Establishment (August 2011). Using the NWS Est. Site Appraisal Framework The following Site Appraisal Framework is a core part of the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme (NWS Est.). Using it, the NWS Forester appraises the site from the perspective of soil, location and main habitats / vegetation, and matches it to one of five scenarios. From that decision flows the most appropriate native woodland type to promote onsite, a prescribed planting mixture for that woodland type, and the relevant Grant & Premium Category (GPC) to apply under, using the NWS Est. Form 1. The following outlines the use of the Site Appraisal Framework in the development of a NWS Est. application. 1. Referring to the framework, the NWS Forester appraises the site in terms of: landscape position; soil type and key soil properties (*); and main habitats and vegetation on the site itself and within nearby open fields, hedgerows and semi-natural woodlands (where present). 2. Using this information, s/he then matches the site to one of four scenarios. These scenarios, labelled by basic soil type, are: Scenario 1 (Podzols); Scenario 2 (Brown Podzolics); Scenario 3 (Brown Earths); and Scenario 4 (Gleys). (An additional scenario, Scenario 5, applies to unenclosed / unimproved land – see over for details.) 3. The framework identifies the major native woodland type associated with each of the Scenarios 1-4. (This is informed by the results of the National Native Woodland Survey, subsequently tailored for the NWS (**).) This woodland type then becomes the ‘target’ woodland to promote onsite. The characteristic trees, shrubs and ground flora of each major native woodland type are presented in the framework, together with an image depicting the woodland involved. 4. The framework then sets out the precribed species mixture, composition and layout designed to initiate the development of the relevant native woodland type. This represents a basic woodland ‘starter kit’ – other native species will appear naturally over time. This species mixture, composition and layout must be followed at establishment in order for the project to be eligible under the corresponding Grant & Premium Category (GPC) – see below. 5. Based on Circular 10/2010, the specific GPC for each scenario is stated, linking in with the specific grant and premium level that will apply. Note: Different scenarios and associated native woodland types may apply to different areas of the same site. This will generate separate plots, each with its own prescribed planting mixture and corresponding GPC. 6. The NWS Forester inputs the relevant plot details and corresponding GPC(s) into the NWS Est. Form 1, and preparation of the application proceeds, incorporating other NWS Est. requirements, general afforestation scheme specifications (e.g. fencing), and standard mapping conventions. (* see Appendix B of the scheme document Native Woodland Scheme – Establishment (August 2011) for guidance on soil surveying and classification.) (** See Cross, J.R., Perrin, P. and Little, D.J. 2010. The Classification of Native Woodlands in Ireland and its Application to Native Woodland Management. Native Woodland Information Note No. 6. Woodlands of Ireland, Dublin.) Photos by John Cross, Declan Little and the Forest Service.
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APPENDIX A
NWS Establishment Site Appraisal Framework (14Feb13)
As set out in Forest Service Circular 04/2013, this document replaces
Appendix A of the scheme document entitled Native Woodland Scheme –
Establishment (August 2011).
Using the NWS Est. Site Appraisal Framework
The following Site Appraisal Framework is a core part of the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme (NWS
Est.). Using it, the NWS Forester appraises the site from the perspective of soil, location and main habitats /
vegetation, and matches it to one of five scenarios. From that decision flows the most appropriate native
woodland type to promote onsite, a prescribed planting mixture for that woodland type, and the relevant
Grant & Premium Category (GPC) to apply under, using the NWS Est. Form 1.
The following outlines the use of the Site Appraisal Framework in the development of a NWS Est. application.
1. Referring to the framework, the NWS Forester appraises the site in terms of: landscape position; soil type
and key soil properties (*); and main habitats and vegetation on the site itself and within nearby open
fields, hedgerows and semi-natural woodlands (where present).
2. Using this information, s/he then matches the site to one of four scenarios. These scenarios, labelled by