Land Management Plan for Widmer Fields
Aim
GAT has adopted a structured Land Management Plan which is sympathetic to the care of the natural habitat which is 'home' to a wide variety of wildlife. This will enable the fields to fulfil their public amenity role, It is important to retain a peaceful, semi-wild character so motorised vehicles other than as required for land management will not be permitted. Widmer Fields lie within the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are classified Green Belt
Requirement
Widmer Fields will be maintained as amenity land for the public at large to enjoy informal recreation. There are many informal entrances, some wide enough for disabled access. An extensive network of official and permissive paths covers most of the area. For all users, part of the pleasure is derived from the natural character of the fields that has been allowed to develop over the last 40 or so years since they were last farmed.
Basic Principles of Conservation Management
The natural progression in Widmer Fields since they were farmed is from grass to scrub to woodland. Although a natural wood can be home for some kinds of plants and animals, it greatly reduces the biodiversity and range of activities which people are able to enjoy. GAT’s plan aims at maximum public access while maintaining a balanced structure of habitats with a range of species of plants and animals within each habitat type. The plan addresses this by: -
Public footpaths
The Trust works with Buckinghamshire County Council to maintain full public access on the paths as shown on the official footpaths map with the help of volunteers. Other well-used network of tracks criss-crossing the fields will be mown as wide as necessary and well-used areas will be consolidated using hard-core or flints as appropriate.
Benevolent intervention
Residents are encouraged to make and supply bird nesting boxes, bat boxes, bumble bee homes and local bee-keepers are encouraged to install hives. The Trust welcomes donations of fruit and nut producing trees to enhance the supply of springtime nectar.
Resources
The amount of work carried out on Widmer Fields will depend upon the time volunteers are able to give and available funds where the services of outside contractors are necessary. This will be a changing scenario and the Land Management Group will adjust plans accordingly. The Group always welcomes expert and professional comment/advice in order to use the volunteer effort effectively.
GAT has adopted a structured Land Management Plan which is sympathetic to the care of the natural habitat which is 'home' to a wide variety of wildlife. This will enable the fields to fulfil their public amenity role, It is important to retain a peaceful, semi-wild character so motorised vehicles other than as required for land management will not be permitted. Widmer Fields lie within the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are classified Green Belt
Requirement
Widmer Fields will be maintained as amenity land for the public at large to enjoy informal recreation. There are many informal entrances, some wide enough for disabled access. An extensive network of official and permissive paths covers most of the area. For all users, part of the pleasure is derived from the natural character of the fields that has been allowed to develop over the last 40 or so years since they were last farmed.
Basic Principles of Conservation Management
The natural progression in Widmer Fields since they were farmed is from grass to scrub to woodland. Although a natural wood can be home for some kinds of plants and animals, it greatly reduces the biodiversity and range of activities which people are able to enjoy. GAT’s plan aims at maximum public access while maintaining a balanced structure of habitats with a range of species of plants and animals within each habitat type. The plan addresses this by: -
- Maintaining some trees and shrubs in a woodland setting.
- Retaining some meadow grassland with isolated mature trees and copse.
- Controlling the edges between these different vegetation types as important habitats for many birds, small mammals and insects.
Public footpaths
The Trust works with Buckinghamshire County Council to maintain full public access on the paths as shown on the official footpaths map with the help of volunteers. Other well-used network of tracks criss-crossing the fields will be mown as wide as necessary and well-used areas will be consolidated using hard-core or flints as appropriate.
Benevolent intervention
Residents are encouraged to make and supply bird nesting boxes, bat boxes, bumble bee homes and local bee-keepers are encouraged to install hives. The Trust welcomes donations of fruit and nut producing trees to enhance the supply of springtime nectar.
Resources
The amount of work carried out on Widmer Fields will depend upon the time volunteers are able to give and available funds where the services of outside contractors are necessary. This will be a changing scenario and the Land Management Group will adjust plans accordingly. The Group always welcomes expert and professional comment/advice in order to use the volunteer effort effectively.