Agenda item

The Committee considered the Joint Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services that provided Members with details of the progress made in relation to the recommendations contained within the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Review Group report on the management of the woodland estate owned by Durham County Council (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Sue Mullinger, the Landscape Delivery Officer was in attendance to present the report and circulated a copy of the Durham Woodland Revival leaflet.

The Landscape Delivery Officer talked members through the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny review report recommendations and circulated a plan showing details of the woodlands that had management plans in place and those that needed management plans.

Members were advised that a Development Manager position funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund has been in place since November 2017. Members were also advised that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) process is nearing the end of its developing stage (March 2019) with an outcome expected Summer 2019.

The Landscape Development Manager advised that 2000 hectares Durham County Council woodland was in management plan and a further 1000 hectares were with the Forestry Commission awaiting finalisation. These cost £12000 and were 100% grant aided.

There had been some teething problems with thinning contracts, but they had been sorted out prior to future opportunities. The Landscape Delivery Officer informed Members that timber markets, particularly woodchip were significantly buoyant and any new contracts would allow for changes and would be more realistic about the value of timber and factor in site security and access, which can significantly alter the level of income.

Members were advised of the concept of Wood Allotments where a portion of woodland is leased out to a community group or an individual per year and managed through an approved management plan. This work had been pioneered in the North West.

The Chairman indicated that the original scrutiny report was considered back in 2014 where it was felt that Durham County Council woodlands were not managed effectively. This had being a long process and this report was on the progress made in relation to the recommendation and to ensure they were meeting the requirements from the review.

Councillor Brown commented that she was not a Member in 2014 but asked if the Wildlife Trust had been involved in the scrutiny. Councillor Brown advised the committee of a woodland area in her division where work had been carried out and had been left in a state with litter on the ground this was not insect friendly and the canopy below the trees was like a desert with nothing growing. The brash should be removed to enable insects and plants to grow.

The Landscape Delivery Officer responded that they tried to get companies to carry out chipping but the machinery was heavy and they could not always get the machinery into the woods without causing damage. Contacts specify that they have to remove brash over a certain size but this was a difficult issue in some woodlands and a lot depends on the contractors but they would keep an eye on it. The Landscape Delivery Officer suggested that groups interested in taking over the management of woodlands should get in contact with her and this could be an opportunity in this case.

Councillor Kay referred to an incident in his ward where trees were being felled and he received a number of complaints. He could see what the felling was going to achieve but asked that Members be advised prior to when tree felling was going to be taken place. Councillor Kay advised that brash had been left that had covered footpaths and had made them impassable and suggested that the service need to engage with the community.

The Landscape Delivery Officer advised Members that Durham County Council received an income from tree felling and they did have mechanisms in place to minimise the system being abused. She advised Members that she would ask the Woodland Revival Team to look at the consultation process. Forestry contracts were difficult to manage and there was no fool proof system unless you were physically present at all stages. In relation to the removal of the brash the Landscape Delivery Officer advised that if the brash was still in place she could go back to the contractor and ask for its removal.

Councillor Milburn asked if replanting was done with the same species of tree or if there was a mix of species.

The Landscape Delivery Officer advised that when DCC felled trees it was all natural regeneration, DCC had not clear felled but selectively thinned in copses to favour native species. However, under Forestry Commission regulations, if woodland is cleared then it has to be replanted on site or elsewhere so there is no net loss. Private owners can pretty much plant what they like but all would have to be approved by the Forestry Commission and statutory consultees. DCC may comment on species and planting design, for example if it is a conifer block it would have to be appropriate to the site and be sympathetic in the landscape.

Councillor Sexton referred to the woods in his area which suffered from fly tipping and asked if funding was available to deal with this issue.

The Landscape Delivery Officer responded that she thought this would meet the criteria and would pass it onto the relevant officer.

Councillor Sexton then asked about checks and penalties in place to ensure contractors were keeping to the remit of the contract. The Landscape Delivery Officer advised there were checks in place and that the current contracts were due to end in March 2019. The Landscape Delivery Officer reiterated that the three extra staff for four years would help the situation.

Councillor Jopling identified a woodland area in Howden le Wear that had become overgrown and difficult to manage and difficult to walk round. The Landscape Delivery Officer advised that she had made a note of the location and would check to see what the plans were. The Chairman advised Councillor Jopling that an overview on the tree management policy would be coming to a future meeting which would include tree and grounds maintenance.

Mrs Morris sought clarification on what happens with privately owned woodlands, which owners are not taking responsibility for.

The Landscape Delivery Officer confirmed that if it was privately owned then there was nothing the authority could do and the Forestry Commission would get involved if it was illegal felling. She advised Members that the approach proposed by Durham Woodland Revival project is to offer assistance with regard to putting a management plan in place and how to claim grants. Some landowners do not know how to get work done and the delivery team would be able to provide help and support to manage sites. It was hoped that this would be done strategically with landowners adjacent to DCC woodland.

Resolved: That the contents of the report be noted.