The New Forest - Temperate deciduous woodland case study

The New Forest - Temperate deciduous woodland case study

1. Timber and Timber products (economic)

   • Softwood and hardwood timber is being extracted for commercial use

2. Recreation (social)

   • Attractions (e.g: roller coasters)
   • Activities (e.g: golf)
   • Family activities (e.g: museums)
   • Cafes, restaurants
   • Shopping centres
   • Cycling
   • Walking activities
   • The National Park is a popular tourist attraction, with over 15 million visitors each year contributing to the local economy

3. Conservation (environmental)

   • There are 20 conservation areas in the New Forest National Park, of which three straddle the boundary between the Park and New Forest District Council’s area
   • Cycle paths - keeps people travelling along one track so less soil erosion and trees having to be cleared for people
   • Animals kept protected e.g: horses, birds, deer, reptiles and some are given reflective collars to protect them from being hit in the dark on the road
   • 40% of the woodland is privately owned, and is often left undamaged
   • Sustainable management of the new forest
     • New trees planted to replace those cut down
     • Tree felling controlled - some trees left; older trees felled and left to rot on the forest floor
     • Work restricted between April and August minimizes disturbance to nesting birds
     • Pesticides use limited to prevent damage to the natural ecosystem
     • Sustainable transport schemes for tourists (e.g bike and electrical vehicle hire) helping to reduce congestion and air pollution
     • Landowners funded to plant native tree species by NPA
     • Awareness raising by NPA - leaflets, posters - on importance of sustainability in the New Forest
     • Careful management by National Park Authority (NPA), with dedicated walking and cycling routes in more fragile areas
     • The Green Leaf Tourism Scheme promotes use of local products; businesses give percentage of land for wildlife and encourage visitors to walk or use bikes

4. Location

   • It is in the South of England
   • 5.5 miles from Southampton

5. Deforrestation and damage

   • The movement of visitors through the forest is increasing litter, causing erosion of paths and increasing air pollution from traffic

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